Everything to Know About the 2027 NFL Draft in Washington, DC

Written by Allison Goodhart

The NFL Draft is coming to Washington, DC! From April 29 through May 1, 2027, the nation’s capital will host three days of football, fan experiences, entertainment, and celebrations against the spectacular backdrop of the National Mall and U.S. Capitol.

And you don’t have to be a die-hard football fan to enjoy it. Whether you’re hoping to watch the first pick announced, bring your kids to the NFL Draft Experience, explore VIP packages, or simply turn the event into a long weekend in Washington, there is plenty to look forward to.

As a lifelong Washington sports fan, I am especially excited. My older son turns 10 in April, and he loves the NFL, so we are already exploring how to make the Draft part of his birthday celebration.

Here is what we know so far, what we are still waiting to learn, and our local tips for planning a phenomenal weekend in the District.

2027 NFL Draft at a Glance

Dates: Thursday, April 29 – Saturday, May 1, 2027
Location: National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Draft Theater: National Mall, facing the U.S. Capitol
NFL Draft Experience: Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 3rd and 7th Streets
General Admission: Free, subject to NFL OnePass registration and event access procedures
Official VIP Hospitality: Hosted by On Location
Getting There: Metro (highly recommended), with Potomac Water Taxi and walking options for some visitors

(Note: While major locations and dates have been officially announced, exact schedules, entry requirements, security checkpoints, player appearances, and road closures are still to come. We will update this guide as the NFL confirms those details!)

Where Will the 2027 NFL Draft Take Place?

The Draft will take over some of Washington’s most recognizable public spaces. The Draft Theater, where teams announce their selections, will be constructed on the National Mall facing the U.S. Capitol.

The NFL Draft Experience, a massive free fan festival with interactive activities, will stretch along Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th Streets.

It is a stunning, historic setting, but visitors should expect significant crowds and plenty of walking. One important distinction: the Draft Theater and the Draft Experience are separate areas. You can easily enjoy the hands-on football activities without spending hours watching the selections on stage.

Looking for more sporting events to enjoy in the DC area? Check out these posts next:

What Happens Each Day?

Thursday, April 29 (Round 1): Thursday is the biggest night for the top prospects and their families, as the first 32 picks are announced. If your main priority is experiencing the raw excitement of the first round, this is the day to go.
Friday, April 30 (Rounds 2 and 3): Friday brings the next two rounds, with plenty of talented college players still on the board. It’s a great day for fans who love following team strategies and potential breakout players.
Saturday, May 1 (Rounds 4–7): Saturday completes the Draft. For families, Saturday could be an incredibly appealing day to focus on the fan activities rather than organizing the entire outing around the slower-paced first-round announcements.

Our Tip: Don’t automatically assume Thursday is the best choice, especially if you’re bringing younger kids. The best day depends entirely on what you want to experience!

Is the 2027 NFL Draft Free?

Yes! The NFL has announced a free, three-day public event, including the NFL Draft Experience. Families can participate in the celebration without necessarily purchasing a premium package.

However, free admission does not mean guaranteed access to every activity or viewing area. Registration, capacity limits, and strict security procedures will apply.

What Is the NFL Draft Experience?

For families and fans who love hands-on activities, this may be the highlight of the weekend. The NFL has announced attractions and programming that will include:

Interactive football games and skill challenges
NFL PLAY 60 activities for younger fans
Opportunities to take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy
Autograph sessions with current players and NFL Legends
Football-themed exhibits and official NFL merchandise
Live entertainment and Draft-related programming

(Individual player appearances and activity hours are pending. We will update this space once they are announced!)

What Is NFL OnePass?

At previous Drafts, the NFL has required fans to download the NFL OnePass app for registration, QR code entry, and event information. We will add the official 2027 registration links and instructions once the NFL releases them.

2027 NFL Draft VIP Packages

The NFL’s official hospitality provider, On Location, is offering premium experiences for the 2027 Draft. As of late 2026, the initial Priority Access opportunity is sold out, but fans can register for presale updates about remaining packages directly at On Location’s NFL Draft Page.

Before purchasing a VIP package, consider: Where will you actually watch the Draft? Are food and beverages included? Are player interactions guaranteed? We will add detailed package comparisons here once they are officially unveiled.

An Extraordinary Hotel Experience: The Watergate

Hotels across the District are crafting spectacular weekend offerings, and The Watergate Hotel has already announced an extravagant option.

Their Executive Playbook Presidential Package is a three-night experience for up to 14 guests, advertised at $92,000 (plus tax). It includes accommodations in the hotel’s Presidential Wing, a private breakfast with Washington football legend Joe Theismann, a $10,000 hotel credit, a private Potomac boat charter, chauffeured transportation, and additional luxury perks. You can explore The Watergate’s package here.

