St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which means many pubs are starting their celebrations a few days early, hoping to lure revelers who might not be able to take off on the 17th — or, worse, might have to work on the 18th. From a huge party at the Wharf to pint-pouring contests to concerts in cozy pubs, there’s something for everyone, Irish or not. But that’s not all we’re looking forward to: Awesome Con brings celebrities (Gillian Anderson!), cosplay contests and fascinating panel discussions to D.C.’s Convention Center. The year’s best films are named Sunday night, and you can watch the Oscars with trivia and discounted drinks while predicting the winners. Colored powder flies through the air at Union Market’s free Holi party. Saturday is Pi Day (a.k.a. 3/14), meaning there are discounted or free pies to be had around the area. The National Portrait Gallery and the National Building Museum host free, family-friendly festivals Saturday afternoon, just a few blocks from each other, making for a day of fun for all ages.
Thursday, March 12
Indie Board Game Showcase at Dacha Navy Yard
“Wingspan,” the mega-popular bird-themed card game, is far from the only board game designed by a Washingtonian. Over a dozen local game designers will debut or show off their games at separate tables, where attendees can try their hand at early-stage prototypes, finished products and anything in between. Grab a Dacha beer while you peruse. 6:30 p.m. $20-$25.
Pre-St. Patrick’s Day parties at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
Murphy’s, a landmark in Old Town Alexandria, kicks off a full weekend of celebrations Thursday at 7 p.m. with a Perfect Pint contest, seeing who can pour the most aesthetically pleasing pint of Guinness, followed by singer Pat Garvey. Friday starts with Irish dancers at happy hour, then offers live music all night. The party continues Saturday with live music from 1 p.m. until the wee hours, and Irish dancers in the afternoon. Times vary. Free.
She Comes First at Penn Social
Storytelling organization Story District produces this annual event, which taps seven local women of various ages and backgrounds to share true stories — moving, hilarious, warts-and-all — in honor of Women’s History Month. 6:30 p.m.; show begins at 7:30. $38.82.
Friday, March 13
Awesome Con at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
“The X Files” icon Gillian Anderson and George Takei of “Star Trek” are among the famous faces set to appear at Awesome Con, D.C.’s annual three-day convention focused around the nerdier side of pop culture. That spans movies, television, comics, anime, graphic novels and books in the sci-fi and romantasy categories — basically anything with a die-hard fandom. This year, expect to see panels with the casts of shows like “Firefly” and “Sons of Anarchy,” Q&A sessions with Parker Posey and Paul Giamatti, and programming for romantasy readers. Awesome Con also puts on interactive events where you can feel like a star, such as a cosplay competition and lip-synch sing-alongs, as well as book signings, trivia, a science fair, and activities for kids. Friday from 1 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $70-$80 for one-day adult tickets and $130 for three-day tickets. $20 for kids ages 3 to 12, and free for ages 2 and younger.
Holi in the District at Union Market
Be among the first to arrive at Union Market’s third annual Colors of Holi celebration and you’ll pick up a sachet of colored powder and a free T-shirt that’s meant to get messy during the color throwing party, which gets underway at 6 p.m. Afterward, enjoy live entertainment and dancing, as well as food and drinks available for purchase from popular restaurants and eateries in Union Market, like Indian fast-casual chain Rasa, new celeb chef-run hot spot Chai Pani, Silk Road-inspired restaurant Karravaan and cocktail slinger Buffalo & Bergen. 6 to 8 p.m. Free; suggested arrival by 5:45 p.m. to snag colored powder packs and T-shirts while they last.
New African Film Festival at AFI Silver Theatre
The 22nd edition of the American Film Institute’s New African Film Festival includes 25 films from 18 countries, including opening night drama “My Father’s Shadow,” from British Nigerian director Akinola Davies Jr. The winner of the BAFTA for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer, it was the U.K.’s official Oscar submission for best international feature film in 2025. The official selections from Morocco, South Africa and Sweden are also in the festival’s lineup. Through March 26. Most screenings $15.
Washington Spirit Season Opener Party at Dacha
The Washington Spirit have lost back-to-back NWSL Championship games, and their quest for another shot at the title begins Friday night at Audi Field with a match against Portland Thorns. Head to Dacha’s Navy Yard beer garden a few hours before kickoff for an opening party with a soccer juggling competition; a sign-making station to support your favorite Spirit stars; food and drink specials; and tastings of Offside Session IPA, which Right Proper Brewing makes for Dacha. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Free.
One-Day Choir: Olivia Dean at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Still have “Man I Need” (by best new artist Grammy-winner Olivia Dean) stuck in your head? Sing it out with a room full of fellow fans. Play warmup vocal games, work through the piece by section, break down the lyrics, shape musician moments and record a video — essentially the full choral experience, wrapped into just a few hours. 6:30 to 9:45 p.m. $15-$35.
