D.C.’s Southwest waterfront blends rich history with modern redevelopment. Located along the Potomac River, the area is anchored by The Wharf, a mile-long mixed-use development featuring upscale dining, major music venues, public piers, luxury hotels, and the historic Municipal Fish Market. The Anthem, an acoustically advanced 6,000-seat concert hall located at The Wharf, is flexible for large conferences and galas; it can accommodate 1,200 for seated dinners or 3,000 for cocktails. Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has more than 14,000 square feet of space for all types of events. Pearl Street Warehouse features a built-in stage and onsite catering for 300. Other outdoor options include District Pier (800 capacity) and Transit Pier (700 capacity), the latter of which houses The Wharf Ice Rink, D.C.’s only over-water rink, which is available November through February for private events of up to 120. Culture House DC, an art gallery in a repurposed 1886 church, offers 15,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space for events of up to 600 people.
The 373-room Salamander Washington DC offers more than 36,000 square feet of event space; its Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 1,170 guests. Leed Gold-certified InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf has 278 luxury guest rooms and more than 17,000 square feet of event space; its largest venue, the Waterside Ballroom, accommodates up to 700 guests seated theater style or 630 reception style. The Pendry Washington DC has 131 guest rooms and more than 7,500 square feet of event space. Two LEED Gold-certified properties, Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf and Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf, together offer 412 guest rooms and more than 3,300 square feet of event space.
From fine-dining establishments with waterfront views to casual, walk-up kiosks and international cuisine, Southwest & The Wharf has an eclectic range of dining options. Sea Table D.C. offers intimate dining—under the direction of MICHELIN-star awarded chef Troy Knapp—for up to six people aboard a 47-foot sailing yacht. The acclaimed Afro-Caribbean restaurant Dōgon, led by celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi, is available for private dinners or buyouts.
Groups can also explore the water by renting kayaks or paddleboards from Wharf Boathouse or electric powerboats from Float DC. For a taste of local history, groups might explore the Municipal Fish Market, the nation’s longest continually operating open-air fish market.
