The Wharf is All In on celebrating female athletes. The third annual Women in Sports at The Wharf celebration returns Saturday, September 12, 2026 and this year, we’re bringing even more inspiration, excitement, and impact to the waterfront.
🎾 Whether you are new to tennis or an experienced player, bring your family for a fun, low-pressure way to play. USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is bringing Red Ball Tennis and t shirt printing!
⏲️ Take your shot at the fastest serve with the Howard University Women's Tennis Team.
🎾 Connect with community organizations like Giant Food, Black Girls Tennis Club, Washington Tennis & Education Foundation, and more.
👏 Learn more about USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation programs, including Girls Rule the Court and Junior Player Scholarships.
🎾 Cheer on the world’s best female tennis players and watch an outdoor screening of the US Open’s Women’s Final on the big screen presented by Heineken.
🍻 Sample a Heineken or Heineken 0.0 and snap a pic with the giant Heineken US Open rackets.
⚽ Test your soccer skills with DC Power FC! Spin the prize wheel, take your shot at the soccer darts inflatable, shop team merch, and leave your inspiration on the Dream Big Mirror.
🏆 Ever wondered which National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team matches your vibe? Strike a pose at their AI Vending Machine to find your match and score a free scarf.
🎶 Feel the energy with DJ Heat! The official DJ of the Washington Mystics will be spinning family-favorite beats throughout the event.
🏐 Get in the game with Volo DC! Learn about upcoming women's pickup games fall leagues around DC and enter for a chance to win two Washington Mystics tickets at Capital One Arena on September 24!
🏈 Connect with Slow Girls Run Club and Washington Prodigy and learn about their programming.
When and where is this event?
Women in Sports at The Wharf is on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 2-6pm on Transit Pier and District Pier.
Do spectators need to register or get a ticket?
This event is FREE! No tickets are needed.
What types of activities will there be?
🎾 Watch the US Open Women's Final live on the Transit Pier jumbo screen
🎾 Enjoy Heineken and Heineken 0.0 samples
🎾 Play Red Ball tennis with USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation
🎾 Test your speed in the fastest serve challenge with Howard University Women's Tennis
🎾 Win a free scarf from the National Women's Soccer League AI Vending Machine
🎾 Dance to beats by DJ Heat
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. 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.
You can also ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes to The Wharf, or ride to L’Enfant Plaza and then hop on The Wharf Shuttle, a free service that stops at CVS and 7th Street Park. Or consider taking Bikeshare.
What happens if it rains?
A few sprinkles can’t keep us down! However, the safety of our guests is our top priority. If weather conditions affect the ability of participants from safely enjoying the event, we will make any necessary adjustments. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted on this page and on our social media channels as promptly as possible.
Where are the public bathrooms at The Wharf?
Public restrooms are located throughout The Wharf at the Fish Market, Transit Pier, 800 Water Street, in the Oculus, and at The Terrace.
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 Transit 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.