by Peggy Robin
I had to do a double-take (or triple-take?) when I started looking over the events to post to be considered for the "Get Out!" column's event of the week: It seems this year the organizers of St Patrick's Day events have managed to do the holiday in triplicate. By that I mean that the snake-conquering saint is being feted THREE TIMES -- with events on THIS Saturday, March 7, and again on NEXT Saturday, March 14, and of course, on the ACTUAL ST PATRICK'S DAY, March 17.
Seems like those who view the holiday as the best excuse for a day-long pub crawl are in for three-times the fun!
For those looking for a nice, traditional St Patrick's Day Parade, with pipers, marching bands, step dancers and lots of... 
...and you can start with the big St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturuday in Old Town Alexandria
Here are the deets:
March 7, 2026 starting at 12:15 PM
300 King Street
Event description: The Ballyshaners 43rd Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 7th, 2026. Residents and tourists are encouraged to come early to enjoy the events at one of the DC area’s finest parades. This event is free and open to the public.
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Ready for another, even BIGGER Irish festival? Go to:
IRLAND AT THE WHARF a week from tomorrow - on Saturday, March 14 from 1-7 PM.
Here's what you need to know before you go (from the FAQ at https://www.wharfdc.com/ireland/):
Do I need a ticket?
Ireland at The Wharf is free to attend; no tickets are needed. Drinks are available for purchase on District and Transit Pier and at all Wharf bars and restaurants. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol. The VIP Irish Experience presented by Jameson is back! Ticket holders can taste Premium Irish Whiskeys, get backstage access, and more. Limited tickets are available here.
Ireland at The Wharf is free to attend; no tickets are needed. Drinks are available for purchase on District and Transit Pier and at all Wharf bars and restaurants. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol. The VIP Irish Experience presented by Jameson is back! Ticket holders can taste Premium Irish Whiskeys, get backstage access, and more. Limited tickets are available here.
What activities are there at the event?
Listen to great live music, watch Six Nations rugby on a jumbotron screen, learn to play Gaelic Football with DC Gaels, watch local Irish dance troupes and of course, enjoy a pint or two.
Listen to great live music, watch Six Nations rugby on a jumbotron screen, learn to play Gaelic Football with DC Gaels, watch local Irish dance troupes and of course, enjoy a pint or two.
Is this event family-friendly and pet-friendly?
Yes, children and pets are welcome throughout the festival area. Children may enjoy watching the musicians and Irish dancers, a kids coloring station, and more.
Yes, children and pets are welcome throughout the festival area. Children may enjoy watching the musicians and Irish dancers, a kids coloring station, and more.
Are there any St. Patrick's Day food and drink specials?
Kirwan's on The Wharf serves authentic Irish food and drinks 365 days a year, and especially on St. Patrick's Day weekend. There will be a festival bar serving Guinness and a Fever-Tree Mocktail Bar on District Pier!
Kirwan's on The Wharf serves authentic Irish food and drinks 365 days a year, and especially on St. Patrick's Day weekend. There will be a festival bar serving Guinness and a Fever-Tree Mocktail Bar on District Pier!
Will there be Irish music?
Of course! The festival's main stage on District Pier features three live local bands performing familiar Celtic, Irish, and Americana tunes that you can sing along and dance to including special headliners Chasing Abbey direct from Ireland. On Transit Pier watch Irish dancing and listen to local favorites Kentucky Avenue Trio.
What is the best way to get to The Wharf?
The Wharf has three underground parking garages that are open around the clock. Check our garages' capacity before you arrive. Or plan to utilize one of the nearby off-site parking garages (view PDF map), including Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza (420 10th St SW), L'Enfant East Parking Garage (840 D St SW), or the 1100 4th St SW Garage. You can also ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes to The Wharf, or ride to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Southwest Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.
The Wharf has three underground parking garages that are open around the clock. Check our garages' capacity before you arrive. Or plan to utilize one of the nearby off-site parking garages (view PDF map), including Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza (420 10th St SW), L'Enfant East Parking Garage (840 D St SW), or the 1100 4th St SW Garage. You can also ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes to The Wharf, or ride to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Southwest Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.
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Still wanting more of the holiday? Here are some places to celebrate with Irish food and drink -- and music! -- on the proper day itself, TUESDAY, MARCH 17th (results from Google AI):
Top St. Patrick's Day Pubs & Events in DC (March 17, 2026):
- The Dubliner (Capitol Hill): Renowned for its massive celebration, starting at 9 a.m. with live music from bands like Brian Gaffney.
- Duffy's Irish Pub (Dupont Circle): Opens at 12 p.m. with Irish dancers from the McGrath Morgan Academy and a focus on traditional tunes.
- Kelly's Irish Times (Capitol Hill): A popular, boisterous spot known for its extensive whiskey list and all-day atmosphere.
- Kirwan's on the Wharf (Southwest Waterfront): Offers a more modern, upscale, yet authentic Irish experience.
- Ireland's Four Courts (Arlington/DC Area): A major destination with live music and, in 2026, potentially celebrating their 30th anniversary.
- The Auld Shebeen (Fairfax): A popular spot often featuring Irish bands.
- Boundary Stone (Bloomingdale): Features authentic Irish pub fare like bangers and mash.
Specialty Food & Drink:
- Guinness: Look for special, early morning, or discounted pours at The Dubliner (51-cent Guinness before 10 AM) and Ireland's Four Courts.
- Traditional Irish Fare: Corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread will be featured at most, particularly The Dubliner.
- Festive Drinks: Dacha Shaw (green beer) and Dog Haus (Jameson shots, pickle backs) are also mentioned for the holiday.
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The Get Out Event of the Week (and in this case, next week, too!) is usually posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and On All Life Is Local on Thursdays but today it was posted a day late....
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