There’s a lot to love about Mardi Gras. The floats. The music. The Hurricanes.
But having to drop a month’s rent or an entire mortgage payment just to cover travel costs to New Orleans? Don’t love that.
With an incredibly talented pool of musicians, some of the best culinary artisans in the country, and the perfect backdrop for a fireworks display, D.C. already had all the components for an epic Mardi Gras celebration.
The Wharf made it happen.
On February 10, grab your feather boas; don your purple, green, and gold beads; and get your sparkly self to The Wharf to celebrate with D.C.’s largest free, community-wide Mardi Gras celebration.
The Wharf’s Mardi Gras Parade & Party kicks off at 3 p.m. (Sure, it’ll only be 3 o’clock here, but it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.)
To toast the start of Mardi Gras, head straight to District Pier Bar and order a round of Hurricanes made from our local Thrasher’s Rum. Nothing says Mardi Gras quite like its sweet, fruity, and boozy signature cocktail.
Many local Wharf favorites are also getting into the spirit with their own twist on the Hurricane and other Mardi Gras-themed cocktails, including Bar Pendry’s Pimm’s Cup Cocktail.
Before heading to the parade, fuel up on King Cakes from District Doughnut and Praline Bakery. Grab one to-go for the perfect parade snack.
With plenty of square footage along the mile-long Wharf Street SW parade route between Blair Alley and Parker Row, it’s easy to find a prime viewing spot for this over-the-top splendor.
The parade is a tribute to our vibrant city. It features special performances and appearances of local talent, including the Eastern High School Marching Band, Batalá Washington, the Racing Presidents of the Washington Nationals, Slapshot of the Washington Capitals, and more.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a true Mardi Gras parade without stilt walkers; the king and queen; and floats from neighborhood partners, including last year’s Most Creative Float winner, Capital Yacht Club.
Following the parade, dance the afternoon away with live music on their piers by the Naptown Brass Band, Too Much Talent Band, The Experience Band & Show, and the Crush Funk Brass Band.
Looking to make this a family day? Recreation Pier has kid-friendly activity stations, including Mardi Gras mask making, face painting, balloon animals and crafts.
Both the under- and over-21 crowd will want to hang around until 6:30 pm for the dazzling fireworks display over the water, the only finale befitting of a D.C. Mardi Gras.
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The Wharf’s free Mardi Gras Parade & Party is scheduled, rain or shine, from 3–7 p.m. on February 10. The party takes place on District Pier at The Wharf located at 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024. For more information, contact the venue or visit the event’s website.
