10 Places and Activities to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Northern Virginia
Posted by Jessie Wray on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 1:52:28 PM
By Jessie Wray / March 1, 2023
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10 Places and Activities to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Northern Virginia
Looking for something to do this St Patrick's Day? Look no further than Northern Virginia! From parades and festivals to food and drink specials, there's something for everyone. Here are 10 of the best places to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Northern Virginia.
The St Patrick's Day Parade in Alexandria
The St Patrick's Day Parade in Alexandria is an exciting event that takes place every year. Thousands of spectators come from near and far to join in the revelry and witness the parade of colorful floats, marching bands, local characters, and Irish performers. It is a magical sight with children ooohing and ahhing at the spectacle before them. Every year, the city comes alive with ethnic feasts including traditional Irish food, exciting competitions like tug-o-war and carpet races, lively music and dancing, as well as plenty of art displays. Whether you're there to march in the parade or simply to enjoy it from the sidelines, there's something for everyone at this celebration!
The Irish Festival at George Mason University
Head to George Mason University this weekend and experience the Irish Festival! This vibrant celebration showcases traditional Irish culture including music, dance, food, and art. Join in on their lively ceili dances full of joyous steps or learn about Irish history with experienced educators during hands-on workshops. Kids can participate in interactive activities such as creating a Celtic knot or decorating themed cookies; adults can view the unique art installations that adorn the walls or listen to renowned folk harpists who will transport you to faraway mythical lands. Appreciate the culture’s centuries-old ties with Scotland while you revel in a night of ceilidh music and delicious homemade dishes cooked by experts in authentic recipes. Whether your desire is to be entertained, educated or both - The Irish Festival at George Mason University is sure to fulfill your wishes!
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester
Located in Winchester, Virginia, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is a celebrated event that has been ongoing since 1924. Every year in late April and early May, downtown Winchester hosts multiple days of live performances, fireworks shows, and other family activities. While most guests come for the carnival rides, local vendors also offer a variety of cuisine to sample as live music plays throughout the area. The festival stands out from other events due to its large-scale parade: with dozens of floats rolling through and thousands of people lining the streets with their eyes trained on the procession, it's truly a magical experience. Guests who haven't attended before tend to be pleasantly surprised by all this festive event has to offer; the excitement of Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival lives long after its conclusion each year.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.
Every year, Washington D.C. proudly celebrates the National Cherry Blossom Festival with great fanfare. Spanning four weeks in the springtime, the festival honors Japanese culture and showcases the spectacular beauty of its thousands of cherry blossom trees across the city. From dance performances to special events such as fireworks displays and kite flying, visitors get a chance to explore a range of unique attractions centered around the bloomed blossoms that signal the coming of spring. The local community comes alive with art, foods from around the world, diversity celebrations and so much more during this majestic event which is considered one of Washington D.C.'s biggest and most beloved festivals or events.
The Flower Mart at Union Station
The Flower Mart at Union Station is an oasis of beauty and color in the heart of Los Angeles. Since 1924, its bustling stalls have been bringing fresh blooms to buyers from all over the community. From single roses to lush bouquets, the vendors offer flowers at unbeatable prices. It's not unusual to find amaryllis reblooming and succulents in diverse shapes and textures. Even if you're not looking to buy, it's still worth a visit; just taking in the splendor of the petals on display is enough reason to come. The Flower Mart at Union Station is a great way for anyone to experience some floral joy without having to take a long drive out into nature - instead it will come right up to them!
The Celtic Celebration at National Harbor
The National Harbor at night is a dazzling sight. Recently it has been lit up with special colorful designs and decorations in honor of the first-ever Celtic Celebration held there. With hues of green, blue, and purple, the Harbor was alive with music, laughter, and pageantry. Traditional Celtic music filled the air as visitors to the celebration enjoyed a traditional feast with dishes like bangers n' mash and Irish Stew. Bagpipers walked through the crowd to add to the lively atmosphere while competitors in a Highland Dance Competition showed off their amazing talents. Guests also delighted in a fireworks show that was a spectacular finish to an unforgettable evening.
The Blossoms of Hope Gala
The annual Blossoms of Hope Gala has been an important and memorable event for over 30 years. It is a special evening devoted to celebrating hope, courage, and strength. The gala features dinner, entertainment, and inspirational stories of survival. All funds raised benefit families dealing with medical hardship. This year, bid on special items up for auction and show your support for those facing hardship by attending the Blossoms of Hope Gala. It's sure to be a night you won't soon forget!
Brunch with green bagels and shamrock pancakes at local restaurants
If you're looking for a unique and exciting brunch experience this weekend, you should consider heading to the local restaurants that specialize in green bagels and shamrock pancakes. Imagine waking up early and indulging in some delicious green bagels with a creamy butter spread and a side of eggs benedict. Or perhaps having an extravagant strawberry and whipped cream-covered shamrock pancake, drizzled with maple syrup! These colorful treats are sure to put you in the mood for celebrating and enjoying your meal. Plus, if you're feeling extra indulgent and adventurous, why not try one of each? Brunching doesn't get better than this!
Live music performances by traditional Irish bands
The traditional Gaelic music of Ireland is as enjoyable to experience live as it is to listen to on recordings. Live performances by traditional Irish bands often feature Celtic instruments such as fiddles, accordions, and flutes. This music lends itself well to the small pubs and concert venues throughout Ireland where performances occur. The combination of the spirited sound of these talented musicians along with the intimate atmosphere creates a truly magical experience that often has audience members up and dancing along with the band in no time! With many traditional Irish bands touring regularly, it’s easy to find concerts where one can enjoy a truly unique cultural experience.
A potluck dinner with friends where everyone brings a dish from their culture
What a great way to celebrate friendship and experience different cultures! A potluck dinner is an ideal event that brings people together in a warm, inviting environment. Every guest will get to showcase their own country's cuisine through a dish made with love. As each course is served and shared throughout the meal, conversations will spark about recipes, ingredients, and cultural differences. Imagine the delicious food spread on the table, the stories being exchanged, and all of us laughing under the same roof - it's sure to create memories that will last a lifetime!
St. Patrick’s Day in NOVA is celebrated with joy and abundance of culture and pride. From the Parade to the Irish Festival, people gather together from all walks of life to have a good time every year. People listen to traditional music performed by locals, try unique dishes from around the world, spend quality time with friends and family at the potluck dinner, and create many experiences worth cherishing. The green bagels, shamrock pancakes and the Celtic Celebration at National Harbor come together like a rainbow for everyone in attendance – paying homage to our hometown's tradition and bringing a sense of unity among its people. So mark your calendar for St. Patrick's Day and join us on this unforgettable adventure full of culture, history, diversity and love!
All aspiring travelers should add Virginia to the top of their current or upcoming travel itinerary. With all the exciting sights, sounds, and celebrations, a great time to embrace the rich culture while making memories that will last a lifetime. Virginia is more than just a place; it’s a beautiful journey of exploring and discovering unique experiences that only this part of the world can offer. Whether you are looking for an escape on vacation or simply craving an unforgettable outing with friends or family – Virginia is truly your one-stop shop!
JACOBS & CO. REAL ESTATE, LLC.
12923 Fitzwater Dr. Nokesville, VA 20155
(703) 594-3800 | jacobsandco.com
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