St. Patrick's Day ShamrockFest in Washington, DC

Update: This event has been canceled for 2020; however, the organizers plan to hold the ShamrockFest again on March 13, 2021. Check the event website and Facebook page for updates.

ShamrockFest, the largest St. Patrick's Day festival in the U.S., is Washington, D.C.'s huge street event with live music stages, food, plenty of beer, an Irish Village, carnival rides, and much more. The festival features more than 30 bands and DJs on five stages. Headliners include The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Andrew W.K., The Mahones, Gaelic Mishap, DJ Kool, The Fighting Jamesons, and more. See all the acts here.

It's a lively atmosphere for all ages. Because the festival is associated with Saint Patrick's Day, many attendees wear green clothing or other holiday gear.

ShamrockFest takes place on the Saturday closest to St. Patrick's Day from noon to 8 p.m. The event is held rain or shine.

Location

The music festival takes place at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds (not inside the stadium). The RFK Stadium Festival Fairgrounds is divided into two areas for ShamrockFest. One is the main area and the other is the VIP area. Getting into the VIP area, for adults 21 and over, requires a special, higher-priced ticket. This is the area where you'll find the "bottomless beer," more music stages, special events, and more restrooms.

Food and drink (including cocktails, beer, and wine) are available for sale at vendor booths and are not included in the ticket price. No outside food or beverage is permitted at ShamrockFest.

The address is 2400 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C., and the closest metro station is Stadium-Armory. Since ShamrockFest takes up much of the parking area at the stadium, using the metro is recommended.

Tickets

Regular tickets are currently $24.99 (advance purchase), plus a service fee. VIP Admission is $64.99 (plus service fee) and includes bottomless beer, a souvenir mug, heated tents, and VIP seating. Children 11 and under may enter for free with a ticket holder that is at least 18 years of age. Head to the event ticket site to purchase.

Entertainment Highlights

The focus is on music, from modern rock to traditional Celtic folk music. In addition, there are party games and carnival rides. Entertainment will include:

• Irish Main Stages: Irish punk, Celtic rock, folk and straight up Irish party bands
• Taste of Ireland: Irish dancers, fiddlers, and bagpipers
• National Music Stages: Party bands and local rockers
• Club DJ Zones: 15 of the world's premier DJs
• Party games and carnival rides
• Irish vendors
• Hot Kilted Leg Contest

More Saint Patrick's Day Fun

In the Washington, D.C., area there are more things to do:

• Saint Patrick's Day Parades are held in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, and Gaithersburg, Maryland. In Washington, D.C., the parade proceeds along Constitution Avenue—7th to 17th Streets NW. This two-and-a-half hour special event, known as the Nation's St. Patrick's Day Parade, includes floats, marching bands, pipe bands, military, police, and fire departments. Local Irish pubs sponsor parade parties featuring Irish musicians, dancers, and signers.
• St. Patrick’s Day Dining and Pub Crawling is a tradition. The Washington, D.C., area has a good number of Irish restaurants that celebrate the holiday with special events. There's even a St. Paddy’s Day SoberRide program to help people get home safely.