Around Town

Alexandria Goes Green: A weekend of Irish festivities

Alexandria is bracing for a vibrant, emerald-tinged weekend as St. Patrick’s Day approaches. Celebrations kick off Friday, March 14, and continue through the traditional holiday on Monday, March 17, 2025. From traditional Irish pubs to quirky cat cafes, the city offers diverse festivities to suit every reveler.

Pubs at the Heart of the Celebration

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Alexandria would be complete without a visit to its renowned Irish pubs.

Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, a cornerstone of the city’s Irish community since 1978, is set to be a hub of activity. Practically Einstein and Pat Garvey will kick off the weekend with performances on Friday and Saturday nights, setting the stage for a weekend filled with Irish tunes, dancers, and local talent.

7 glorious ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Murphys’ (via Murphy’s)

Daniel O’Connell’s is also preparing for a packed weekend, featuring Irish dancers, live music, rugby, and more.

Beyond the Pubs: A Diverse Celebration

The festivities extend far beyond the traditional pub scene. Mount Purrnon Cat Café & Wine Bar is hosting its 5th Annual “St. Catrick’s Day” on Saturday and Sunday, offering a unique blend of Irish food and drink specials, including Irish grilled cheese and green sparkling wine, alongside their resident feline friends.

For those looking to explore the city’s nightlife, Alexandria’s Best St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl on Saturday and Sunday offers a self-guided tour of multiple pubs and bars, with drink specials and live entertainment.

Atlas Brew Works is getting into the spirit with $1 off their “Green Street Hooligan” drafts on Saturday, while Alexandria Bier Garden is hosting a full weekend celebration with green beer, live music, and DJs. Port City Brewing Company offers a unique twist with a “Hip ‘O Hop Yoga” session on Sunday, blending yoga with hip-hop and Irish jigs, followed by a St. Patrick’s 5k & 10K.

The Del Ray neighborhood is set to host the “Del Ray Shamrock Smash” on Saturday, promising a community-wide celebration.

More Events, Live Music, & Entertainment

For a full list of events, live music, and entertainment happening this week and weekend, visit our things to do roundup.

About the Author

  • Ryan Belmore is a journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as Publisher of ALXnow from March to October 2025. He can be reached at [email protected].