Even if you aren’t Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most fun holidays to celebrate every year. And there are plenty of ways to do it, from all-you-can-drink bar crawls to more family-friendly activities. For more ways to celebrate, check out Best Bites Blog’s roundup of food and drink specials.
PARTIES
11905 Market St., Reston
It’s a family event in Northern Virginia as Clyde’s brings in bagpipers, moon bounces, face-painting, and other activities for kids. Saturday kicks off with the Lucky Leprechaun 5K at 8:30 AM and includes live music at 6:30.
When: Saturday, March 15
2106 Vermont Ave., NW
Between green Jell-O shooters Friday, green beer Saturday, and all-you-can-eat corned beef and cabbage ($10) Sunday, you might not even make it to Monday. Listen to bagpipers while you enjoy your Guinness ($5), and grab a free T-shirt at the door.
When: Through Monday, March 17
1333 New Hampshire Ave., NW
This spot offers a heated tent party from 10 AM to 3 AM. Enjoy Baileys and Guinness ($5) as well as specials on both domestic drafts ($2) and rail drinks ($4) that last from Friday through St. Patrick’s Day.
1423 P St., NW
You can celebrate with themed cocktails such as Emerald Isle punch ($6) all weekend, plus all-day happy hour on Monday. In addition to the cocktails, get half-price draft beers and food specials. Bonus: One lucky Irish quiz winner will receive a $50 EatWell gift card.
When: Through Monday, March 17
1813 Columbia Rd., NW
This restaurant is closed on Monday, but celebrates a day early with a special three-course dinner meal ($35) and live Gaelic music from a local guitarist. Irish beer and specialty cocktails will also be available.
When: Sunday, March 16; special dinner menu from 5:30 to 9:30
1600 K St., NW
The annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes a special on corned beef and cabbage ($16.90) and a performance from the DC Fire Department’s Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps. But the biggest reason to head there is that a $1,884 bar tab, in honor of its founding year, will be raffled off.
EVENTS
8707 Quarry Rd., Manassas
Want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a week late? Head to RFK Stadium for this annual festival, with more than 30 deejays and bands on seven stages and pub games.
When: Saturday, March 15, at 11 AM
From arts and crafts on Saturday to Irish folk tales Monday, there are events throughout the weekend specially crafted for kids. They’re capped off by a St. Patrick’s Day party for kids ages 5 to 12 at 4 on Monday.
When: Saturday, March 15, through Sunday, March 17
Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
8707 Quarry Rd., Manassas
Head to Northern Virginia to watch Irish dancers, drummers, and other local and regional groups; afterward you’ll be in the middle of a number pubs and taverns to extend the celebration.
When: Saturday, March 15, at 11 AM
Gaithersburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade
209 Boardwalk Pl., Gaithersburg
Sixty-nine different groups will stroll through Gaithersburg tomorrow, including politicians, school groups, bagpipers, and Irish organizations. The 14th annual parade is organized by the Harp & Shamrock Society of Gaithersburg.
When: Saturday, March 15, at 10 AM
Clarendon
More than a dozen bars, including Clarendon Ballroom, Mad Rose, and Velocity Five, are participating. Carry around your refillable shamrock mug ($20) and enjoy $2 pizza slices and different specials at each stop.
When: Saturday, March 15, from 2 to 9
1300 First St., SE
If you don’t want to leave the District, take advantage of three hours of unlimited tastings ($50) of more than 75 beers. Live entertainment and numerous Navy Yard food trucks will be available, and you get unlimited pours of two select beers.
When: Saturday, March 15, from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9
1303 Wisconsin Ave., NW
If you decide you want to feed your competitiveness along with your stomach, sign up for this free scavenger hunt in Georgetown tomorrow. Create a team of three to five other people and compete to win the interactive games that involve food and drinks.
When: Saturday, March 15, at 1
