Oktoberfest at The Wharf
Oktoberfest at The Wharf is an outdoor celebration of German-style food, beer, costumes, and competition on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Guests can wear dirndls, lederhosen, or other Oktoberfest attire while enjoying Sam Adams Octoberfest beer, cheering on racing Dachshunds, meeting adoptable dogs from Rural Dog Rescue, and taking part in festive contests.
The centerpiece is the 14th Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, held for the benefit of Rural Dog Rescue. The event also includes a best-dressed contest, a Wharf-wide Sam Adams stein-hoisting championship, an adoptable dog parade, vehicle displays from MINI of Alexandria, giveaways at the DC Lottery tent, and appearances by Rural Dog Rescue, District Vet, Passport BMW, and other partners.
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Showtimes: The Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash runs from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The best-dressed contest and stein-hoisting championship also take place on October 3, with additional contest times to be announced.
Venue: The Wharf, including District Pier and the Transit Pier big screen.
Tickets: Free for spectators, and no ticket or registration is required to watch the Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash. Dachshunds participating in the races must register through Eventbrite and pay a race entry fee, which is donated to Rural Dog Rescue.
Activities: Guests can watch the Dachshund races from the track at District Pier or on the Transit Pier big screen, see the adoptable dog parade between races, compete in or watch the stein-hoisting finals, enter the best-dressed contest, meet adoptable dogs, enjoy Sam Adams Octoberfest beer, and spin the DC Lottery wheel for giveaways.
Lineup and partners: The event features the Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, Rural Dog Rescue, Sam Adams Octoberfest beer, Passport BMW, MINI of Alexandria, District Vet, the DC Lottery, and participating Wharf restaurants and bars.
Ages: Alcohol consumption is restricted to guests age 21 and older. Pets and people of all ages may attend the outdoor festivities.
Pets: The Wharf permits pets in its outdoor spaces. Water and small splash pools will be available for dogs, but pets should remain leashed except while Dachshunds are racing. Because the event is expected to draw large crowds and outdoor conditions may be hot or cold, guests should plan for their pets’ comfort and safety. The recommended pet relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Avenue SW.
Food and drinks: Sam Adams Octoberfest beer and other food and beverages will be available for purchase at the designated event bar and at Wharf bars and restaurants. No outside alcohol is permitted. Alcohol may be consumed only inside restaurants, in their licensed patio areas, or within the licensed event footprint on District Pier; public drinking elsewhere at The Wharf is prohibited.
Accessibility and amenities: Public restrooms are available at the Fish Market, Transit Pier, 800 Water Street, and the Oculus. Chairs and coolers are not permitted at The Wharf.
Transportation and parking: Visitors are encouraged to take Metro to Waterfront Station and walk one block to The Wharf, or take Metro to L’Enfant Plaza and connect via the free Southwest Shuttle. Capital Bikeshare is another option. Traffic and parking are expected to be limited; drivers should use nearby off-site garages such as Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza, L’Enfant East Parking Garage, or the 1100 4th Street SW Garage.
Weather policy: This is a fully outdoor event. Any necessary rescheduling updates will be posted on The Wharf’s website and social media.
Fireworks: The event does not include fireworks.
Photography: Personal cameras and video equipment are permitted, but lenses longer than six inches require media credentials. Guests may not block aisles, walkways, portals, or other guests’ views, and monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted.