Your Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Neighborhood Guide

 

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and the DMV is going all out! From massive festivals to lively pub parties, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Whether you’re looking for parades, live music, Guinness galore, or just a good time, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your go-to guide for the best St. Paddy’s Day events in Washington, D.C., Bethesda, and beyond!

 

23rd Annual Gaithersburg St. Patrick’s Parade

📍 Rio Blvd., Grand Ave., Gaithersburg, MD
🗓️ Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10:00 AM
💰 FREE Admission

Kick off your St. Patrick's Day weekend with Gaithersburg's beloved community parade!

This family-friendly event has become a local tradition over its 23-year history. You'll be treated to the mesmerizing sounds of bagpipes, impressive Irish dance performances, creative floats, and even some four-legged participants joining the festivities.

For the best experience, I recommend arriving early and staking out a viewing spot along Rio Boulevard or Grand Corner Avenue. While there's no candy throwing from floats (safety regulations), plenty of vendors and participants will be handing out festive giveaways.

The Rio Lakefront area also offers plenty of restaurants and shops to explore before or after the parade, making it a perfect day outing.

 

National ShamrockFest 2025 – The Ultimate Irish Party!

📍 RFK Stadium Festival Fairgrounds, Washington, D.C.
🗓️ Saturday, March 15, 2025
🎟️ Tickets Required

If you're looking for the ultimate St. Patrick's Day experience, ShamrockFest is where you need to be. As the largest Irish festival in the United States, this massive celebration transforms the RFK Stadium grounds into an Irish paradise.

The festival features:

✅ Multiple stages with live music ranging from traditional Irish bands to modern rock and EDM

✅ Extensive beer gardens serving Guinness, Irish whiskeys, and local craft brews

✅ Authentic Irish food vendors alongside diverse culinary options

✅ Carnival rides and interactive games for adults (yes, adults get to play too!)

✅ Cultural showcases including professional Irish step dancers and traditional performances

Rally your crew, throw on your green gear, and get ready to dance, drink, and celebrate like the Irish! Sláinte! 🍻

 

Celtic House Irish Pub Bash – 5 Days of Festivities!

📍 2500 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA
🗓️ March 13–17, 2025
💰 FREE Admission

Why celebrate for just one day when you can enjoy five? Celtic House Irish Pub offers nearly a week of festivities leading up to and including St. Patrick's Day. This authentic Irish pub goes all out with:

✅ Daily live music featuring traditional Irish musicians and modern bands

✅ Expert-led whiskey tastings showcasing premium Irish spirits

✅ Menu specials highlighting both traditional and creative Irish cuisine

✅ Green beer, Guinness promotions, and signature cocktail specials

✅ Festive décor transforming the entire venue into an Irish wonderland

The main celebration on March 17th brings everything to another level with bagpipers, special performances, and a party atmosphere that rivals Dublin itself.

The pub tends to reach capacity early on the 17th, so arrive before noon if possible.

 

The Dubliner – D.C.’s Iconic Irish Pub Party

📍 4 F St NW, Washington, D.C.
🗓️ March 17, 2025
💰 Doors open at 9:00 AM

For an authentic Irish experience in the heart of D.C., The Dubliner stands as the gold standard. Operating since 1974, this iconic establishment has perfected the art of St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

The Dubliner is known for:

✅ Perfectly poured pints of Guinness (they take the proper two-minute pour very seriously)

✅ Live Irish music throughout the day and evening

✅ A menu featuring traditional Irish comfort foods made from authentic recipes

✅ A warm, welcoming atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors

Their fish and chips paired with a pint of Guinness is legendary among D.C. residents. The pub opens early on St. Patrick's Day and stays packed until closing time, so plan accordingly. Many regulars make this their annual tradition, and for good reason!

 

Kelly’s Irish Times – Capitol Hill’s Go-To Irish Bar

📍 14 F St NW, Washington, D.C.
🗓️ March 17, 2025 | Starts at 12:00 PM

Just steps from Union Station, Kelly's Irish Times has been a Capitol Hill institution for decades. With walls covered in authentic Irish memorabilia and police patches from around the world, the atmosphere alone is worth experiencing.

On St. Patrick's Day, Kelly's transforms into:

✅ A showcase for talented Irish musicians and dancers

✅ A whiskey lover's paradise with special tastings and flights

✅ A gathering place for a diverse crowd of politicians, locals, and visitors

✅ A culinary destination with Irish classics and creative specials

Their central location makes Kelly's particularly popular, so arriving early is essential if you want to secure a spot. The crowd tends to spill onto the sidewalk as the day progresses, creating a block party atmosphere.

 

St. Patrick’s Day at Tommy Joe’s – Bethesda’s Ultimate Bash!

📍 7940 Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD
🗓️ March 17, 2025

For Montgomery County residents, Tommy Joe's offers the perfect blend of Irish tradition and modern celebration. This Bethesda favorite combines the energy of a sports bar with the warmth of an Irish pub.

Their St. Patrick's Day celebration includes:

✅ Live entertainment rotating throughout the day and evening

✅ A special menu featuring both Irish classics and creative fusion dishes

✅ Guinness and Jameson specials that won't break the bank

✅ An outdoor area (weather permitting) to accommodate the festive crowds

Their corned beef sliders have developed a cult following, and their fish and chips rival those found in Dublin.

Tommy Joe's central Bethesda location makes it easily accessible by Metro, which is recommended if you plan to enjoy their drink specials!

How Did St. Patrick’s Day Come to Be? 

Ever wonder why we all suddenly turn Irish on March 17? Well, let’s take a little trip back in time—no passport required!

St. Patrick’s Day came to be as a feast day honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He wasn’t actually Irish—he was born in Britain but was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he later returned as a missionary, spreading Christianity across the Emerald Isle. And legend has it, he even used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity! 

 

Over the centuries, the day became more than just a religious holiday—it turned into a full-blown celebration of all things Irish. Thanks to Irish immigrants in the U.S., St. Paddy’s Day became what we know today: parades, pints, and parties galore! So, whether you’re raising a glass of Guinness or just here for the shamrock shakes, you’re part of a tradition that has truly stood the test of time.

So, be festive, be lucky, and be ready to celebrate! ☘️🎉

 

Wrapping Up: Just Be in the Spirit!

Whether you're dancing in a parade, toasting with a perfectly poured pint, or just soaking in the Irish spirit, St. Patrick’s Day is all about coming together, having fun, and celebrating in style. So throw on your best green, gather your crew, and make this St. Paddy’s one to remember!

Be fun. Be you. Be bold. Be festive. Just BE! 🍻

Which event are you most excited for? Let us know & tag us in your St. Paddy’s celebrations!