Since 1762, the U.S. has joined in on the celebrations for St. Patrick's Day. The first parade took place in New York City as Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched along the city streets to celebrate their heritage.
As discrimination against Irish immigrants rose in the 1800s, St. Patrick’s Day parades grew ever more popular as Irish-Americans determinedly celebrated their heritage.
These Irish-inspired festivities continue as a beloved tradition throughout the U.S. today. Here is a list of some of the ways you can join in on the St. Patrick’s Day fun in D.C., MD, and VA this year.
1. The Nation’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Sunday, March 15 from 12pm-3pm
Location: Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C.
Each year, our nation’s capital becomes a sea of green on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day.
Thousands gather along Constitution Avenue for the Nation’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which involves floats, marching and pipe bands, dancing, and features from over 100 community groups.
The parade follows a route that ends at 17th St. NW, but the celebrations extend much further. You can keep the fun going at various happy hours, pub crawls, live music events, and much more throughout the city. Visit TripSavvy to find out more info on the event and transportation.
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2. Virginia’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Tuesday, March 17 from 5pm-5:30pm
Location: Bannon’s Irish Inn 411 E. Ridgeway St., Clifton Forge, VA
Are you interested in marching alongside a parade but want to skip the lengthy walk? Virginia has a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that’s perfect for you in Clifton Forge. This parade may be short in length, but it’s anything but small in celebration.
Attendees dress head-to-toe in green to enjoy Irish soda bread and green punch, toast to St. Patrick, and compete in an “Ugliest Knees Contest.”
So get ready to make a short walk from Bannon’s Irish Inn to Jack Mason’s Tavern and Brewery to show your Irish spirit. The speedy parade starts at 5pm.
3. St. Patrick’s Day Cookie Decorating - Tuesday, March 17 from 6pm-7pm
Location: 1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Washington, DC
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with delicious cookies?
Baked & Wired is hosting a cookie decorating party for anyone who wants to show their Irish spirit — as well as their love for cookies. Each participant gets two cookies and enough frosting and sprinkles to make their dream cookie masterpiece. Tickets are just $13; go to Event Brite to register!
4. St. Patrick’s Day Green and Growing Scavenger Hunt - Tuesday, March 17 from 10am-12pm
Location: 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
For more kid-friendly fun, check out the Green and Growing Scavenger Hunt at Brookside Gardens. Kids can join in on celebrating St. Patrick's Day with garden planting crafts, stories, and fun games. Go to the Montgomery Parks website to register for just $7!
5. Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Saturday, March 14 from 11am-12pm
Location: Center St. in Old Town Manassas
Described as a family-oriented Irish celebration, the Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the perfect place to deck yourself out in green and shamrocks. You’ll enjoy parade floats, pipe bands, Irish dancing, and more at this 20th annual celebration.
The DMV will be vibrant and covered in shamrocks over the next few weeks and there will be plenty of events to choose from, so put on your greenest clothes and get ready for some fun!
