Article Text
Northern Virginia’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Day festivities stretch from March 7 through March 18, bringing parades, concerts, festivals, races, family activities and Irish food and drink specials to communities across the region.
Saturday, March 7
The Ballyshaners’ 43rd Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade begins at noon in Old Town Alexandria. Traditionally held on the first Saturday in March, the parade features pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community organizations and other performers.
Tir Na Nog, billed as Northern Virginia’s largest Irish festival, runs from noon to 8 p.m. at Commonwealth Brewing Co., 10426 Main St. in Fairfax. The event includes live music, Irish dancers and Irish and Celtic vendors.
Canines and Clovers takes over Shipgarten’s outdoor biergarten and off-leash dog park from 1 to 6 p.m. Dogs are invited to join the celebration, including those dressed in green. Shipgarten is at 7581 Colshire Drive in McLean.
Wednesday, March 11
The Seán Heely Celtic Band brings Irish pub favorites, rebel songs and dance tunes to Jammin Java at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40. The venue is at 227 Maple Ave. E. in Vienna.
Saturday, March 14
Lost Rhino Brewing Company opens its annual celebration at 9 a.m. with breakfast and beer, followed by an all-day Irish-style menu and the release of McMunn’s Irish Red Lager. Foley Irish Dance Academy performs at 12:15 p.m., and live music runs from 1 to 10 p.m.
Vendors include the Tilly Goose Trucker Hat Bar and Naughty Nougat from noon to 4 p.m., along with a Prism Pulse photo booth from 1 to 3 p.m. Lost Rhino is at 21730 Red Rum Drive, Suite 142, in Ashburn.
The eighth annual Leprechaun Loop begins at 10 a.m. at SideBar, 24 S. King St. in Leesburg. The parking lot will close for an outdoor celebration featuring live music, DJs, food and drinks. Bars will operate inside SideBar and The Docket, with two additional pop-up bars outdoors. VIP tickets cost $17.85, and festivities are scheduled to continue until 11:30 p.m.
The Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 11 a.m. along Center Street in Old Town Manassas. Pipe bands, Irish cultural organizations, dance groups and members of the Manassas community will take part.
Honor Brewing Company will celebrate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 42604 Trade West Drive in Sterling. The day includes live music, Irish-inspired specials and the official opening of the brewery’s outdoor bar.
Honor Brewing Kitchen–Fairfax will hold a parallel celebration from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., featuring live music, Irish-inspired specials and the return of Irish Rose Red Ale. The restaurant is at 11250 James Swart Circle in Fairfax.
Shipgarten’s St. Paddy’s Day Festival runs from 1 to 6 p.m. at its McLean location. The festival will offer Irish-inspired dishes and drinks, green beer, cornhole, giant Jenga, cup pong and costumed leprechauns available for photos.
All Weekend
The Shamrock Showdown volleyball tournament runs March 14 and 15 at The St. James, 6805 Industrial Road in Springfield. Top club teams will compete, with the schedule to be announced closer to the event. Tickets start at $22.39.
Solace Brewing Co. will hold a weekend celebration March 14 and 15 at 42615 Trade West Drive, Suite 100, in Dulles. Offerings include green-tinted beer, Scuttered Irish Red Ale, Irish food specials and limited-edition shirts and glasses.
Sunday, March 15
The Lucky Leprechaun 5K begins at 8 a.m. at Reston Town Center and can also be completed virtually. Registration costs $45. Pre-registered runners receive a commemorative shirt, race bib, medal, post-race snacks, race-day photos and a digital finisher certificate.
Shipgarten hosts Kids St. Paddy’s Day from noon to 6 p.m. The outdoor Lucky Local Market will feature local makers, small businesses and community vendors, with appearances by Merida and Tinker Bell for family photos.
Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17
Wildfire Restaurant will serve St. Patrick’s Day specials during dinner March 16 and throughout March 17. An $34.95 entrée includes 8 ounces of slow-cooked sliced corned beef with braised cabbage wedges, redskin mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots and coarse-grain mustard. Chocolate stout cake costs $10.95. Wildfire is at 2001 International Drive in McLean.
Tuesday, March 17
The Old Brogue marks its 45th anniversary at 760 Walker Road in Great Falls. The Snuggery’s Irish Concerts feature Tam McGeady and the Mostly Irish Band, with $55 lunch programs from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 4:15 p.m. Dinner programs cost $75 and run from 4:45 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:15 p.m.
The pub bash opens at 10 a.m., with traditional Irish beers available at all bars. William Baskin performs from noon to 3:30 p.m., followed by the Galway Gamblers from 4 p.m. until last call. Boyle Irish Dancers appear at noon, 3:30 and 6:15 p.m. A $15 cover includes an official 2026 button, with limited seating available on a first-come basis.
Ireland’s Four Provinces, at 105 W. Broad St. in Falls Church, starts the day with walk-in Kegs & Eggs from 8 to 10 a.m. Reservations are available for noon and 2 p.m. lunches and 4, 6 and 8 p.m. dinners featuring Gerry Timlin. The patio bar and pub remain open for walk-ins all day, with music from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Menu specials will also be offered throughout the day.
The Auld Shebeen, at 3971 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax, presents entertainment on two stages. The Donegal Yanks play in the main dining room from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the Flying Cows of Ventry from 4 to 10 p.m. The cellar hosts CCE Session Players from noon to 3 p.m. and the Donegal Yanks from 5 to 9 p.m.
Kristin Butke gives an Irish dance performance in the cellar and main dining room at 4:30 p.m. A Bushmills Irish Whiskey promotion begins at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18
Celtic Woman brings its “A New Era” production to Capital One Hall at 7 p.m. The concert blends Irish classics, contemporary selections, classical works and original songs, performed with Irish dancers and a full ensemble playing instruments including bagpipes, bodhrán, whistles and Uilleann pipes.
Tickets start at $54.35. Capital One Hall is at 7750 Capital One Tower Road in Tysons.
Washington Regional Alcohol Program also plans to offer its SoberRide program for St. Patrick’s Day, providing eligible participants with a free Lyft ride worth up to $15. Program details and the promotional code will be available through SoberRide.