The indoor experience will feature a full day of live entertainment from local and national recording artists, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant sounds of African American culture. 

From legendary music traditions to contemporary favorites, audiences can enjoy a variety of genres that reflect the breadth, creativity, and enduring influence of African American artistry.

Join us for an exciting outdoor experience designed for all ages, featuring dynamic activities, engaging interactive programming,  live performances, and a thoughtfully curated marketplace that highlights the richness, innovation, and cultural legacy of African American history and culture.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons, tickets for the indoor experience at The Anthem are limited. No ticket is required for the outdoor celebration, which is open to all. Guest can enjoy a variety of programming and activities for all ages.

The 10th anniversary is a historic milestone for the museum and represents not only the work we have done within our walls, but also our impact beyond them. As we mark this occasion, it was important to continue our mission through thoughtful storytelling while embracing a location that reflects the richness of African American history in our nation's capital. Hosting the celebration at The Wharf pays homage to one of the most significant and often overlooked stories in American history: the Pearl escape. By commemorating this milestone at a site connected to that history, we honor the courage, resilience, and pursuit of freedom that are central to the stories we preserve and share.

The Violet Vibes outdoor experience at The Wharf at Transit and District Pier is free and does not require tickets.

For Violet Vibes indoor programming inside The Anthem, free tickets are required to enter and will be scanned at the door prior to entry.

The only official place to register for tickets to Violet Vibes is through the NMAAHC ticketing website. Registration will become available in the near future.

Yes, all guests accessing the Violet Vibes activities are subject to security checks.

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.

• There is food and drink available for purchase throughout the Wharf. A list of dining options can be
  found here.
• Food will also be available within The Anthem for purchase. Please note that outside food/beverage will not be permitted within The Anthem.

For your convenience, there are several public restrooms throughout The Wharf:

• Jetty Terminal Building on Transit Pier, below Cantina Bambina (wheelchair accessible)
• Water Street SW below 800 Maine Avenue, behind CVS (wheelchair accessible)
• Fish Market area, below Tiki TNT
• 600 Water Street, across from Kilwin's Ice Cream
• 610 Water Street, behind Fish Shop - only open during events in that area

The outdoor Violet Vibes celebration is an all ages event, open to the general public.

For The Anthem programming, you must be 18+ years or older to obtain a ticket, but there is not an age requirement to attend the event. Minors 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol.

All shows inside The Anthem are 18+, any child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

There will be a marketplace, interactive art activation, and more kid-friendly activities.

Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces only throughout The Wharf. However, we do expect very large crowds during the event, so please plan ahead for your pet's comfort and safety. The recommended pet relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Ave SW.

This event is a rain or shine event pending extreme weather conditions. Any cancellations or postponements will be communicated via the ticket portal and the museum’s social media platforms. Stay connected by following @NMAAHC across your digital channels.

You can register for Morning at The Anthem or Evening at the Anthem here in the near future. These registrations will permit you access to all programming in the Anthem for the allotted time blocks.

There is no associated cost for the Morning at The Anthem or Evening at the Anthem tickets. However, tickets to all shows in the Anthem is required.

The only official place to register for tickets to Violet Vibes at the Anthem is through the NMAAHC ticketing website which will go live in the near future.

Yes, you need a specific ticket for events inside the Anthem. There is no pre-registration or ticket required for Violet Vibes outside at the Wharf.

Tickets are not transferable. Please email events@nmaahc10.com with questions.

There are no costs associated with tickets, but if you are no longer able to attend - please cancel your registration via the ticket platform or contact us at events@nmaahc10.com for re-release.

Yes, there is a limit of four tickets per primary registrant.

A limited number of day-of tickets will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

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

There will be some seating available in the upper levels, which are first-come, first served.

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

Outside food & beverage is prohibited.

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:

• Wharf Garage 1 - 20 Blair Alley SW Entrance (View on Google Maps)
• Wharf Garage 1 - 19 Sutton Square SW Entrance (View on Google Maps)
• Wharf Garage 1 - 700 Water St SW Entrance (View on Google Maps)
• Wharf Garage 2 - 21 Riley Street SW Entrance (View on Google Maps)
• Wharf Garage 2 - 21 Parker Row SW Entrance (View on Google Maps)
• Wharf Garage 3 - 602 Water St SW Entrance (View on Google Maps)

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 our 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.

• 7th St and Maine Ave SW
• 9th St and Maine Ave SW
• Water St and Maine Ave SW

• 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.
• Professional cameras (have removable lenses), action cameras and accessories (GoPro).
• Backpacks, luggage, and bags larger than a small purse will be searched and must go into coat check.
• Motorcycle helmets.

Daytime Anthem : Yes, Re-entry is allowed in conjunction with District and Transit Pier activities. We wish for guests to have a full a robust daytime experience with the freedom to explore as desired. Please note that entry is based on capacity.

Nighttime Anthem: Yes, re-entry is allowed. However, entry will be based on capacity.

We encourage attendees to wear purple or shades of violet.

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.