where dc meets ireland

Ireland at The Wharf

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at The Wharf on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 1pm-7pm with a festival featuring live Irish music, Irish dancers, and more in partnership with Kirwan's on the Wharf, Jameson, Miller High Life, and Guinness. Sláinte!

STAY TUNED

2026 Festival Schedule

Stay tuned for the 2026 lineup of activities and music!

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2026 Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ticket?
Ireland at The Wharf is free to attend; no tickets are needed. Drinks are available for purchase on District and Transit Pier and at all Wharf bars and restaurants. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol.

What activities are there at the event?
The 2026 festival has a full lineup of events and activities throughout the day. Dance along and sing to musical performances by DC's leading bands. Stay tuned for details! 

Is this event family-friendly and pet-friendly?
Yes, children and pets are welcome throughout the festival area. Children may enjoy watching the musicians and Irish dancers, a kids coloring station, and more.

Are there any St. Patrick's Day food and drink specials?
Kirwan's on The Wharf serves authentic Irish food and drinks 365 days a year, and especially on St. Patrick's Day weekend.

Will there be Irish music?
Of course! The festival's main stage on District Pier features three live local bands performing familiar Celtic, Irish, and Americana tunes that you can sing and dance to. Between the bands' performances, local Irish dance troupes will show off their award-winning Irish dance routines.

What is the best way to get to The Wharf?
Plan for lots of vehicular traffic and limited parking on Saturday. Consider riding the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes to The Wharf, or ride to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Southwest Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.

The Wharf has three underground parking garages that are open around the clock. Check our garages' capacity before you arrive. Or plan to utilize one of the nearby off-site parking garages (view PDF map), including Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza (420 10th St SW)L'Enfant East Parking Garage (840 D St SW), or the 1100 4th St SW Garage.

What happens if it rains?
A few sprinkles can’t keep us down. Unless the weather is dangerous, the event will happen rain or shine.

Where are the public bathrooms at The Wharf?
Public restrooms are located throughout The Wharf at the Fish Market, Transit Pier, 800 Water Street, and in the Oculus. 

Can I drink alcohol outdoors at The Wharf?
In the District of Columbia, it is against the law to consume alcohol in public, including in the streets, parks, and piers at The Wharf. At The Wharf, you may only consume alcohol inside restaurants, within restaurants' licensed patio areas, or within the licensed event footprint on District Pier or Transit Pier. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Directions to The Wharf

Centrally located, The Wharf is the District’s waterfront destination that is easy to get to—and to get around.

See more details
Metro lines
5
Free rides on
SW Shuttle
Easy access to
Trains, Buses
Capital Bikeshare stations
4
Bike parking spaces
260
Direct access to DC's extensive
Bicycle Network
1 mile of
Waterfront
Riverwalk Trail System of
20 mi
Minutes from the
National Mall
Parking updates in
real time
Adjacent to
I-395
Direct access to the
Southwest Freeway
wharf-icons_train wharf-icons_bike wharf-icons_walking wharf-icons_car

Where DC Celebrates

Learn more about The Wharf's year-round schedule of events and happenings.

See the Events Calendar

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