Please review the frequently asked questions below regarding attendance for The Purple Ball.

PURPOSE

The Purple Ball is part of "The Reunion," the multi-day celebration of the museum's 10th anniversary. The Purple Ball: Echoes of the Pearl pays tribute to the 77 freedom seekers who boarded the schooner Pearl from the District Waterfront in 1848, risking everything in pursuit of freedom. The museum invites the community to honor the legacy of those who sought freedom while recognizing the stories, supporters and shared commitment that have sustained the museum and its mission over the past decade.

To learn more about the schooner Pearl and the descendants of the freedom seekers, visit: nmaahc.si.edu/ThePearl

The proceeds for the museum's fundraiser will help bolster the museum's exhibitions, programming, and education initiatives for future generations.

Purple is the museum's primary color. Historically, purple has been used to signify beauty, royalty, faith, prosperity, and healing -- and it has a strong connection to African American culture. This particular shade is bold and versatile, and it is important to the museum's identity. 

REGISTRATION

Yes, the Purple Ball is a separate event from Violet Vibes and you will need to register in order to attend.

The only official place to register for The Purple Ball is through the NMAAHC website located at nmaahc10.com/purpleball.

Yes, you must be 18 years or older to attend. You must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol.

Guests must be 18 years or older to attend.

There is no limit on the number of guests that can be registered. 

Please ensure you mark your ADA requirements when registering. Please email events@nmaahc10.com with any questions. 

Event registration is not transferable. Please email events@nmaahc10.com with questions.

Registration is nonrefundable. Please email events@nmaahc10.com with questions.

One week prior to the event, instructions will be sent digitally to the email used for registration for each guest. If you need assistance, there will be team members available on site to troubleshoot any issues with your registration details.

Guests can register while supplies last but there is no guarantee that there will be space available on the day-of the event.

ARRIVAL

Yes, a valid photo ID will be required upon entry.

Seating is available only when registering for a premium box or premium tier package. General admission is standing room only. If you have ADA requirements, please ensure this is recorded when completing your registration, and reach out to events@nmaahc10.com with any questions. 

Queuing will not be permitted until 1 hour before doors open.

Metro & Rideshare

We strongly encourage ride share and public transportation as parking is limited. The closest Metro stations to The Anthem at the District Wharf are L'Enfant Plaza and Waterfront. Both stations are roughly a 10 to 15-minute walk (about 4 blocks) from the venue.

Please also consider utilizing the free SW Shuttle. 

For Rideshare, The Anthem is located at 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024, in the District Wharf. The main entrance is behind the 900 block of Maine Avenue SW, on the waterfront side.

Parking Garages

The Wharf has three underground parking garages that are open around the clock though none of the three parking garages offer reserved or prepaid parking. Each garage has multiple entrances:

A live parking garage capacity count can be found on The Wharf-DC website.

Handicap accessible parking spaces are available in all garages.

The clearance height in all garages is 8' 2".

Contactless Payments (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) are accepted at the pay on foot machines. Guests may also scan the QR code on the back of their ticket to pay for parking. Guests who pay for parking via QR code must exit the garage within 15 minutes of paying.

You can speed up your payment by using the ParkMobile App on your phone (use Zone 326). Upon entering the garage, pull a parking ticket and scan it with your ParkMobile app. When you are leaving, let the ParkMobile app know and your account will be automatically charged based on the duration of your stay. You must exit the garage within 15 minutes of paying. 

There are Bikeshare Stations at the following locations. Please note that bikes are subject to availability. 

POLICIES

The Anthem offers food and snacks for sale inside the venue.

Outside food & beverage is prohibited.

This event is a formal evening event, and we encourage guests to wear purple or shades of violet. 

Professional cameras, video, or audio recording are strictly prohibited. You may bring your camera with the understanding that you will likely need to check it with us for the duration of the show. There is a charge to store items at Coat Check.

Smoking/vaping is not permitted inside the venue.

Clear bags up to 16” x 16” x 8” and small non-clear clutches up to 5” x 7” x ¾” are permitted within The Anthem. Backpacks, luggage, coolers, and computer bags are strictly prohibited.

  • Weapons including guns, knives, chains, spiked bracelets, brass knuckles, projectiles, tasers, mace/pepper spray.
  • Balloons, permanent markers, stickers, silly string, fireworks.
  • Flags or banners larger than 8.5×11 in.
  • Cans, bottles, or coolers – empty plastic bottles permitted.
  • Chairs, stools.
  • Outside food and beverages.
  • Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.
  • Laser pointers.
  • Monopods, tripods, or selfie sticks.
  • Noisemakers such as can operated air horns, sirens, kazoos, whistles.
  • Non-service animals.
  • Sticks or poles (medical aids as canes/crutches permitted).
  • Dedicated video and audio recording devices.
  • No laptop computers, tablets or any other similar electronic devices.
  • Backpacks, luggage, and computer bags.
  • Professional cameras (have removable lenses), action cameras and accessories (GoPro).
  • Motorcycle helmets.

The Anthem has a lost and found located in the coat check. If you have lost an item during a show, please email info@theanthemdc.com. They will hold items for up to one week after an event.

No, reentry will not be permitted during this event.