The Anthem
Washington, DC · Theater
You can bring a small purse or small bag into The Anthem, and no clear bag is required. The venue publishes no exact inch limit, but backpacks, luggage, and anything bigger than a small purse must be checked at the coat check for a fee. Every bag gets searched at the door, and staff encourage you to carry as little as possible. Outside food and drinks stay out, though an empty plastic bottle is allowed so you can fill it inside. Camera and recording rules change night to night at each artist's discretion, so check your event page before bringing anything beyond your phone. Once you are inside there is no re-entry. If it rides under your arm like a small purse, it walks in with you after a quick search.
Venue details
Need a concert bag for The Anthem?
Stadium-approved clear bags that meet the policy.
What you can bring
- Small purses and small bags, searched at entry
- Empty plastic water bottles
- Canes and crutches as medical aids
- Service animals
- Small flags or banners up to 8.5 by 11 inches
Not allowed inside
- Outside food and beverages
- Weapons of any kind, including mace and pepper spray
- Cans, bottles, and coolers
- Professional cameras with removable lenses and GoPros
- Monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks
- Laser pointers and noisemakers
Medical exceptions are handled directly by the venue, so email ada@theanthemdc.com before your show if you need to bring medical equipment or supplies. Photo and recording policies are set by each act and change night to night, and a camera that was fine last visit may have to be checked this time.
Upcoming events
Heading to a show at The Anthem? Here are the next events, with tickets on StubHub and SeatGeek so you can compare before you buy. The bag policy above applies to every one of them.
Browse all upcoming concerts →
No bag that fits? Plan ahead
The Anthem has a coat check, with the main one on the Maine Avenue side of the venue on the first floor. There is a charge to store items, and payment is cashless with major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay accepted. Backpacks, luggage, and oversized bags are required to go there, so budget a few extra minutes.
Common questions
Does The Anthem require a clear bag?
No. A small purse or regular small bag is fine, and every bag is searched at the door. Anything larger than a small purse has to go to the paid coat check.
Can I bring food or a water bottle into The Anthem?
Outside food and beverages are not allowed. You can bring an empty plastic bottle to fill inside, and the venue sells food and drinks at multiple bars.
What is the camera policy at The Anthem?
Photo and recording rules are set by each artist and change night to night. Professional cameras with removable lenses, GoPros, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited, and staff may ask you to check a camera for the duration of the show.
How early should I arrive at The Anthem?
Door times are posted on each event page, and arriving early beats the entry line since every bag gets searched. Keep in mind there is no re-entry once you are inside.
Can I bring a backpack to The Anthem?
Not into the show itself. Backpacks, luggage, and any bag larger than a small purse must be checked at the coat check on the Maine Avenue side of the building, and there is a charge to store items.
Getting there
Gates open
Door times vary by show and are posted on each event page at theanthemdc.com. Arrive early, since every bag gets searched at entry and there is no re-entry.
Parking
Paid garages sit underneath The Wharf, but spaces are limited and garages often fill on show nights, so the venue recommends reserving ahead through SpotHero.
Public transit
Waterfront on the Green Line and L'Enfant Plaza on the Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines are each about 4 blocks away, with a free Wharf shuttle from L'Enfant Plaza. A water taxi also serves The Wharf from Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor.
Rideshare
The Wharf has designated drop-off and pickup zones for Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Check your app for the exact pin before you request a ride home.
Seating chart
Verified July 2026 against the The Anthem official policy. Rules can change for one-off events, so check your event page too.