St. Patty’s Day in DC means pints of beer, good food and plenty of live entertainment. Whether you prefer the sounds of Irish bagpipes or the music from today’s leading DJs, bands and entertainers, DC has got a St. Patty’s Day live music celebration just for you.
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ShamrockFest
RFK Stadium Festival Grounds
2400 E Capitol St NE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-9077
shamrockfest.com
Price: $29.35 to $88.39
Date: March 17, 2012
Hours: 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Known as “America’s greatest Saint Patty’s Festival,” ShamrockFest 2012 promises to be bigger and better than it ever has been before. More than 50 DJs, bands and other musical guests will perform on multiple stages throughout the festival grounds. The event also features 15 party areas, tented pavilions, carnival rides and games, food, beverage and craft vendors but most importantly, plenty of beer. Catch some NCAA action or see who wins the men’s and women’s Irish football national championships in the sports viewing pavilion. The festival is so hugely popular that many restaurants and bars throughout the area will host countdown parties until the day of the event.
St. Patrick’s Day Concert with Moya Brennan Band
National Geographic Live
1600 M St NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 857-7700
nationalgeographic.com
Price: $25 National Geographic Member; $30 General Public
Date: March 17, 2012
Hours: 7:30 p.m.
Listen to the beautiful sounds of traditional Irish and Gaelic songs sung by the “first lady of Celtic music,” Moya Brennan. Irish folk singer and harpist, Brennan’s musical career spans more than 40 years and includes numerous collaborations with other world-renowned artists, multiple Grammy nominations and an Emmy. Her work can be found on various movie soundtracks, including Titanic and Band of Brothers. Stop by the Tierra Firma Cafe bar and enjoy a pint of Irish beer before the show.
Related: Best Beer Selection/Beer Halls in Washington D.C.
Pat Troy’s Irish Restaurant and Pub
111 N Pitt St NW
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 549-4535
www.pattroysirishpub.com
Price: $10 cover
Date: March 17, 2012
Hours: All day
At the historic Pat Troy’s in Old Town Alexandria, St. Patty’s Day is treated like a big-time affair. The restaurant and pub will feature breakfast, lunch and dinner specials as well as live music all day and a heated tent for its annual St. Patty’s Day celebration. Reservations are highly encouraged. After the festivities come to an end, visit the pub and enjoy daily food and drink specials and watch pub owner Troy jump on stage and sing “The Unicorn Song.” It is truly a sight to see!
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PJ Clarke’s
1600 K St NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 463-6610
pjclarkes.com
Price: $4
Date: March 17, 2012
Hours: Event starts at 11 a.m.
For more than 125 years, PJ Clarke’s has entertained New Yorkers with its annual legendary St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This St. Patrick’s Day, swing by PJ Clarke’s sister location in downtown DC and enjoy traditional Irish foods, drink specials and live musical entertainment. Quench your palate with drinks at the marble and oak bar, which dates back close to the end of the 19th century. Other notable pieces of furniture and design include red leather pub banquets, 1940s-style chandeliers and memorabilia from decades ago. The restaurant also features a semi-private dining area upstairs.
The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon 2012
3601 Shore Dr
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
(757) 412-1056
www.shamrockmarathon.com
Price: Free
Date: March 17 – 18, 2012
Time: Click here for concert schedule
If drinking green beer isn’t quite your thing, then check out the 2012 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend down at Virginia Beach. The event — which features a marathon, half marathon, an 8K and running events for children —is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Join other fellow marathon runners as you make the trek from Atlantic Avenue to the Boardwalk. After the race, enjoy a true Irish celebration featuring live entertainment, delicious Irish stew and plenty of Yuengling beer. The event also features a sports and fitness expo. Each participant receives a “shamrock schwag bag” featuring goodies like shirts, hats, medals and finisher certificates.
Related: Best Budget Arts and Culture Events in DC
Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.