Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras at The Wharf on Sunday, February 15, 2026!
Watch the parade on Wharf Street, dance to live music, grab some beads, and party on!
All across The Wharf the fun begins!
Enjoy a spirited parade featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, the Mardi Gras king and queen, and fantastic floats from your favorite Wharf neighborhood partners.
The parade will also feature special performances and appearances by local sports mascots, DC's most talented bands and youth performers, and more.
Following the parade, the celebration continues on with a dance party and live music.
When the sun sets, look to the sky for our big Mardi Gras fireworks finale! After the fireworks, the band will perform one final set.
What time does the parade start?
The parade begins at Blair Alley at 3:30pm near Shake Shack. The final participants will complete the parade around 4:30pm near Hell's Kitchen.
What is the parade route?
The parade begins at Blair Alley (near Shake Shack), goes along Wharf Street next to the water, and ends at Parker Row (near Hell's Kitchen).
Where is the best place to watch the parade?
The parade stretches nearly a half mile along Wharf Street, so there are lots of opportunities to spread out and watch the parade.
For a view from above, check out balcony and rooftop viewing areas at Limani, Cantina Bambina, Mi Vida, 12 Stories, Del Mar, Hyatt H-Bar, and Canopy Central. Reservations are recommended. As a bonus, all rooftop viewing areas are serving drinks!
Do I need a ticket?
Mardi Gras at The Wharf is free to attend; no tickets are needed. Drinks are available for purchase in the Market Square Party Zone and at all Wharf bars and restaurants.
What activities are there at the event?
Following the parade, the party continues in Market Square and on Transit Pier. Enjoy live music, get your photo taken at the photo booth, and visit the Market Square Party Zone to try Hurricanes made with the Wharf’s own Thrasher’s Rum. Don’t miss the fireworks show at 6:30pm!
What activities will you have for kids and families?
Mardi Gras Activity Stations on Recreation Pier will feature face painting, Mardi Gras mask making and crafts beginning at 3:00pm.
Are there any Mardi Gras food and drink specials?
There will be plenty of New Orleans inspired food and drink specials from restaurants at The Wharf! Make a reservation at a Wharf restaurant and stay tuned for our roundup of dining specials.
Will there be music?
In true New Orleans fashion, the Mardi Gras parade and party will feature many live performances from local groups. Stay tuned for more info!
Will there be fireworks? What time?
Fireworks will be shot off from a barge in the Washington Channel around 6:30pm.
What is the best way to get to The Wharf?
Plan for lots of vehicular traffic and limited parking on event day. Instead of driving, ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes to The Wharf, or ride to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Southwest Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.
The Wharf has three underground parking garages that are open around the clock. Check our garages' capacity before you arrive. Or plan to utilize one of the nearby off-site parking garages (view PDF map), including Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza (420 10th St SW), L'Enfant East Parking Garage (840 D St SW), or the 1100 4th St SW Garage.
Is this event pet-friendly?
We expect very large crowds along Wharf Street and on our piers on February 15 due to the Mardi Gras parade and party. We highly recommend that you leave your pets at home this day for their comfort.
What happens if it rains?
A few sprinkles can’t keep us down. Unless the weather is dangerous, the event will happen rain or shine.
Where are the public bathrooms at The Wharf?
Public restrooms are located throughout The Wharf at the Fish Market, Transit Pier, 800 Water Street, and in the Oculus.
Can I drink alcohol outdoors?
As a reminder: The Wharf is not Bourbon Street; open alcohol containers are not allowed outdoors, except on restaurant patios or in the Market Square Party Zone. No outside alcohol is permitted.
What should I wear?
Mardi Gras is the perfect time to wear your most extravagant ensemble. Get festive and fantastical—feathers and sparkles are encouraged. At least the traditional purple, green, and gold.
As you celebrate spring, share your pictures with The Wharf on social media by tagging @TheWharfDC and using #TheWharfDC.
Follow @TheWharfDCTurn your visit into a vacation! The Wharf has four hotels at a range of price points. Book a room so you can party on the pier all night long.
Book a RoomCentrally located, The Wharf is the District’s waterfront destination that is easy to get to—and to get around.
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