12:00pm - Festival Activities Begin

The Guinness Beer Garden opens on District Pier. The DCFD Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band marches from Kirwan's on The Wharf to District Pier. Learn how to play Celtic Football with DC Gaels.

12:30pm - Live Music: The19th 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.

1:00pm - Six Nations Rugby Kick Off

Visit the Jameson Rugby Lounge on District Pier to watch the Six Nations Rugby Championship as Ireland takes on England.

2:00pm - Irish Dancing: McGrath Morgan Academy

Enjoy an authentic Irish dance performance by the McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance on the District Pier Stage.

2:15pm - Live Music: Poehemia

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

3:45pm - Irish Dancing: Boyle School of Irish Dance

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

4:00pm - Irish Dancing: McGrath Morgan Academy

The McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance performs an Irish dance on the Transit Pier Floating Stage.

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 Pier and at all Wharf bars and restaurants. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol.

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 19th Street Band, Poehemia, and Ben-David Warner Band. Watch performances by Irish dancers from McGrath Morgan Academy and Boyle School of Irish Dance. Beginning at 1pm, we'll show the Ireland vs. England Six Nations Rugby inside the Jameson Rugby Lounge. Sample Irish coffee alongside Irish baked goods from local bakeries. Learn to play Gaelic Football and Hurling with the DC Gaels. And don't miss the Guinness Beer Garden serving a selection of beers, wines, and whiskey.

Is this event family-friendly and pet-friendly?
Yes, children and pets are welcome throughout the festival area. Children may enjoy learning how to play Gaelic Football and Hurling with DC Gaels, watching the musicians and Irish dancers, and sampling Irish treats.

Are there any St. Patrick's Day food and drink specials?
The festival area on District Pier will feature Irish treats for purchase from Praline Bakery and Greenisland Bakery. Along Wharf Street, 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 kicks off with the DCFD Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band marching on Wharf Street and performing on bagpipes and drums. 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 Metro's Green Line to Waterfront Station and walk one block to The Wharf, or ride Metro to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Southwest Shuttle. Alternatively, consider using rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Alto), riding Capital Bikeshare (there are four Bikeshare stations at The Wharf) or riding your own bicycle (there is ample bike parking on street level and in our undeground garages).

If you can’t avoid driving, 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. No outside alcohol is permitted.