Celebración Día de los Muertos at The Wharf
Celebración Día de los Muertos at The Wharf is a family-friendly afternoon honoring Día de los Muertos through live music, cultural performances, hands-on activities, food and drink, and a community light procession along the waterfront. Presented in partnership with Fiesta DC, the celebration includes Modelo beer gardens, face painting, sugar-skull decorating, decorated altars honoring loved ones, a life-sized sugar-skull photo setting, and prizes at a DC Lottery table.
As evening approaches, guests can join a waterfront procession with LED candles distributed at M Street Landing. Visitors are encouraged to wear colorful clothing inspired by Día de los Muertos, including skull and floral designs, as well as outfits that glow or shine for the procession.
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Showtimes: The celebration runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The community light procession takes place as the sun sets.
Venue: The Wharf, Washington, DC
Program: Cultural performances take place at M Street Landing; live music from local bands and the light procession are centered at The Grove; and face painting, crafts, sugar-skull decorating, and a DJ are located at Recreation Pier near The Wharf Boathouse.
Activities: Guests can enjoy face painting, sugar-skull decorating, cultural performances, live music, Modelo beer gardens, decorated altars, a life-sized sugar-skull photo opportunity, the community light procession, and a prize wheel at the DC Lottery table.
Tickets: Free. No ticket is required.
Ages: The event is suitable for all ages. Alcohol is restricted to guests age 21 and older.
Food and drink: Drinks are available for purchase at the Celebración beer gardens and at Wharf bars and restaurants. Outdoor alcohol is permitted only on restaurant patios and in the Modelo beer gardens in the Celebración Fiesta Zone. Outside alcohol is not allowed.
Transportation: The closest parking is Garage 3 at 602 Water Street SW. The Wharf is also about a five-minute walk from Waterfront Metro station. From L’Enfant Plaza, visitors can take the free Wharf Shuttle, which stops at CVS and 7th Street Park. Bikeshare is another recommended option.
Weather: Light rain may not affect the celebration, but the event may be adjusted if weather conditions make it unsafe. Updates will be posted on the event page and The Wharf’s social media channels.
Pets: Pets are allowed in The Wharf’s outdoor areas, but they should remain leashed. Because large crowds and changing temperatures are expected, guests should plan for their pets’ comfort and safety. The recommended pet-relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Avenue SW.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at the Fish Market, Transit Pier, 800 Water Street, and the Oculus.
Photography: Personal cameras and video equipment are allowed, but lenses longer than six inches are prohibited unless used by credentialed media. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not permitted, and guests may not block aisles, walkways, portals, or other visitors’ views.