Put on your dirndl or lederhosen, grab your Dachshund and join Passport BMW, MINI of Alexandria, District Vet, SCOUT, and more for our free Oktoberfest festivities on October 4, 2025.

Saturday, October 4, 2-5pm: Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash

Cheer on the dogs competing in the 12th Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash to benefit Rural Dog Rescue. 

Saturday, October 4: Stein Hoisting Championship

The week leading up to Oktoberfest visit participating Wharf restaurants and try your hand The Wharf-wide stein hoisting contest. Winners from each restaurant will be invited to take place in the Saturday, October 5 championship contest taking place on District Pier. During the weekend enjoy German fare, Bavarian decor and costumes, and Sam Adam Octoberfest beer. 

Saturday, October 4, 5-7pm: Polka on the Pier

Join us for a free polka dance class on Transit Pier. Learn the traditional German dance from the professionals and then show off your moves with live muisic! Be sure to wear your dirndl or lederhosen and Oktoberfest gear—we'll be awarding the best dressed polka dancer!

Do spectators need to register or get a ticket?
The Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash is FREE for spectators; no tickets are needed. Gather around the race track or watch the excitement on the big screen. Drinks are available for purchase at the designated event bar. Additionally, food and drinks are also available for purchase at all Wharf bars and restaurants. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol.

How can my Dachshund participate in the races?
Dachshunds who wish to participate in the races must register and pay the race entry fee on Eventbrite prior to the event. All race entry fees are donated to Rural Dog Rescue. 

What type of dogs are allowed to race?
Only Dachshunds may participate in the races. If you don’t have a dog yet, keep an eye out for your forever friend during the Adoptable Dog Parade that takes place between the Dachshund races.

What types of activities will there be?
🍺 Picture yourself in a new vehicle from Passport BMW and MINI of Alexandria! Visit the All-New 2026 MINI Countryman and All-New 2026 BMW X3 near Camp Wharf. Passport Auto will also be giving away Oktoberfest, MINI and BMW swag.
🍺 Visit the SCOUT Bags tent for functional bags from this DC based brand.
🍺 Meet the Rural Dog Rescue team and learn about their adoptable dogs.
🍺 Learn to Polka Dance on the pier with live music.
🍺 Watch DC's speediest dachshunds race for fame and fortune on District Pier or watch on the Tranist Pier big screen.
🍺 Test your strength and compete in the stein hoisting finals.
🍺 Party with Sam Adams Octoberfest beer.

Is this event pet-friendly?
Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces throughout The Wharf. The Wharf will provide water for pets to drink and small pools for pets to splash in. However, we do expect large crowds during the event, and outdoor areas may be hot or cold, so please plan ahead for your pet's comfort and safety. Please plan to keep your pet leashed throughout the event (except the Dachshunds, when they're racing). The recommended pet relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Ave SW.

Will there be any dining specials?
Many Wharf restaurants and bars will serve Sam Adams Octoberfest Beer. Stay tuned for the list of participating restaurants!

Will there be fireworks?
Oktoberfest at The Wharf does not feature fireworks. View The Wharf Events Calendar to see which upcoming Wharf events feature fireworks.

What is the best way to get to The Wharf?
Plan for lots of vehicular traffic and limited parking at The Wharf. Instead of driving, ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk one block to The Wharf, or ride Metro to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Southwest Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.

If you can’t avoid driving, 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.

What happens if it rains?
As a fully outdoor event, we will provide any necessary rescheduling updates here on our website and on our social media.

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 bring chairs and coolers?
Chairs and coolers are not permitted at The Wharf at any time. Learn more about The Wharf’s Code of Conduct.

Can I drink alcohol outdoors?
In the District of Columbia, it is against the law to consume alcohol in public, including in the streets, parks, and piers at The Wharf. At The Wharf, you may only consume alcohol inside restaurants, within restaurants' licensed patio areas, or within the licensed event footprint on District Pier. No outside alcohol is permitted.