Celebración Día de los Muertos at The Wharf

Celebrate Día de los Muertos at The Wharf with a family-friendly afternoon of cultural performances, live music, crafts, food, and community traditions. Presented in partnership with Fiesta DC, the event features face painting, sugar skull decorating, Modelo beer gardens, snacks from Giant Food, decorated altars honoring loved ones, and a waterfront light procession as the sun sets.

Activities take place across The Wharf, with local bands performing at The Grove, cultural performances at M Street Landing, and face painting, crafts, and a DJ on Recreation Pier. Guests can also visit a life-sized sugar skull photo display and spin a wheel for prizes at the DC Lottery table.

When: Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Showtimes: The celebration runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The community light procession takes place along the waterfront as the sun sets, with LED candles distributed to guests at M Street Landing.

Tickets: Free. No ticket or RSVP is required.

Venue: The Wharf, including M Street Landing, The Grove, Recreation Pier, and Wharf Street.

Lineup: Live music from local bands, cultural performances, and a DJ.

Activities: Children can have their faces painted and decorate sugar skulls near The Wharf Boathouse. Other offerings include Modelo beer gardens, Giant Food snacks, a life-sized sugar skull photo opportunity, altars honoring loved ones, a community light procession, and a DC Lottery prize wheel.

Ages: The event is family-friendly and offers activities for all ages. Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

Food and drinks: Drinks are available for purchase at the Modelo beer gardens and at Wharf bars and restaurants. Open alcohol containers are not allowed outdoors except on restaurant patios and in the Modelo beer gardens in the Celebración Fiesta Zone. Outside alcohol is prohibited.

Attire: Guests are encouraged to wear colorful clothing, skulls, and flowers inspired by Día de los Muertos traditions. Shining or glowing clothing and accessories are also appropriate for the evening light procession.

Transportation: The closest parking is Garage 3 at 602 Water Street SW. Waterfront Station is about a five-minute walk from The Wharf, while visitors arriving at L’Enfant Plaza can use The Wharf Shuttle, a free service that stops at CVS and 7th Street Park. Bikeshare is another option.

Weather: Light rain may not interrupt the event, but programming may be adjusted if weather conditions affect guest safety. Weather updates will be posted on the event page and The Wharf’s social media channels.

Pets: Pets are allowed in The Wharf’s outdoor spaces, but they should remain leashed. Because large crowds and changing temperatures are expected, owners should plan for their pets’ comfort and safety. Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Avenue SW is the recommended pet-relief area.

Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at the Fish Market, Transit Pier, 800 Water Street, and the Oculus.

Photography: Personal cameras and video equipment are permitted, but lenses longer than six inches require media credentials. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not allowed, and guests may not block aisles, walkways, portals, or other guests’ views.

Fireworks: Fireworks are not part of this celebration.