1. Baltimore's St. Patrick Parade
A tradition for more than 65 years, the annual St. Patrick Parade will be held this year on March 10. Running from the Washington Monument to Market Place, the race begins at 2:00 PM, immediately following the Shamrock 5K Race. The Parade Committee recommends getting downtown prior to 1:00 to secure parking availability and viewing locations. Parade fundraiser events are scheduled for 2/18 at Racers' Cafe on Harford Rd. in Parkville, 2/25 at Mick O'Shea's Irish Pub on Charles St. downtown, and 3/3 at James Joyce Irish Pub in Harbor East. These fundraisers provide a great opportunity to support the event while enjoying local hospitality. For more details, visit https://irishparade.net/.
2. Guinness Open Gate Brewery St. Patrick's Day Celebration
This year, the brewery is reviving its Irish Village Tent on the brewery lawn, showcasing food, beer, and merchandise stalls. The event will feature trivia, live music, oyster shucking, and Irish dancers within the tent. Scheduled for March 8-10 and March 15-16, the tent promises an array of activities. Beyond the tent's offerings, the brewery has planned a Beer Dinner in collaboration with the Guinness Storehouse Chef from Dublin. Additional activities include food and beer pairing classes, a paint and pint night, and a blanket making class. Four new beers will be released exclusively for St. Patrick's day. For more details, you're encouraged to visit the brewery's website at guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com and to follow them on Instagram at @guinnessbrewerybalt.
3. Annapolis St. Patricks Day Parade and Shamrock the Dock Festival
The historic streets of Annapolis come alive with green as this parade showcases the city's maritime heritage alongside traditional Irish culture, creating a festive atmosphere unique to Maryland's capital. The city has arranged for parking at the Naval Academy Stadium for $10 per vehicle. More information is available at https://naptownevents.com/information. Tickets to the Shamrock The Dock music festival, also in Annapolis, are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-shamrock-the-dock-tickets-695249970377
4. Ocean City St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade stands as the pinnacle of the holiday festivities in Ocean City. Scheduled for the Saturday preceding St. Patrick’s Day, on March 16th, this parade showcases an array of floats, marching bands, and vibrant performers. Kicking off at noon, the procession winds its way down Coastal Highway from 60th Street to 45th Street. Open to everyone without charge, it offers a splendid opportunity for families to revel in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Don’t forget to wear green! More information is available at https://ocpipesanddrums.com/event/st-patricks-day-parade-festival.
5. 16th Street St. Patrick's Day 5K and Fun Run in Denton, MD
The 16th Annual St. Paddy's Race 5K, taking place on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 9:00 am in Denton, MD, aims to fund scholarships for Caroline County's youth summer programs. With a $32.00 entry fee for the 5K and $17.00 for the 1m Fun Run, the event supports families in sending their children to summer camp and activities. Hosted by Caroline County Recreation and Parks, the race features a 3.11 mile out-and-back course through Denton's historic streets. This endeavor continues to facilitate community engagement and support for local youth development. Runners can register at https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Denton/StPatricksDay5k1mFunRun200mKiddieDash.
6. Easton's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Potato Race
This charming event on the Eastern Shore combines a family-friendly parade with a unique "potato race," where participants compete using spoons to carry potatoes, adding a quirky twist to the celebrations. The parade begins on March 17 at 5:30 PM and will be immediately followed by the race. More information is available at https://eastonedc.com/2023/02/st-patricks-day-celebration-parade-and-potato-race/.
7. Quad State Beer Fest: ShamRocked!
The Quad State Beer Festival: ShamRocked! is gearing up for an unforgettable St. Patty's weekend celebration at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, located at 7313 Sharpsburg Pike in Boonsboro. Set to take place from 3:00 to 5:00pm on March 16, this vibrant festival is a must-attend event, boasting an impressive lineup of over 40 breweries and featuring more than 150 craft beers, ciders, spirits, and wines. Attendees will be treated to electrifying live rock music performances by South of Sobriety, Gaelic Mishap, and the highly anticipated return of High Voltage. In addition to the exceptional musical lineup, the festival promises dozens of vendors, fun games, and contests, ensuring a day filled with excitement and celebration. For more information, festival-goers are encouraged to visit the official website: https://www.ifg-events.com/shamrocked.
Other Irish Cultural Events Throughout the Year:
8. Southern Maryland Celtic Festival - April 27, 2024
At Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Southern Maryland, the 45th Annual Celtic Festival on April 27th celebrates the spirit of the 7 Celtic Nations with bagpipes, music, food, and dance. Internationally known Celtic bands, dance performances, and jam sessions enliven multiple stages, while over 50 clans offer insights into Celtic heritage on Clan Row. The festival features Scottish/Irish dances, harp and fiddling music, storytelling, historical displays, craft demonstrations, and living history reenactments. Visitors can explore the Celtic Marketplace for traditional foods and gifts, and children can enjoy Highland Games, with all-day competitions in piping, drumming, dancing, athletics, and rugby. More information and tickets are available at https://www.cssm.org/celtic-festival.html.
9. Annapolis Irish Festival - May 4, 2024
The Annapolis Irish Festival is set to captivate attendees at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11am to 10pm, offering a day filled with Irish culture, music, and activities. Admission grants access to a family-friendly environment with free parking, showcasing a rich lineup of performances on the main and acoustic stages, including Irish dancers, Celtic musicians, and pipe and drum bands. VIP tickets enhance the experience with exclusive benefits such as beer and wine, lite fare, VIP parking, and private bathrooms, while general admission and whiskey tasting tent tickets are available online at reduced rates. The festival features a wide range of activities, including axe throwing, an escape room, and contests like Best Legs in a Kilt, alongside a variety of food vendors offering traditional and contemporary fare. Learn more at https://abceventsinc.com/annapolis-irish-fest/.
10. Maryland Irish Festival - November 8-10, 2024
The Maryland Irish Festival, organized by Irish Charities of Maryland, takes place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium every second weekend in November, celebrating Irish culture with music, dance, food, and more. This event features a lineup of local, regional, and international talent, alongside traditional Irish cuisine, cultural exhibits, workshops, and a wide selection of Irish/Celtic goods vendors. With activities and games in a dedicated children's area, the festival offers a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for early Christmas shopping and cultural exploration. Admission fees contribute to the charitable efforts within the Maryland Irish community, supporting a cause while providing attendees with a weekend full of Irish cultural celebration. More information is available at https://irishfestival.com/.