Taking Kids to the 2027 NFL Draft

The Draft can be an incredible experience for kids, but spending several hours at a massive outdoor event requires strategy.

Let the Kids Prioritize: The PLAY 60 Zone, interactive challenges, and trophy photos may be more memorable to elementary-age kids than watching multiple rounds of selections. Pick two or three “must-do” activities before you arrive.
Be Prepared for Walking: The footprint covers several downtown blocks, and the National Mall is expansive. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid packing the day with too many activities.
Check the Rules: The NFL has not yet released the 2027 bag and security policies. We will update this section with a practical family checklist once those are available.

Getting to the NFL Draft

Metro (Most Practical Option) For most visitors, the Metro will be the easiest way to reach the event. Washington’s Metro system is straightforward, with color-coded lines. Several stations serve the broader Draft area, including Archives–Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter, Judiciary Square, Gallery Place–Chinatown, and Federal Center SW. Expect heavy crowds before and after major announcements. (Check WMATA.com for routes and special event service updates).

Potomac Water Taxi (A Scenic Alternative) If you are staying in Georgetown or Old Town Alexandria, the Potomac Water Taxi is a fun way to approach downtown. It connects to The Wharf’s Transit Pier. From there, you will have a substantial 25–35 minute walk to the Pennsylvania Avenue fan festival area. While beautiful, water taxi tickets can add up for a family, and you are bound to a strict boat schedule. Think of it as a memorable alternative, but not necessarily the fastest or cheapest route.

What About Driving? We highly advise against trying to park immediately next to the Draft. Expect massive road closures, traffic restrictions, and heavy demand for garages.

Where to Stay for the 2027 NFL Draft

Location will make a big difference during an event of this size. Book early, and consider what matters most to your trip:

Downtown DC / Penn Quarter: Best for minimizing travel time. You will be steps from the NFL Draft Experience footprint. (Explore the area in our Washington D.C. Neighborhoods Guide).
Capitol Hill: Best if your main interest is the Draft Theater near the Capitol. It is a beautiful, historic neighborhood to explore.
The Wharf: Offers stunning waterfront hotels and connects to Georgetown and Alexandria by water taxi.
Foggy Bottom / Georgetown: Best for luxury experiences, historic architecture, and premium shopping.
Old Town Alexandria: Best for a quieter family stay. Just across the Potomac in Virginia, Old Town offers historic streets and excellent restaurants, with easy Metro access into the city. (Learn more in our Old Town Alexandria Neighborhood Guide).

Where to Eat During NFL Draft Weekend

Because the final pedestrian routes and security checkpoints have not been announced, we will wait to share our hyper-specific walking-distance recommendations. However, the Draft sits right on the edge of Penn Quarter, meaning you will be near some of our absolute favorite staples!

If you are looking to book reservations now, we highly recommend Carmine’s (perfect for large groups and families), Clyde’s of Gallery Place, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, and District E. (Artifakt Note: Please verify the restaurants listed in the Washington, DC Weekend Guide are fully updated before linking them here).

Make a Weekend of It: Our Washington, DC Guide

There is so much more to Washington than football! If you’re coming for the Draft, consider spending extra time exploring the monuments, waterfronts, and restaurants that make this area special.

Download The Goodhart Group’s Washington, DC Weekend Guide Here

Find more things to do on the weekend in the DC area with these posts next:

Why the 2027 NFL Draft Matters to Washington

Washington has a rich football history, and the Commanders are entering an incredibly exciting chapter as plans continue to move forward for a potential return to the RFK Stadium site

Read our full update on that here: Commanders Return to RFK Stadium and Major Real Estate Development

The 2027 Draft will be the first held in Washington since 1941. It is thrilling to see the NFL put the District back at the center of the football conversation. For locals, it is an opportunity to experience a major national event close to home. For visitors, it is a chance to discover everything that makes the DC area such a wonderful place to live, work, and explore.

Planning Your NFL Draft Weekend? We will continually update this guide as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we recommend choosing your preferred day, looking at hotels early, and deciding whether the free Draft Experience or a premium VIP package is right for you.

If you are considering a move to Washington, DC, Alexandria, or Northern Virginia, The Goodhart Group would love to help you discover the communities that make this region so special. Reach out anytime!

Post written by Allison Goodhart

COO & Lead Licensed Agent (VA, DC, MD)

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2027 NFL Draft in Washington, DC: Tickets, Free Events, VIP Experiences & Local Tips