St. Patrick's Day 2025 in Washington, D.C.

St. Patrick’s Day in Washington, D.C., is a vibrant celebration that transforms the city into a hub of Irish culture and revelry. From the iconic parade winding through Constitution Avenue to the lively music festivals filling the air with the sounds of traditional Celtic tunes, the atmosphere is electric. Streets come alive with green-clad crowds enjoying food trucks, dance performances, and family-friendly activities, creating a festive spirit that welcomes everyone. On St. Patrick's Day in Washington, D.C., everyone becomes a bit Irish!

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Washington, D.C. (March 2025)

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is the main event in Washington, D.C., on St. Paddy's Day. The Parade starts near the Peace Monument on the National Mall and then heads toward the Holodomor Memorial, crossing Constitution Avenue, and finishing on F St NW. The procession starts at noon. Also, starting from noon, Irish live music and dancing will begin at Kelly’s Irish Times and the Irish Channel.

Places to visit and walk by

In addition to the Parade, you can find other entertainment in Washington, D.C., during St. Patrick's Day. For instance, visit St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Chinatown—the oldest parish in Washington, D.C. It's open to the public and free of charge during the whole week. Also, you may walk to the Kennedy Gravesite, located at Arlington National Cemetery, since Kennedy was the United States' first Irish-Catholic president. You can also visit a fountain on the North Side of the White House, which is often colored green on this day.

Irish bars and restaurants

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Washington, D.C., would be complete without a visit to one of its beloved Irish pubs and bars. Spots like The Dubliner, a Capitol Hill classic known for its authentic Irish fare and live music, and Murphy’s of D.C., a Georgetown favorite with a cozy atmosphere and perfectly poured pints of Guinness, draw crowds eager to toast the occasion. Kelly’s Irish Times and Irish Channel Pub are also hotspots, offering a mix of traditional Irish hospitality, hearty meals, and spirited revelry. These establishments become gathering places for locals and visitors alike, serving as the perfect backdrop for raising a glass to Ireland’s patron saint.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria (March 1, 2025)

One of the finest Irish events in the Washington Metropolitan Area is the annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria. The parade is usually held on the first Saturday of March. The procession starts on the corner of King and St. Asaph Street at 12:30 pm, marching east on King Street to the corner of King and Lee Streets. The colorful parade features Irish dance troupes, pipe bands, and various community groups. Plenty of music and live performances await thousands of spectators!

VA IRISH Fest (March 15, 2025)

VA IRISH Fest (previously The National Shamrock Festival) is a massive and wild celebration of Irish heritage in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Held at One Loudoun in Ashburn, VA, the festival features a variety of DJs and rock bands. Food and crafts vendors are available on the site, the beer flows strong, and plenty of 'craic' will entertain thousands of guests. There is plenty of free parking around the festival area and in One Loudoun or you can take the Metro Silver Line to Ashburn. Tickets range from $25 to $65.