🍀 District Pier

12:45pm - 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.

1:00pm - Live Music: Poehemia
Baltimore-based Poehemia brings their high energy Celtic Rock to the stage.

2:30pm - Live Music: The 19th Street Band
The 19th Street Band plays a unique blend of Irish, Americana and punk music.

4:00pm – 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.

6:00pm – Live Music: Chasing Abbey
Originally from Ireland, Chasing Abbey is an Irish music band that combines electronic production with influences from traditional Irish music. The District Pier bar remains open until 7:00pm.

🍀 Transit Pier

12:40pm - Six Nations Rugby Begins
Six Nations Rugby (Wales v. Italy) is on the big screen on Transit Pier. 

1:00pm - Irish Dancing: Legacy Irish Dance Academy
Enjoy an authentic Irish dance performance by Legacy Irish Dance Academy on the Transit Pier Stage.

2:00pm – Live Music: Kentucky Avenue Trio
Kentucky Avenue Trio is an alternative Country band playing Americana classics.

4:10pm – Six Nation Rugby Continues
Six Nations Rugby (England v. France) 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.

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. The VIP Irish Experience presented by Jameson is back! Ticket holders can taste Premium Irish Whiskeys, get backstage access, and more. Limited tickets are available here.

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?
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.

You can also 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.

What happens if it rains?
A few sprinkles can’t keep us down! However, the safety of our performers and guests is our top priority. If weather conditions affect the ability of our performers to perform or prevent participants from safely enjoying the event, we will make any necessary adjustments. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted on this page and on our social media channels as promptly as possible.

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.

Can I bring my camera?
Guests are permitted to bring cameras and video equipment to The Wharf, provided that they are for personal use only. Cameras with a lens longer than six (6) inches may not be brought to events at The Wharf, except by credentialed media. While taking photographs, guests are not permitted to stand in the aisles, portals, or walkways, or to obstruct others from viewing the event. Monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted at The Wharf. If you’re interested in a photo pass, please contact info@wharfdc.com. Please note that priority is given to established media outlets.