Bar
9:30 Club
A 1,200-capacity independent music club on V Street NW that opened in 1980 and moved to its current home, a former music hall, in 1996.
The Anthem
A large I.M.P. concert hall at The Wharf with room for about 6,000 people, hosting major touring artists, comedians and DJs on the Washington waterfront.
At a glance
- Type
- Concert hall
- Area
- Southwest Waterfront, Washington DC, United States
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- theanthemdc.com
Good to know
- Large concert hall
- Some seated shows
- Waterfront location
Why we recommend it
The Anthem is a large concert hall at The Wharf, the waterfront district on the Washington Channel, and it holds about 6,000 people. It is run by I.M.P., the same company behind the 9:30 Club, and it fills the gap between the club venues and the arenas, attracting major touring artists who want a more intimate show than a stadium can offer.
The programme is broad. Recent and upcoming listings include artists such as Hudson Westbrook, Yebba, the Trey Anastasio Band and Tyla, comedy shows and a New Year's Eve event with a DJ. Some shows are seated, while others are general admission, so check the details for each event before you buy. Age limits also vary from show to show.
Tickets are sold through the venue's website, and some shows go on sale later than others, so sign up for I.M.P.'s alerts if you want to hear about new dates. A number of tours donate part of each ticket to charities and community groups, which the venue notes on its listings.
The Anthem suits music and comedy fans, groups of friends and couples planning a night out at the waterfront. Allow a full evening, and arrive with time to eat. The Wharf has many restaurants, bars and outdoor spaces, so it is easy to have dinner by the water before the doors open and a drink on one of the piers afterwards.
Because the venue is large, entry can take time at busy shows. Check the venue's contact and directions page for entry information, bag rules and the latest advice before you go, and leave plenty of time to get through the doors before the headline act. If you are staying overnight after a late show, The Wharf's hotels save a journey across the city.
The Anthem is at 901 Wharf Street SW. L'Enfant Plaza Metro station is about a ten-minute walk away, and the free SW Shuttle and water taxis also serve the district. There are underground garages at The Wharf for those driving. The venue's website also lists hotels nearby for those who want to stay close to the waterfront after a show.
The Anthem FAQs
Where is The Anthem?
At 901 Wharf St SW, at The Wharf on the Washington Channel.
How big is The Anthem?
It holds about 6,000 people.
Who runs The Anthem?
I.M.P., which also runs the 9:30 Club.
Are shows seated or standing?
Some shows are seated; check each listing.
Are there age limits?
They vary by show, so check the event details.
How do I get there?
L'Enfant Plaza Metro is about a ten-minute walk away, and the SW Shuttle and water taxis serve The Wharf.
Is there parking?
Yes. The Wharf has underground garages.
How do I contact the venue?
Call +1 202-888-0020 or email [email protected].