St. Patrick’s Day (Lá Fhéile Pádraig) is Ireland’s national holiday and it’s a bid deal in the United States, too. It’s become a celebration for all, not just Catholics or those of Irish descent, with parades and other big community celebrations. Fairfax County and Northern Virginia in general are not exactly Boston or Chicago, but we do have quite a few celebrations and we highlight some below.
First, I should note: I know that this beyond the corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, green drinks, and general merriment, what has become a big party day really began as — and still is — a cultural and religious holiday. No matter your background, the real story of Saint Patrick is an inspiring tale of hardship, survival, and faith. If you’ll be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 or the days leading up to it, take a little time to teach your kids a little bit about history and culture… it’s as easy as a trip to your local Fairfax County Public Library! To celebrate at home, be sure to see the Fairfax Family Fun St. Patrick’s Day Pinterest board for easy, cute, fun, and festive recipes, crafts, activities, and decoration ideas.
And when you’re ready to go out and about, here is where to find some local Patrick’s Day fun:
The weekend before, March 14-16:
On Friday night, March 14, the City of Fairfax presents a free concert by the Irish Breakfast Band at Old Town Hall. On Saturday, you’ve got many choices, including several educational, fun events for kids by Fairfax County Park Authority and St. Patrick’s Day parties with kids’ activities with children’s activities at local restaurants: two Dogfish Head Alehouse locations and Clyde’s at the Reston Town Center will be hosting special celebrations. You can start your day with the Lucky Leprechaun 5K Run in Reston, which includes a FREE fun run for kids plus a moonbounce and other fun, and end your day with the Wear Green Campfire at E.C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly. Of course, the biggest St. Patrick’s Day event Saturday, March 15, is the 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Greater Manassas. Then on Sunday, you can head downtown Washington, DC, for an even bigger St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Monday, March 17:
Continue the fun on St. Patrick’s Day Monday starting with the Old Town Hall Kids’ Series in the City of Fairfax. Joining Mr. Skip at this free morning concert will be Irish entertainers. In the afternoon, head to Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon for the annual St. Pat’s Extravaganza with Irish food, music, and the “Irish Elvis” live in concert at 4:30 pm, or enjoy beautiful Celtic harp music at a free, all-ages show at 5:30 pm at Burke Centre Library.
Find details on all these events on our website Calendar of Events!
Do you have other events to add? How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your family? Share with other readers by leaving a comment below!
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