Groups looking for even more fabulous views of the Potomac River and access to The National Mall will want to make Southwest & The Wharf their home base. The area offers the nation’s longest continually operating open-air fish market, a vibrant community of houseboats, and a mile-long stretch of the riverfront, The Wharf. The neighborhood’s Connected Campus events hub, The Wharf features waterfront dining, entertainment, shopping, hotels, and excellent event venues.
The 278-room InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf, an IHG Hotel has more than 17,000 square feet of event space, with a capacity of 660 people in its largest space. The hotel recently tapped chef Jeffrey Williams to lead its 152-seat revamped restaurant. Salamander Washington DC features 373 guest rooms and 36,000 square feet of event space, including one of the city’s largest ballrooms, which accommodates 1,688 for receptions and 564 for banquets. Salamander Washington DC’s expansive grand lawn offers views of the marina and accommodates receptions of up to 300. The hotel recently unveiled numerous enhancements to its lobby, bar, pool, guest suites, and two-level spa, and recently welcomed celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi’s highly anticipated luxe Afro-Caribbean restaurant, Dōgon.
Other hotels with event space include the 131-room Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf, which has 7,500 square feet of event space and accommodates a capacity of 300 people in its largest space. The 175-room Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf and 237-room waterfront Hyatt House Washington, DC/The Wharf each offer approximately 1,700 square feet of event space for up to 180 people. Both hotels are members of the Destination DC Sustainability District.
The Mead Center for American Theater has nearly 15,000 square feet of event space, including five lobby areas and three theaters, and can host a capacity of 680 people. The Anthem performance and event venue on the waterfront offers flexible spaces for groups of 250 to 5,000, and District Pier accommodates 800 standing guests. Other venues include Transit Pier, Pearl Street Warehouse, Union State, and The Wharf Ice Rink. Audi Field, home of Major League Soccer’s D.C. United team, boasts 31 premium suites, two indoor premium spaces, three patios, and a rooftop area accommodating up to 200 people.
Gangplank Marina is the place to hop on a sightseeing river cruise. Odyssey DC, by City Cruises, features elegant multi-course meals, while Spirit of Washington (also operated by City Cruises) is popular for its brunch cruises. Both vessels accommodate a capacity of 600 people. Set to open in 2026 in southwest D.C., Brooklyn Bowl will include bowling lanes, a restaurant, and a concert venue. The two-story, 38,000-square-foot complex will have a 1,200-person capacity concert venue and will be available for group rentals.
