Plan your St Patrick's Day celebrations in Northern Virginia with this round-up of Irish Pubs where you can enjoy a pint, live music, Irish dancers, and tasty Irish food. We've also collected St Patrick's Day parades and fun runs to add the luck of the Irish to your month.
Many annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Northern Virginia are canceled or virtual in 2021. Happily, most pubs are still hosting live Irish entertainment plus food and drink specials. Some pubs require reservations but most are open for walk-ins. Space is limited this year, so arrive early to get a spot.
St. Patricks' Day, March 17, 2021, falls on a Wednesday, so some pub celebrations started on the prior weekend. Some of the virtual races listed below start as early as March 5th.
Of course, you don't need to wait for a special day to enjoy the luck of the Irish. We heartily encourage a visit to these cozy Northern Virginia pubs in every season.
Find more local fun in our guide to March Events in Northern Virginia: Festivals and Fun Near DC.
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations at Northern Virginia Pubs
Here are the latest updates on St. Patrick's Day events at local pubs. Follow the links for more details.
The Old Brogue, Great Falls
The Old Brogue will celebrate its 40th anniversary and St. Patrick's Day 2021 with an indoor-outdoor party. Reservations are required and rules have changed so check the Old Brogue website for details. We frequent The Old Brogue when cold winter nights call for a hearty Guinness Beef Pie or crunchy fish and chips. The Brogue is also a favorite when warm summer days prompt a pint on the patio. In 2021. Most years, the pub serves traditional Irish beers from three bars with live concerts at dinner and lunch ($10 cover charge, over 21).
The Auld Shebeen, Fairfax
Enjoy live Irish entertainment at The Auld Shebeen on St. Patrick's Day 2021 and reservations are required. Located in Old Town Fairfax, The Auld Shebeen is always hopping with live music and tasty Irish food on weekend nights. Monday nights are a great time to visit when traditional Irish specials are only $9.95, and they host trad music sessions on Saturdays. Call ahead for reservations.
Murphy's Grand Irish Pub, Alexandria
Enjoy Irish musicians at 10:00 and 3:00 on St. Patrick's Day 2021. The Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade (details below) usually kicks off several days of themed celebrations until the big day. Usually, the fun includes Irish Trivia, a pint-pouring competition, and “St. Practice Day” festivities (on the prior Saturday).
Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant and Bar, Alexandria
Daniel O'Connell's will open early at noon to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. In the past, Daniel O'Connell's owner was the Grand Marshall of Alexandria's St. Patrick's Day parade and they celebrated with Irish music and parade specials. Irish trivia and sports lead up to special entertainment on the 17th.
O'Sullivan's Irish Pub, Arlington
Live Irish dancers and music are on at 2:00, 3:00, and 6:00 on St. Patrick's Day 2021. There are no reservations but space is limited so arrive early. O'Sullivan's is a popular bar for watching rugby, football (the foot kind), and other sports.
Ireland's Four Courts, Arlington
Enjoy a mix of reservation-only and walk-in access this St. Patrick's Day 2021. The celebration started on the prior weekend. On the big day, doors open early at 9:00 am for the festivities. Lunch is reservations only, but everything is walk-in only after 12:30. The fun continues all day with live entertainment, an Irish menu, and Irish beers in 3 indoor rooms and a 60-seat patio.
Finnegan's Grill and Irish Pub, Ashburn
Finnegan's will open on St. Patrick's Day 2021 from 9:00 am to midnight with Irish music and dancers plus a special menu. No reservations needed but space is limited.
Sully's Pour House, Herndon
St. Patrick's Day 2021 celebrations begin at 8:00 am with Kegs & Eggs. Sully's will celebrate with live Irish music and dancers plus food and drink specials all day long. No reservations needed but space is limited.
Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub, Sterling
No events announced for St. Patrick's Day 2021. In prior years, enjoy live music and Irish dancers during special performances throughout St. Patrick's Day. The pub will also host special activities in a 7-day countdown leading up to the big day.
More St Patrick's Day 2021 Fun in Northern Virginia
All of the annual St. Patricks Day races are virtual in 2021 and the Ballyshaners parade in Alexandria is canceled.
Lucky Leprechaun 5K, Virtual, Mar 5 – 31
Celebrate the luck of the Irish with a fun 5K race on the route of your choice. All pre-registered runners receive a Lucky Leprechaun 5K shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there is a photo contest with special awards. Follow the link to register and for more details.
Pot O' Gold 10K, Virtual, Mar 12 – 21 Virtual
Find your pot o' gold at the end of this 10K race. All pre-registered runners receive a Pot O’ Gold 10K shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there is a photo contest with special awards. The race is usually held at One Loudoun, but you can choose your route this year; follow the link to register.
Bluemont Shamrock 5K/10K, Virtual, Mar 12 – 14 Virtual
The 7th annual Bluemont Shamrock, usually a 5 or 10K run through the scenic country roads of beautiful Bluemont, is virtual in 2021. All pre-registered runners receive a commemorative shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there are cash awards in four age groups. Wherever you complete your run, you can celebrate your effort and enjoy the views at Dirt Farm Brewing. Follow the link for registration details.
The Ballyshaners Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Alexandria, CANCELED
This family-fun celebration includes a dog show and the biggest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Northern Virginia. The Parade features over a dozen marching bands plus other groups celebrating their rich Irish heritage. Parade-goers come early for the Fun Dog Show on Market Square, which benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. The dog show starts at 10:30 and the parade starts at 12:30, and all events are free.
St Patrick’s Day Parade, Manassas, Mar 13 TBD
The committee is waiting for word on whether the parade can be held this year. The Manassas community parade usually features Irish dance groups, the Northern Virginia Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe and Drum, Washington Scottish Pipe and Drum, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Coalition Pipe and Drum, the Marine Corps Color Guard, and other area groups and organizations. Free; parade begins at 11:00.
St Pats Running Fest, Arlington and DC, CANCELED
The St Pats Running Fest will return in 2022. Normally, runners have the chance to combine three great races.—the Four Courts Four Miler on Saturday in Arlington, and the Sunday 5K or 10K in DC. Run one race or choose from the two days, three races, seven combinations of racing at value prices for multiple bundles. Start a weekend of fun at Four Courts in Arlington with a Four Miler run on Wilson Boulevard and 110. The second half of the Four Courts Four Miler race is uphill, so pace yourself.
After-Party, Ireland’s Four Courts, Arlington, CANCELED
After the Four Miler race, reward your efforts in a heated tent with Irish dancers, live music, and adult beverages.
Whether your focus is a St Patrick's Day event to celebrate on March 17th, or an Irish pub to visit throughout the year, we wish you happy travels and fun times.
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This article was published in 2018 and last updated in 2020.
