Break out your dirndl or lederhosen, grab your Dachshund and join MINI of Alexandria, Giant Food, Sam Adams, and more for our free Oktoberfest festivities on October 3, 2026.

2pm: Oktoberfest Begins!

Let's get the party started! Prost with a Sam Adams Octoberfest brew from the event bar on District Pier or Transit Pier.

2:15pm: Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash

Start! Your! Engines! Cheer on the dogs competing in the 14th Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash to benefit Rural Dog Rescue! All afternoon, pups will race in groups of seven across 24 heats with the winners advancing until the speediest Doxie is crowned Champion.

3:45pm: Stein Hoisting Championship

How long can you hold a liter of beer? Test your strength during the Stein Hoisting Championship with Sam Adams Octoberfest! We will make an announcement when it's time to stein on District Pier.

4:45pm: Best Dressed Contest

Break out your dirndl, lederhosen or favorite Oktoberfest gear and get ready to show off your festive style! We’ll be awarding special prizes to the best-dressed attendees and pup, so be ready to raise a stein in style.

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?
Registration for Dachshunds is sold out. We still encourage you to come to the event and we will take walk ups on Tranist Pier by Cantina Bambina as available. 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?
🦴 Wear your Oktoberfest flair for the best dressed competition.
🦴 Meet the adoptable kittens and pups from Brandywine SPCA.
🦴 Snap a pic with the giant inflatable Sam Adams stein on District Pier.
🦴 Cheer on the racing dachshunds.
🦴 Watch the adoptable pet parade.
🦴 Picture yourself in a new vehicle from MINI of Alexandria.
🦴 Sample snacks from Giant Food.
🦴 Meet the Rural Dog Rescue team and learn about their adoptable dogs.
🦴 Watch DC's speediest dachshunds race for fame and fortune on District Pier or watch on the Transit Pier big screen.
🦴 Test your strength and compete in the Stein Hoisting Finals. 
🦴 Listen to beats from DJ Harry Hotter.
🦴 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?
Sip on a stein of Sam Adams Octoberfest Beer from participating restaurants:
🍺 Cantina Bambina - Practice your stein hoist at the restaurant on 10/1 at 5pm!
🍺 Capitano
🍺 Easy Company Wine Bar
🍺 Kinfolk Southern Kitchen
🍺 Kirwan's on the Wharf - Practice your stein hoist at the restaurant on 10/1 at 5:30pm!
🍺 12 Stories
🍺 Whiskey Charlie
🍺 Whitlow's at The Wharf
🍺 Willowsong - Practice your stein hoist at the restaurant on 9/30 at 5pm!

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?
The Wharf has three underground parking garages that are open around the clock. Check our garages' capacity before you arrive to help plan your visit. Garages are located at:
Wharf Garage 1 - 20 Blair Alley SW
Wharf Garage 1 - 19 Sutton Square SW
Wharf Garage 1 - 700 Water St SW
Wharf Garage 2 - 21 Riley Street SW
Wharf Garage 2 - 21 Parker Row SW
Wharf Garage 3 - 602 Water St SW

If you are not planning to drive you can ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk one block to The Wharf, or ride Metro to L’Enfant Plaza and connect via The Wharf Shuttle.

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.

Can I bring my camera?
Guests are permitted to bring cameras and video equipment to The Wharf, provided that they are for personal use only. Cameras with a lens longer than six (6) inches may not be brought to events at The Wharf, except by credentialed media. While taking photographs, guests are not permitted to stand in the aisles, portals, or walkways, or to obstruct others from viewing the event. Monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted at The Wharf. If you’re interested in a photo pass, please contact info@wharfdc.com. Please note that priority is given to established media outlets.