‘1776’ at Ford’s Theatre
Decades before “Hamilton,” the story of American independence was told onstage in “1776,” which dramatizes the debates surrounding the creation of the Declaration of Independence, with humor and knowing winks. The winner of the 1969 Tony Award for best musical gets a revival at Ford’s Theatre this spring, with a cast including Jonathan Atkinson as John Adams, Jake Loewenthal as Thomas Jefferson and Derrick D. Truby Jr. as Benjamin Franklin. Through May 16. Tickets begin at $41.
In Series Passion Plays: A Festival at Dupont Underground
In its second week, the opera group’s festival presents “Passio,” a contemporary concert based in polyphony that combines classical singing techniques with fortepiano, jazz, blues, South Asian percussion and baroque strings that will carry around the subterranean venue Dupont Underground. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. $35-$70.
Pre-St. Patrick’s Day parties at Ireland’s Four Provinces
Ireland’s Four Provinces in Falls Church has live music in both the dining room and the pub side on Friday night, and then indoors and on the patio on Saturday and Sunday, to accompany an Irish menu. Times vary.
Butcher Brown at the Atlantis
Butcher Brown is a quintet so expansive that choice is hardly required — its self-described “solar music” blends jazz, hip-hop, funk, soul, R&B and rock into an often-wordless meditation on place and time. If that sounds like a big swing, know that its Richmond-based members have played together since 2009 and have seemingly surpassed improvisational divination and moved into straight-up telepathy. On one of Butcher Brown’s rare lyrical tracks, trumpeter/saxophonist Marcus “Tennishu” Tenney raps it best: “Even with the blueprint they know they can’t decode us.” 7:30 p.m. $33.
Saturday, March 14
Ireland at the Wharf
In terms of St. Patrick’s Day crowds, it’s hard to match Ireland at the Wharf. The day begins at 12:45 p.m. with a pipe band performing at Kirwan’s Irish pub, then marching down Water Street. Irish and Celtic musicians, including the 19th Street Band and Chasing Abbey, perform from 1 to 7 p.m. on the District Pier, while another stage features Irish dancers, music, and Six Nations rugby on a large screen. Visitors can learn to play Gaelic football, or just hang out with Guinness and whiskey in the beer garden. 12:45 to 7 p.m. Free.
Pre-St. Patrick’s Day parties at Ireland’s Four Courts
Ireland’s Four Courts hosts the annual Four Courts 4 Miler through the streets of Arlington at 9 a.m. Saturday, though doors open at 7 for prerace fueling. There’s live music from 10 a.m. to close, with performances by Irish dancers in the afternoon. As usual, the rear parking lot is covered with a heated tent to provide additional seating. 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Free.
Pre-St. Patrick’s Day parties at the Dubliner
Fans of traditional Irish tunes should head to Capitol Hill on Saturday: The Dubliner has live music from 1 p.m. straight through to 2 a.m., thanks to Pat Garvey, Brian Gaffney and Morris Minor. There’s more music on Sunday and Monday, starting at 4 and 5 p.m., respectively. Times vary. Free.
Pi Day specials
Throw it back to middle school geometry, and you can probably figure out why March 14 is also known as Pi Day. To celebrate, area restaurants offer all-day discounts. This year, those include All-Purpose Pizza, which offers two specials at its two locations — add a third pizza to an online order and get a third for $3.14, or dine in for a complimentary Italian Rainbow Cake. Liberty Tavern offers 10-inch pies for $10 all day. Slice & Pie offers $3.14 cheese or pepperoni slices at all locations, including its recently opened third one on H Street NW; Wiseguy offers the same deal at all eight locations. Beer garden Aslin hosts a pi day celebration (including pi-themed specials, brainy challenges and “surprise pie moments”) at its Herndon location (noon to 6 p.m. Free.) And at Pie Shop, which naturally goes all out for its “namesake” holiday, there’s a Pi Day Matinee without a cover. The lineup includes punk rockers Careless Flight, JJX and Losol. (1:30 p.m. Free). Pi Happy Hour lasts from 3:14 to 6:28 p.m., when you can grab one sweet slice for $3.14. The first two people to recite the first 50 digits of pi receive a $50 gift card.
