Erin Go Bragh! Where to Go, What to Do & What to Eat This St. Patrick’s Day

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya! In the DMV, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just a day, it’s a whole weekend of celebrations. Whether you’re chasing bagpipers, raising a pint of Guinness, or just looking for a little luck o’ the Irish, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. As the Irish say, “May the road rise up to meet you,” and this weekend the road leads straight to parades and pub crawls. Here’s where to go, what to do, and what to eat this St. Patrick’s Day.
Sláinte!

Where to Go & What to Do
Jack Rose Dining Saloon March 13–17: Known for one of the largest whiskey collections in the region, Jack Rose Dining Saloon is celebrating for five full days. Expect Irish whiskey flights like the Irish Renaissance and Celebrating Midleton Distillery, plus specialty cocktails including Lucky Charms Milk Punch shots and warming Irish coffee. The kitchen is also leaning into the theme with bangers and mash, Scotch eggs, and fish and chips.

Ireland at The Wharf March 14: Celebrate St. Patrick’s season along the waterfront at District Pier with this VIP Irish experience. Guests can enjoy whiskey tastings featuring Jameson and Redbreast, live music, and complimentary snacks from Kirwan’s on the Wharf, plus front-of-stage viewing and waterfront balconies for taking in the festivities.

“Pigs N’ Pipes” at Dew Drop Inn: March 14: Green beer, bagpipers, whiskey, and Irish dancers from District Irish Dance—need we say more? This cult-favorite event at Dew Drop Inn brings the energy with live performances and festive vibes starting at 5:00 p.m.

Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl – Alexandria March 14: Grab your green attire and head to Old Town Alexandria for one of the area’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls. Starting at The Light Horse Restaurant and Bar, guests will hop between bars enjoying drink specials, themed giveaways, and a lively after-party to end the night.

St. Baldrick’s Day at Boundary Stone March 15: A little Irish spirit and a lot of heart. Boundary Stone’s St. Baldrick’s Day celebration raises funds for pediatric cancer research with volunteers shaving their heads (and sometimes their beards!) auction-style. The event has raised over $1 million since 2014.

Where to Raise a Pint
When March 17 rolls around, these Irish pubs go full tilt. As they say in Ireland, “There are good ships and wood ships, but the best ships are friendships.” And the best place to make a few? A proper Irish pub.

-The Dubliner: One of DC’s most famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Doors open early with live Irish music all day long.

-Kelly’s Irish Times: A Capitol Hill institution known for its lively crowd and impressive Irish whiskey selection.

-Kirwan’s on the Wharf: A modern Irish pub serving elevated comfort food, whiskey, and waterfront views.

-Ireland’s Four Courts: One of the biggest Irish celebrations in Northern Virginia, with live music and a full day of festivities.

-The Auld Shebeen: A longtime favorite known for authentic Irish hospitality and live bands.

-Boundary Stone: Serving up Irish pub favorites like bangers and mash alongside plenty of festive pours.

What to Eat (Because St. Paddy’s Day Is Hearty!)
As the saying goes, “Laughter is brightest where food is best.” And St. Patrick’s Day is all about comforting, hearty dishes. The big star of the day? Corned beef and cabbage, a classic Irish-American tradition that shows up on menus all over the city. Other favorites to look for include:
Main Dishes
— Shepherd’s pie
— Guinness beef stew
— Bangers and mash
— Fish pie
Potato Dishes
— Colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale)
— Boxty (Irish potato pancakes)
— Fried cabbage and potatoes
Desserts & Drinks
— Irish apple tart
— Barmbrack fruit bread
— Guinness chocolate cake
— Irish coffee

And of course, no St. Patrick’s Day is complete without a pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish whiskey.

So put on a little green, grab a pint, and remember the Irish blessing: “May your troubles be less, your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.”

Too many ways to be Irish and we’ve rounded up all the St. Patrick’s Day happenings on our TheListAreYouOnIt.com calendar. Go find your pot of gold!