On St. Patrick's Day in Washington, D.C., everyone becomes Irish. People gather together to celebrate it with a blast, and you have every chance to see it for yourself. We've put together the most popular events and places where you can go to experience this atmosphere from within.
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Washington, D.C. (March 9, 2024)
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
And how can St. Patrick's Day in Washington, D.C. be celebrated to the fullest without a few mugs of beer? Yes, it's a must you don't want to miss. We suggest you pay attention to such places as Duffy's Irish Pub on H St., the Dubliner, Guinness Open Gate Brewery, and Kelly's Irish Times. There, you will definitely let your hair down.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria (March 2, 2024)
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 16, 2024)
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.
