Prost & Pups: Oktoberfest at The Wharf Returns
By • October 6, 2025 0 524
By Mia Pech
The annual Oktoberfest at The Wharf returned to Washington, D.C last Saturday, celebrating the spirit of Munich at the Wharf. Alongside the fan-favorite Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, a stein-hoisting contest and lively polka dancing, the event offered a festive mix of traditional Bavarian food and beer. Some attendees embraced the tradition by wearing dirndls or lederhosen.
“Three, two, one—Prost!” was the signal for more than a hundred eager Dachshunds to sprint down the racetrack, cheered on by a big crowd. This year marked the 13th annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash. Some dogs raced in costumes while their owners cheered in dirndls or lederhosen. The dogs competed in 24 heats, followed by the semi-final and the final. This year’s winner was North. Between heats, hosts encouraged donations to Rural Dog Rescue and introduced nine adorable dogs looking for their forever homes. By the end of the afternoon, the event had raised $6,000 for the organization. This continues the Wharf’s proud tradition of combining festive fun with a good cause. Over the past 12 years, the Wiener 500 has generated over $100,000 for animal welfare charities.
Between the Dachshund race heats, the crowd turned its attention to the stein-hoisting championship on District Pier. Contestants wearing festive Oktoberfest hats tested their strength by holding a full stein of apple juice at arm’s length for as long as possible. The audience cheered, laughed and shared their excitement until a new champion was crowned.
After the Dachshund Dash and stein-hoisting championship, the celebration moved to Transit Pier for Polka on the Pier, where guests learned the traditional German dance from professionals. Before the dancing began, visitors chatted along the waterfront, playing games and enjoying seasonal bites from Wharf restaurants while sipping Samuel Adams Oktoberfest beer. Laughter and music filled the air as dancers moved across the pier.
From racing Dachshunds to polka dancing, Oktoberfest at The Wharf once again delivered a joyful mix of community spirit, culture and fall fun.
Photos below by Mia Pech.
