12:00pm - Festival Activities Begin

The MacMillan United Pipes Band plays from Kirwan's on the Wharf to the District Pier stage. The bar opens on District Pier. Music begins on District Pier stage. Learn how to play Celtic Football with DC Gaels on Transit Pier.

12:30pm - Live Music: The 19th Street Band

The 19th Street Band kicks off the live music on District Pier Stage with their unique blend of Irish, Americana, and a hint of punk.

12:45pm - Six Nations Rugby Begins

Six Nations Rugby (Wales v. England) is on the big screen on Transit Pier. 

1:00pm - Old Glory DC Rugby Begins

The Old Glory DC v. Chicago Hounds match is on the Transit Landing Screen.

2:00pm - Irish Dancing: Morgan Legacy Irish Dance Academy

Enjoy an authentic Irish dance performance by Morgan Legacy Irish Dance Academy on the Transit Pier Stage.

2:15pm - Live Music: Poehemia

Baltimore-based Poehemia brings their high energy Celtic Rock to the District Pier Stage.

4:00pm - Six Nations Rugby Continues

Six Nations Rugby (France v. Scotland) is on the big screen on Transit Pier.

4:00pm - Irish Dancing: Boyle School of Irish Dance

The lasses and lads of Virginia-based Boyle School of Irish Dance take over the Transit Pier Stage to perform an authentic Irish dance.

4:15pm - Live Music: Ben-David Warner Band

Hailing from the heart of Virginia, the Ben-David Warner Band performs a lively set of Irish Americana music on the District Pier Stage. The bar remains open until 6pm.

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.

New for 2025, the VIP Irish Experience presented by Jameson offers exclusive backstage access, swag bags, sampling of premium Irish Whiskeys, a complimentary pint of Guinness or glass of wine, meet and greets with the bands, and so much more. Premium Irish Whiskeys include: Redbreast 18 Year, Midleton Very Rare, Green Spot, Yellow Spot 12 Year, Jameson Triple Triple.

Purchase your VIP Ticket

What activities are there at the event?
The festival has a full lineup of events and activities throughout the day. Dance along and sing to musical performances by the MacMillian United Pipes Band, The 19th Street Band, Poehemia, and Ben-David Warner Band. Watch performances by Irish dancers from Morgan Legacy Academy and Boyle School of Irish Dance. Learn how to play Celtic Football with DC Gaels. Beginning at 12:45pm, we'll show the Wales vs. England Six Nations Rugby Match and at 4:00pm we'll show the France vs. Scotland match on the big screen on Transit Pier. At 1pm, cheer on Old Glory DC and watch the game on the Transit Landing screen as they take on the Chicago Hounds. And don't miss drinks from Jameson and Miller High Life as well as an assortment of beers and wines.

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. Instead of driving, ride 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.

If you can’t avoid driving, 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. View the public restrooms on the Event Map.

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.