Best St. Patrick’s Day Activities in D.C.

March is here, which means that it’s time to start making plans for St. Patrick’s Day in Washington, D.C. This holiday is not just celebrated on March 17^th in the District, but all month long! So you don’t have to worry about committing to just one fun activity this year – you can celebrate the holiday to the fullest extent possible throughout the entire month of March.

Check out the District’s 41st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 11 at noon. Grab a spot along Constitution Avenue, between 7^th and 17^th Streets, NW or better yet, purchase grandstand tickets through the link above. This year’s grandstands will be located between 15^th and 16^th Streets, next to the judges’ stands so you will get to hear each group announced and enjoy their performances. The parade for this festive holiday will feature marching bands, school groups, dance troops, floats, and a variety of other community organizations. Because the streets will be blocked off, parking will be difficult so driving is not recommended. Buses will also have a hard time getting around, which means that Metro is your best bet or if you are able to walk there, then that’s even better since Metro will probably be packed.

Shamrock Fest 2012 is back at RFK Stadium this year and you won’t want to miss it! Block off your calendar on Saturday, March 24 from 1:00pm – 9:00pm to check out over 50 bands and DJ’s including Gavin DeGraw and Dropkick Murphy’s. This year’s fest also includes games, beer trucks, food vendors, contests, and more. Tickets start at $24.99 per person and group discounts are available for parties of 5 and up. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time here.

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, which means that you have no excuse to stay in! Stop by Shamrocks & Shenanigans at Rumors in Dupont Circle. Get there early (11:30am) to take advantage of $1.17 Coors Lights and $2.17 Blue Moons. Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes and festive green gear because there will be contests for “Most Irish Garb” and “Best Irish Jig.” Rumors will also have a DJ and free souvenirs. There’s a $5 cover for this event.

Contrary to popular belief, drinking isn’t the only way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. On Sunday, March 11, the Capital Running Company will hold the St. Patrick's Day 8k at 9:00pm in Freedom Plaza. The start and finish lines are on Pennsylvania NW between 12^th and 13^th Streets. The event will feature bagpipers, Irish dancers, and a DJ. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day – including a 4-day cruise for 2! Same day registration begins at 7:00am, or you could register online in advance and pick up your packet at 1427 P Street NW on Friday, March 9 from 11:00am – 9:00pm. There is a bag check service for runners at the 14^th Street side of Freedom Plaza, though to avoid the chaos you may want to leave your stuff with friends or in the car.

If you’re in the U St. area, stop by Duffy's Irish Pub which offers a full week of St. Patrick’s activities. Starting on Sunday, March 11, the pub will supplement the parade celebration with an Irish buffet noon – 3:30pm and live Irish music. Monday, March 12, Ronan Kavanagh will perform 9:00pm – midnight. Wednesday, March 13, is trivia night at Duffy's, with a St. Patrick’s Day theme, starting at 8:00pm. Thursday, March 14, you can drink green beer while watching the NCAA tournament or listening to live Irish music at 9:00pm. On the big day, Duffy's will have bagpipers, Irish dancers, and Guinness girls. Doors open at 11:00am and there is a $5 cover all day.