Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in DC

St. Patrick’s Day parades are an iconic part of the holiday’s celebrations. Held in cities and towns around the world, these parades feature colorful floats, marching bands, and enthusiastic crowds dressed in green. In many places, the parade is the highlight of the day, with people lining the streets for hours to catch a glimpse of the festivities. While the parades may vary in size and style from place to place, they all share a common theme of celebrating Irish heritage and culture. For many, the parade is an opportunity to come together with friends and family and enjoy a fun and festive atmosphere. From the grandest parades to the smaller, community-focused celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day parades are a beloved tradition that brings people together in celebration.

On Sunday, March 12th, the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Washington, DC is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day March at 12 PM starting near the Peace Monument. Attend this St. Patrick’s Day parade with all the bells and whistles – bagpipers, marching bands, floats and other fun festivities. The parade is always held the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day. Irish-related events, ranging from theater to dance concerts, are held the days afterward. Visitors can catch the action on Constitution Avenue just north of the National Mall between 7th and 17th streets. All are welcome! For more information about the event, visit the event page here and for questions about volunteering, accessibility, or group participation, read more on the committee’s site and please reach out directly to the parade committee here.

Attending a bar crawl is a great way to explore a city and experience its nightlife scene. Typically organized by a group or company, a bar crawl involves visiting multiple bars or pubs in one night, often with a specific theme or route. As you hop from one bar to the next, you’ll have the opportunity to sample different drinks, try new foods, and meet new people. Bar crawls can be a great way to discover hidden gems and local favorites that you might not have found on your own. They’re also a fun and social activity that’s perfect for groups of friends or coworkers looking for a night out.

St. Patrick’s Day pub crawls are a popular way to celebrate the holiday with friends and fellow revelers. Similar to a regular bar crawl, a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl typically involves visiting multiple pubs or bars that are decked out in green decorations and festive attire. Participants often wear green clothing or accessories and may even dress up as leprechauns or other Irish-themed characters. As you make your way from pub to pub, you’ll have the opportunity to sample traditional Irish drinks like Guinness and whiskey, as well as enjoy live music and entertainment. St. Patrick’s Day pub crawls are a fun and lively way to celebrate the holiday and immerse yourself in Irish culture. However, it is of course always important to remember to drink responsibly and stay safe while enjoying the festivities. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a pub crawl is a great way to get a taste of the city and make some memories along the way while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

On March 17th starting at 5:00 PM, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at multiple venues throughout the city. People will be wearing green in the bar to show off their Irish spirit to celebrate a day for the Irish people! The official pub crawl team will make this an event you don’t want to miss! Read more about the venues, what’s included, and other details here.

On March 18th, starting at the Hard Rock Cafe, spend St. Patrick’s Day attending the Shamrock Stroll Bar Crawl. Wear green and get ready to explore and have fun. Read more about the Shamrock Stroll Pub Crawl here.

On March 17th and 18th, from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, attend Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl. Get cover fees waived, drinks, and food at select locations. Read more about the crawl here.

Photo Credit: Ig JPM

St. Patrick’s Parish was established in 1794 in Washington, D.C. to cater to the Irish immigrants working as stonemasons on the White House and Capitol building. The first church was a simple frame chapel, which was later replaced by a brick church that was designed by James Hoban, the architect of the White House. The church was embellished with the city’s first pipe organ, a gift pulpit from Emperor Dom Pedro I of Brazil, and a painting from Charles X of France. St. Patrick’s continued to serve as a pro-cathedral for the Baltimore Archdiocese and went through changes to adjust to the changing neighborhood and respond to the Great Depression’s needs.

8th Street SE Barracks Row Main Street celebrates St. Patrick’s Day all month long with live music, food and special activities from 8th Street Partners. Specials and activities include live music on the street on Saturday, March 18th from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm as well as specialty drinks for the occasion! Read more about the celebration here.

Races for charity on holiday weekends have become increasingly popular in recent years. These events offer an opportunity for individuals and families to combine their love for physical activity with a good cause. Participants can choose from a variety of distances and register for a fee that goes directly to the charity. Races often offer perks like t-shirts, medals, and post-race festivities, making it a fun and memorable experience for all involved. With holiday weekends providing a natural break from the typical routine, races offer a way to give back while also enjoying some exercise and fresh air.

Take a tour of the National Mall to see all of the iconic monuments, memorials, and landmarks of the city, many of which were built by Irish immigrants. If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to explore the city’s iconic and historical sites and learn more about the history of the country, check out one of our narrated golf cart tours.

These tours are a fun and stress-free way to visit all of the popular sites in DC without needing to create a plan or research on your own. Capitol Express Tours is a local business that will take you to see the iconic monuments and memorials within the city on ​​our narrated tour down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol and through the heart of the National Mall where you can see various monumental landmarks and memorials like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the US Capitol Building. Our tours allow you to explore and learn about sites that depict the interesting details of the nation’s capital with opportunities to customize your tour as well. Book your tour now!