The Purple Ball: Echoes of the Pearl

The Purple Ball: Echoes of the Pearl is a formal evening fundraiser commemorating the 77 freedom seekers who boarded the schooner Pearl from Washington’s waterfront in 1848 in an attempt to reach freedom. Held as part of “The Reunion,” a multiday celebration of the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s 10th anniversary, the event honors their courage, resilience, and hope while supporting the museum’s future exhibitions, programs, and educational initiatives.

Guests are encouraged to wear purple or shades of violet, reflecting the museum’s signature color and its associations with beauty, royalty, faith, prosperity, healing, and African American culture.

When: Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Showtimes: The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Venue: The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024, at The Wharf. The main entrance is on the waterfront side behind the 900 block of Maine Avenue SW.

Event type: Performances and formal evening fundraiser.

Background: The event pays tribute to the 77 freedom seekers who departed from the District waterfront aboard the schooner Pearl in 1848. It also recognizes the stories, supporters, and shared commitment that have sustained the museum and its mission during its first decade. More information about the Pearl and the descendants of those freedom seekers is available at nmaahc.si.edu/ThePearl.

Attire: Formal evening wear is encouraged, with guests asked to wear purple or shades of violet.

Registration: Registration is required, including for guests who are also attending Violet Vibes on The Wharf, since the two events are separate. The official registration site is nmaahc10.com/purpleball. Guests may register for up to four people in one group. Day-of registration may be available while supplies last, but entry is not guaranteed.

Tickets: This is a paid event, and proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions, programming, and education initiatives. The page does not list registration prices. Registration is nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another guest.

Ages: Attendees must be at least 18 years old. Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

Seating: General admission is standing room only. Seating is available only with a premium box or premium-tier package.

Accessibility: Guests should indicate ADA requirements during registration. An ADA section is available, and accessibility questions may be directed to [email protected]. Accessible parking spaces are available in all of The Wharf’s parking garages.

Arrival and entry: A valid photo ID is required. Digital attendance instructions will be sent to the email address used for registration approximately one week before the event. Guests may not line up earlier than one hour before doors open. Reentry is not permitted.

Food and drinks: Food and snacks are available for purchase inside The Anthem. Outside food and beverages are prohibited.

Transportation: Public transportation and rideshare are strongly encouraged because parking is limited. The closest Metro stations are L’Enfant Plaza and Waterfront, each approximately a 10- to 15-minute walk from the venue. A free SW Shuttle is also suggested.

Parking: The Wharf has three underground garages that operate around the clock, with entrances at 20 Blair Alley SW, 19 Sutton Square SW, 700 Water Street SW, 21 Riley Street SW, 21 Parker Row SW, and 602 Water Street SW. Parking is not reserved or prepaid. Garages have an 8-foot-2-inch clearance, and payment is available through contactless payment, the QR code on the parking ticket, or the ParkMobile app using Zone 326. After payment, vehicles must leave within 15 minutes.

Bags: Clear bags up to 16 by 16 by 8 inches and small non-clear clutches up to 5 by 7 by three-quarters of an inch are permitted. Backpacks, luggage, coolers, and computer bags are not allowed.

Prohibited items and conduct: Weapons, outside food and drinks, large flags or banners, balloons, bottles and cans, chairs, illegal drugs, laser pointers, tripods and selfie sticks, noisemakers, non-service animals, dedicated recording devices, laptops and tablets, professional or action cameras, motorcycle helmets, and similar items are prohibited. Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the venue.

Recording: Professional photography, video, and audio recording are prohibited. Personal cameras may need to be checked at coat check, which may charge a storage fee.

Lost items: Lost property is handled through The Anthem’s coat check and is held for up to one week after the event.