Ballyshaners’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 7, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria
St. Paddy’s Day isn’t St. Paddy’s Day without some bagpipes and Irish dancers. If you’re looking to pregame before the 17th, you can hear and see both in Old Town Alexandria on the first Saturday of the month, courtesy of local musicians and performers. Admission is free.
O’Sullivan’s Countdown to St. Patrick’s Day
When: March 7-17
Where: O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub, 3207 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Half the fun of any holiday is the excitement leading up to it, right? O’Sullivan’s is fully embracing that mentality with a 10-day lineup of special events—themed trivia, brunches, etc.—and live Irish music. Come the big day, the pub will add Irish dancers to the mix.
Road to St. Patrick’s Day at Ireland’s Four Courts
Editor’s Note: Due to coronavirus concerns, this year’s Four Courts Four Miler has been cancelled.
When: March 8-17
Where: Ireland’s Four Courts, 2051 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Arlington’s favorite Irish bar is stretching out the holiday to include more than a week of merriment, starting with a St. Patrick’s Day Parade fundraiser with live music, Irish dancers and a live auction on Sunday, March 8. Come back Thursday the 12th for the pub’s 10th annual Guinness & Oyster Festival from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday the 13th (not unlucky in the least) then kicks off a five-day stretch of rollicking fun, including happy hours, Guinness selfies, the annual Four Courts Four Miler (Saturday at 9 a.m.), Irish brunch, karaoke, a pub quiz and live bands. Plus a hangover cure on Wednesday the 18th.
