DockDogs at The Wharf
DockDogs at The Wharf brings a high-energy, nationally sanctioned dock jumping competition to District Pier for the first time in Washington, DC. Hosted by Chesapeake DockDogs, the full-day event showcases canine athletes competing across multiple disciplines—Big Air, Speed Retrieve, and Extreme Vertical—as they try to earn the coveted Iron Dog title. Spectators can watch dogs leap up to 27 feet in the Big Air events, sprint across a 40-foot pool in under six seconds in Speed Retrieve, and battle for the highest grab in Extreme Vertical (the world record stands at 9′2″). Beyond the competition, the day includes an awards ceremony with ribbons, medals, and prizes, plus additional activities such as personalized pet gear from Pacifico, a Tito’s lounge on Transit Pier with a big screen, and adoptable pets from the Brandywine SPCA in Blair Circle. The event runs from 10am to 6pm, with a detailed discipline schedule throughout the day.
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10am to 6pm.
Showtimes: Speed Retrieve runs from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Big Air 1 is from 1:00 to 2:00pm, followed by Big Air 2 from 2:00 to 3:00pm. Extreme Vertical takes place from 3:30 to 5:30pm. The Awards Ceremony begins at 6:00pm.
Tickets: Admission is free and open to all spectators; no ticket purchase is necessary. An RSVP is available but not required.
Lineup: The competition features three disciplines: Big Air (longest jump), Speed Retrieve (fastest retrieval), and Extreme Vertical (highest jump). All dogs compete for cumulative scores toward the Iron Dog title.
Run time: The event lasts approximately eight hours, with the schedule starting at 10am and concluding with the Awards Ceremony at 6pm.
Ages: The event is family-friendly and open to all ages. Note that alcohol consumption is restricted to those 21 and older, and alcohol is only permitted within licensed areas.
Venue: District Pier at The Wharf, located in Washington, DC. The Wharf is accessible via Metro (Waterfront Station, 5-minute walk; or L’Enfant Plaza with a free Wharf Shuttle), parking garages (including The Wharf’s three underground garages and nearby off-site options), and Bikeshare.
Note: Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces at The Wharf; owners should plan for large crowds and warm weather, and keep dogs leashed. The recommended pet relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Ave SW. Chairs and coolers are not permitted. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the event bar and at all Wharf restaurants. Cameras are welcome for personal use, but lenses longer than six inches, monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the event page and social media.