Our favorite part about March is that no matter the weather, spring is just around the corner! Check out our top picks for St. Patrick’s Day, Women’s History Month, Nowruz, and other great events in and around Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
SAINT PATRICK’S DAY
Photo courtesy of The Wharf
Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 2, 12:15 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria, VA
Alexandria boasts the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the DC area. The parade features pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community groups, and a host of other performers and entertainment. A fun day with family and friends.
Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 9, 11 a.m.
Old Town Manassas, VA
Dress in your brightest green for this annual celebration along Center Street Old Town Manassas. A great family event showcasing pipe and drums, and Irish dance groups.
Annapolis St. Patrick’s Weekend | March 15-17
Downtown Annapolis, MD
The annual St. Patrick’s Parade returns to Annapolis as part of a full weekend of events!
- Hooley Kick-off Party | Friday, March 15
- Shamrock the Dock | March 16-17
- Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 17, 1 p.m.
Bluemont Shamrock Race | March 16, 9 a.m.
Great Country Farms, Bluemont VA
The course for this Annual 5K/10K winds through the picturesque country roads of Western Loudoun County. Awards take place at Great Country Farm with an after party at Dirt Farm Brewing.
Gaithersburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 16, 10 a.m.
Rio Lakefront, Gaithersburg, MD
The 22nd annual parade at Rio Boulevard and Grand Corner Avenue. Dozens of units will march in the parade, including Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, school groups, fire trucks, equestrian units, service organizations, characters, & more.
Ireland at The Wharf | March 16, 12 – 6 p.m.
The Wharf, DC
Enjoy all the fun of a true Irish festival with Guinness, Jameson, rugby, dancing, and bands brought to you by The Wharf and Kirwan’s Irish Pub. Sláinte!
VA Irish Fest | March 16, 1 – 8 p.m.
One Loudoun, Loudoun, VA
Get out your green and shake your shamrocks at the first VA IRISH Fest featuring a variety of DJs and awesome bands. Brought to you by Shamrockfest, this is a fun day for all.
MORE TASTES, FESTIVALS, AND FUN
Photo courtesy of National Children’s Museum
Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way | Through May 12
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
Featuring characters from the popular British animated series, Shaun the Sheep, this interactive exhibit helps kids build problem-solving and motor skills while exploring technology and literacy. Recommended for learners from ages 3-9 and their families.
Awesome Con | March 8 – 10
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC
Awesome Con is Washington DC’s Comic Con! A 3-day celebration of geek culture, bringing over 70,000 fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, tv, toys, games, and more!
College Basketball Tournaments | March 8 – 18
We all know that March Madness will soon be upon us and DC plays host to multiple conference tournaments this year. The Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) men’s tournament (March 8-12) and women’s tournament (March 13-18) will be held at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Congress Heights. 10 straight days of basketball with the winners receiving automatic bids to the NCAA tournaments. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) men’s tournament (March 12-16) will also be held in DC at Capital One Arena. Consistently one of the top basketball conferences in the country, the ACC players will not disappoint.
National Cherry Blossom Festival | March 15 – April 14
We may not be able to predict peak blooms yet, but this favorite annual spring festival begins in March and we wouldn’t want you to miss the fun. We’ve selected a few highlights, but be sure to visit the festival website for a full list of events.
- Pink Tie Party | March 15, 7 – 11 p.m.
- Blossom Kite Festival | March 30, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Opening Ceremony | March 23, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Nowruz, Persian New Year
Starting at the vernal equinox (March 20), the celebration of Nowruz is rich in traditions that symbolize hope for the new year. It dates back thousands of years and is celebrated by millions of people in diverse communities worldwide.
- Nowruz Family Festival at National Museum of Asian Art, DC | March 10, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Nowruz Festival at Hilton Fairfax, VA | March 10, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- IACC Nowruz Bazaar in Chevy Chase, MD | March 16, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Norooz Market at Brookland Arts Walk, DC | March 16, 3 – 7 p.m.
CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Photo courtesy of Smithsonian
Women’s History is American History
Not limited to March, the Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Initiative is ongoing in preparation for the future American Women’s History Museum. You can check out the latest news and explore exhibits online at womenshistory.si.edu.
Many other area museums and communities will be hosting events and exhibits highlighting women’s history throughout the month. Check out the following websites for more details:
Free Community Days at the National Museum of Women in the Arts | March 3 & 13
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC
Check out this beautifully renovated and expanded museum for free. The collection is one of the coolest in DC. Reserve your spot on their website.
International Women’s Day Festival | March 8, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC
First celebrated in 1911, International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the globe. If you are interested, learn more about this year’s theme #InspireInclusion. Join the National Museum of Women in the Arts for virtual and in-person programs that highlight and celebrate women in the visual and performing arts.
Women’s History Month Festival | March 9, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
National Portrait Gallery, 8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC
The Portrait Gallery hosts the annual Women’s History Month festival for people of all ages! Come see their newest portraits of Oprah, Beyoncé, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and more. The celebration in the courtyard will feature performances and workshops, art activities, spotlight talks, scavenger hunts, and story times.
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