Family friendly St. Patrick’s Day events in Northern Virginia

UPDATE 3/12/20: Some events cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic

By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com

St. Patrick’s Day (Lá Fhéile Pádraig) is coming up March 17! The day, a national holiday in Ireland, is celebrated unofficially in the United States as well with parades and other big community celebrations, including some close to us in Alexandria, Manassas, and Washington, DC.  While you may be spending the day celebrating a meal with corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and maybe even some green drinks, the day  actually began as — and still is — a cultural and religious holiday, and its history is interesting. Did you know that the real story of Saint Patrick is an inspiring tale of hardship, survival, and faith?

If you want to celebrate at home with the kids, see our Fairfax Family Fun St. Patrick’s Day Pinterest board for easy, cute, fun, and festive recipes, crafts, activities, and decoration ideas. To celebrate outside the home, here are some local family friendly St. Patrick’s Day events in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC:

2020 St. Patrick’s Day Events

Saturday, March 7:  Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade 
The City of Alexandria, VA, hosts the big annual St. Patrick’s Day parade at 1:30 pm. Arrive early for pre-parade festivities, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, including Fun Dog Show.

Saturday, March 7:  Old Town Winchester St. Paddy’s Day Celtic Festival
At the annual Old Town Winchester St. Paddy’s Celtic Fest you can enjoy activities will take place inside Old Town Winchester businesses and along the Loudoun Street Mall (weather permitting). The free, all-day event (noon to 9 pm) features bagpipers, dancers, Celtic games, kids’ activities, and more.

Saturday, March 14:  Manassas Parade — still on!
The annual Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 11 am the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. This event first took place in 2000 and is a highly anticipated community event each year! You can see a map of the parade route online.

Sunday, March 15:  Washington, DC, St. Patrick’s Day Parade – cancelled
The 49th annual Washington DC St. Patrick’s Parade takes place along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, featuring dozens of participants including marching bands. zlook for the event to return in 2020.

Tuesday, March 17:  Jimmy’s Party in Herndon
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon hosts the 20th  annual St. Patrick’s Celebration, a daylong event featuring Irish food specials, prizes, and performances by the Irish Elvis (other entertainment geared to adults continues late at night).

Tuesday, March 17:  St. Patrick’s Day at Ned Devine’s
Ned Devine’s in Herndon hosts an all-day event starting at 10 am to celebrate St. Patrick’s. The fun includes music and Irish dancing.