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St. Patrick's Day Weekend 2025 in DC: Parades, Women's History Month Celebrations, and More Things To Do

Get into the St. Patrick's Day spirit at the Ireland at the Wharf Festival. Photo courtesy of the event
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3/12/25 - By Stephanie Shipman

Looking for the best things to do in DC this St. Patrick's Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

This weekend has a little bit of everything—St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Women's History Month events, Nowruz festivals, and more.

Ireland at the Wharf Festival is on Saturday, with Irish dancing, bagpiping, and viewings of the Six National Rugby Championship. In the mood for a parade? Check out the St. Patrick's Day parade in Gaithersburg.

There are some festive events at libraries as well, like Family Day at the Library of Congress for Women's History Month and Ramadan Stories at Herndon Fortnightly Library.

And if you missed the Harlem Globetrotters in DC and Virginia last weekend, you can catch them on Sunday in Baltimore!

More Things To Do in Washington, DC this Week with Kids:

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Best Things to Do this St. Patrick's Day Weekend in DC

Harlem Globetrotters - Baltimore (at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena)

Baltimore, MD - Sunday, March 16
See what fans love about the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters plus more as they level up their game with all-new, exciting challenges. You’ll see all the amazing basketball spins, slams, and dunks you can expect, plus new trials as players see who can pull off astonishing trick shots and more. See the Globetrotters and their rivals, the Washington Generals, live as they challenge themselves and each other to new moves, shots, and innovations. Every game has fan interaction opportunities before, during, and after so you can meet your favorite players. READ MORE

Super Pet Expo at Dulles Expo Center

Chantilly, VA - Friday - Sunday, March 14-16
At Super Pet Expo, families can watch dogs play capture the flag in the lure course and romp in a ball pit, see a dog fashion show, watch champion stunt dogs perform Frisbee skills and stunts, and more. READ MORE

St. Patrick's Day Quest for Gold at Meadowside Nature Center

Rockville, MD - Friday, March 14
Follow the rainbow down Meadowside Nature Center's trails as you celebrate an early St. Patricks’ Day. Are you feeling lucky enough to not get pinched? During this self-guided hike, wear something green as you search for a pot of gold, make a rainbow, and learn about the tiny plants that leprechauns call home. READ MORE

Ireland at The Wharf

Washington, DC - Saturday, March 15
Free
Celebrate the Emerald Isle at the Ireland at the Wharf festival featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, live music, and a Guinness beer garden for adults. READ MORE

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg, MD - Saturday, March 15
Free
The city of Gaithersburg hosts its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade with Celtic dancers, bagpiper bands, school groups, clowns, fire trucks, horses, and more. READ MORE

Celebration Station: St. Patrick's Day Edition at Black Hill Discovery Center

Boyds, MD - Saturday, March 15
Free
Can you solve clues and find what you need to earn a prize? Come by the Discovery Center to test your skills and set off on your own spright-ly adventure. Participants will have different activities to choose from, ranging from challenge pages to hikes around the park. Stop by anytime during program hours to choose your quests. Registration is encouraged so that we can provide enough supplies. READ MORE

Special Events at Maydale: St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Hunt at Maydale Nature Classroom

Colesville, MD - Saturday, March 15
Springtime is filled with festivities. Join Maydale Nature Classroom on a search for leprechauns and hunt for their pots of gold or for a St.Patrick's Day hike with craft. READ MORE

The Big Draw at National Building Museum

Washington, DC - Saturday, March 15
Free
This free day-long festival invites visitors to discover the power of drawing as a tool for communication and design. A highlight this year is live drawing demonstrations and book signings from Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator David Macaulay. Schedule highlights: Interactive Storytimes: 10:15-10:45am and 1:15-1:45pm David Macaulay Drawing Demonstrations: 11-11:45am and 2-2:45pm David Macaulay Book Signings: 12-1pm and 3-3:45pm READ MORE

Ramadan Stories at Herndon Fortnightly Library

Herndon, VA - Saturday, March 15
Free
Enjoy Ramadan stories, songs, and a craft at Herndon Fortnightly Library. All ages are welcome!  READ MORE

Family Day at the Library of Congress: Women's History Month

Washington, DC - Saturday, March 15
Free
Celebrate the achievements of women in aviation from hot air balloons to the space age! Learn how to fold and test fly your own paper airplanes. Meet staff experts from the Library of Congress's African and Middle Eastern Division, and learn about African women changemakers. READ MORE

Unicorn World (at Maryland State Fairgrounds)

Lutherville-Timonium, MD - Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16
Unicorn World is an unforgettable three-hour interactive adventure with life-sized unicorns, enchanted activities, and non-stop wonder. Meet animatronic unicorns, explore the enchanted forest, make unicorn-themed arts and crafts, and much, much more. READ MORE

Women's History Month Storytime at Pohick Regional Library

Burke, VA - Sunday, March 16
Free
Celebrate Women's History Month by reading books about wonderful women and singing traditional storytime songs. Stories will be read by Teen Advisory Board (TAB) members. READ MORE

Nowruz Family Day at National Museum of Asian Art

Washington, DC - Sunday, March 16
Free
Honor the new year at Nowruz Family Day. Welcome spring with free attractions for all ages, including storytelling, hands-on activities, and more. Persian sweets and food are available for purchase. READ MORE

Nowruz Festival at the Hilton Dulles

Herndon, VA - Sunday, March 16
Free
Celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, with live entertainment provided by Persian-American artists, musicians, singers, dancers, and traditional players. Visit a bazaar with vendors offering traditional foods, jewelry, crafts, books, and more. A kids' area features crafts and other activities to learn about Persian culture. READ MORE

Holi Festival in Dupont Circle

Washington, DC - Sunday, March 16
Free
Join the Indian Embassyto celebrate the Holi Festival in Dupont Circle Park, complete with traditional dancers and a live DJ. It's the most colorful celebration with powder throwing! READ MORE

St. Patrick's Day Science at Hidden Oaks

Annandale, VA - Sunday, March 16
Come and explore some green leprechaun science that seems like magic. Discover what those tricky leprechauns have up their sleeves and make green snow, green slime worms, and other exciting explorations.  READ MORE

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