Where to go for St. Patrick's Day in Virginia
St. Patrick’s Day: A holiday to honor the foremost patron saint of Ireland—Saint Patrick. It’s a holiday where we honor Irish heritage: The food, the music, the culture itself. And in Virginia, we sure know how to party. Enjoy a day accompanied by bag pipes and traditional Irish cuisine. And most of all, have a tall glass of beer. What’s not to like? With a little luck of the Irish, and these places to celebrate St. Patty’s Day, you’re sure to have an experience to remember.
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Norfolk, VA
Take part in the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Norfolk which has been running for five decades. The parade starts at 10 a.m., and is followed by an After Parade Party featuring live bands and food. Participants dress up in traditional Irish garb, decorate their vehicles with shamrocks, and, of course, wear lots and lots of green!
Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Alexandria, VA
The Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade is organized by The Ballyshaners – "Showcasing our city, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, we feature at least four pipe bands, numerous Irish dance schools, the Notre Dame Alumni Band, and over 100 additional parade units." They have organized the Alexandria parade for a record of years. This is noted as "Old Town's largest annual family event".
St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton, VA
Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton goes all out for St. Patrick's Day. With Irish food specials, giveaways, and other exciting festivities, adults can get into the holiday spirit while listening to live music. Drink an extra pint for us!
Shamrock the Block, Richmond, VA
Shamrock the Block is a huge block party that takes over a major downtown street in Richmond. The party starts at noon and ends at six, and is free to participate in. The kid's area has face painting, games, and more. Live bands and tons of food & drink tents make this the place to be in the Richmond area.
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Festival, Roanoke, VA
For all your Roanoker's out there, the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Festival is calling your name! The parade starts around 10 a.m. If you're not the parading type, don't fret. The Shamrock festival offers live music, food, and plenty more. Come on out and enjoy the festivities!
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend, Virginia Beach, VA
The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend is a Hampton Roads staple. With four separate marathons, including a half marathon and 8K, there are opportunities for everyone to get in the Irish spirit. 25,000 runners from all 50 states and outside of the U.S. come to participate. Live entertainment, food, and Yuengling beer are available throughout the weekend.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, Alexandria, VA
Murphy's Grand Irish Pub in Alexandria has never gotten away from its Irish roots. Nightly Irish music and entertainment create the ambiance one would want while enjoying traditional Irish dishes. You can imagine that St. Patrick's Day is their premier holiday. With plenty of live music, Irish dancing, delicious Irish cuisine, and other classic St. Paddy's shenanigans, it's no wonder why!
PaddyFest at Keagan's Irish Pub, Virginia Beach, VA
Live Music. Bagpipers. Beer. Oh, so much beer. All that and more is on tap for the week-long PaddyFest at Keagan's Irish Pub in Virginia Beach's Town Center. The festivities kick off with live entertainment, and then a Keg & Eggs event which leads up to the famous St. Patrick's Day celebration. You won't want to miss a second!
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