How To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Alexandria
Whether you’re Irish by heritage or Irish at heart, St. Patrick’s Day in Alexandria isn’t just another holiday — it’s a full-on springtime celebration of culture, community, and Old Town charm.
Nestled along the Potomac with cobblestone streets and historic storefronts, Alexandria’s vibrant tapestry of traditions has made St. Patrick’s Day one of the city’s most beloved seasonal parties. From the earliest parades to the present-day march through Old Town’s heart, this is the DMV’s original St. Patrick’s Day experience — and it starts long before March 17 arrives.
Don Your Green for the Ballyshaners’ Big Day
Mark your calendar: The Ballyshaners 43rd Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns March 7th. Winding through Old Town, it’s one of the DC region’s longest-running celebrations of Irish heritage. Why is it such a big deal? Because Alexandria deserves all the credit for hosting the first St. Patrick’s Day parade ever in the DC area — and for more than four decades, this march of pipe bands, Irish dancers, community groups, and local characters has brought generations together.
Expect:
- Pipe bands and rhythmic drums that echo down King Street
- Precision Irish dancers kicking up energy and smiles
- Community entries are perfect for family photos
- A splash of green everywhere you look
Parade-day festivities kick off at noon, with the main procession stepping off around 12:30 PM, and the route now stretches through more of Old Town so you have ample space to catch every moment.
Pro tip: arrive early to claim primo viewing spots at King & Pitt Streets or along St. Asaph, and hop off the King Street–Old Town Metro for a quick walk to the action.
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Make It a Full-Day Celebration
Parades are just the start. Once you’ve cheered on the marchers, you can continue channeling the luck of the Irish by:
Exploring St. Patrick’s Day Events Around Town
From family-fun festivities to themed activities (think crafts, music, and more), there’s a roster of celebrations on and around parade day. Keep an eye on local calendars for happenings like St. Patrick’s Day-themed family fun at local parks and venues.
Raising a Glass on the 17th
Alexandria keeps the party rolling with lively social events like the Official St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl, serving up local bars with festive drink specials and a sea of green — from Uptown pubs to historic King Street spots.
Eating, Drinking, & Being Irish
Old Town’s historic taverns and restaurants turn up the charm with Irish-inspired food, music, and good cheer. Whether you’re grabbing a pint with friends or enjoying a meal with live music, there’s no shortage of ways to toast to the luck of the Irish. A few local favorite Irish pubs include:
Why This Celebration Feels So Classic
Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about green gear and Irish shenanigans — it’s rooted in a community tradition that celebrates Irish culture while bringing residents and visitors together against the backdrop of Old Town’s historic streets. Over the years, the parade and surrounding festivities have grown into a hallmark of the city’s spring calendar, attracting thousands of spectators and participants alike.
So whether you’re lining King Street for the Ballyshaners’ parade, hopping between favorite pubs on March 17, or simply soaking up the spirit with friends and family, you can count on Alexandria to deliver a St. Patrick’s Day filled with character, history, and plenty of fun. 🍀
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