Portraiture Festival at National Portrait Gallery
The triennial Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition serves as the inspiration for this day-long festival in the Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard. Get inspiration from LaToya Hobbs and Sandra Bacchi, whose works are featured in the “Outwin 2025” exhibit, and Matilda Myers and Kate Stermer, winners of the museum’s Teen Portrait Competition. Make your own art, including a silhouette portrait, or add your own work to a community quilt. The afternoon also features a performance by Moveius Contemporary Ballet, commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
The Big Draw Festival at the National Building Museum
David Macaulay, the Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator of books like “Cathedral” and “The Way Things Work,” is the special guest at the National Building Museum’s celebration of drawing and architecture. Macaulay hosts drawing demonstrations and workshops throughout the day, and the schedule also includes a coloring book workshop with local artist Trap Bob, story times, sketching activities, VR drawing with the Polish Embassy, and other hands-on activities and exhibits. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
‘Stand By Me: The Film and Its Stars 40 Years Later’ at Strathmore
Somehow, it’s been 40 years since the iconic coming-of-age tale “Stand By Me” hit theaters. If you’re among the Gen Xers and millennials who grew up watching protagonist Gordie and his friends bond over an epic hike through the woods, you’ll want to catch this screening at Strathmore, followed by a live conversation with grown-up child stars Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell and Wil Wheaton. There might not be a dry eye in the house, considering the movie’s tear-jerking plot and the tragic deaths of film star River Phoenix and director Rob Reiner. 7:30 p.m. $58-$195.
Tribute to the Savoy Ballroom at Glen Echo
During the glory days of big band swing, New York City’s Savoy Ballroom was the dance capital of America. The Harlem ballroom, which opened March 12, 1926, was known for hosting the era’s hottest bands, such those led by Benny Goodman and Count Basie, who came to battle Chick Webb’s house band. The Savoy also became famous for the innovative Lindy Hop dancers who gathered there, some of whom went on to be featured in Hollywood films. To mark the 100th birthday of the Savoy, there’s a party at the Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom, which was opened in 1933. Bandleaders Russ Wilson and Paul Cosentino lead the tributes with performances of songs associated with Basie, Goodman and Webb. A one-hour introductory swing dance precedes the concert. Dance lesson at 8 p.m.; music from 9 to 11:30 p.m. $25-$35.
Atlanta Fest at the Roost
A busy weekend at the Southeast Washington food hall kicks off with a tribute to the ATL. The one-day-only menu includes lemon pepper wet wings, fried chicken biscuits with honey butter, and stacked French toast sandwiches. Bartenders are mixing up cocktails inspired by Outkast, Lil Jon, 2 Chainz and Gucci Mane, and the taps feature beers from Halfway Crooks, which is based in Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood. The soundtrack is Atlanta hip-hop all day, with DJ Jet from 7:30 to close. Doors open at noon. Free.
Alexandria Festival of the Book at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Old Town Alexandria’s historic St. Paul’s is the setting for a book festival celebrating American history and biography down the centuries. The morning begins with three authors of books about George Washington discussing his legacy, before moving to a panel with authors who’ve written about topics related to the colonial period. Afternoon sessions touch on the Gilded Age and the Jazz Age, including 100 years of “The Great Gatsby.” 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
Sunday, March 15
Oscars viewing parties
Who’s going to take home the big prizes at the Academy Awards on Sunday night? These parties let local movie buffs dress up and cheer for their favorites.
Doors at the Arlington Drafthouse open at 6 p.m. for DC Film Society’s Oscar Watch Party, just in time for the red carpet arrivals. In addition to watching the telecast at the party, where local critics Tim Gordon and Travis Hopson serve as hosts, you can show off your smarts by entering the “Predict The Winners” contest, or bid on movie-themed items during a silent auction. 6 p.m. $16-$21.
Put on your most glam outfit for the DC Movie Club’s Academy Awards Watch Party at Penn Social: the dress code is “red carpet chic,” and there will be a photo booth. The evening includes icebreakers — this is a friendly crowd, and solo attendees are welcome — in addition to themed cocktails and drink specials. Fill out an Oscar ballot for a chance to win prizes. 5:30 to 11 p.m. $16.
How much do you know about this year’s Oscar nominees, or the Academy Awards in general? Her Diner in Adams Morgan is bringing in the hosts of its weekly quiz night for an Oscars viewing party with trivia questions, “In Memoriam” bingo and an Oscar pool, along with food and drink specials. Get there early to walk the red carpet. 6:30 p.m. Free.
Women-Made Wine Festival at the Roost
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Roost is bringing together 30 women-produced wines at booths for walk-around tastings, presented by D.C. wine distributors. All wines will be available by the bottle to take home. Sign up for one of two two-hour sessions. Noon to 2 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. $45.
Licorería Limantour pop-up at Press Club
Mexico City has become the cocktail capital of North America in recent years, and the pioneer of the CDMX scene is Licorería Limantour, which launched in 2011, and its drinks celebrating Mexican ingredients have made it a fixture of “best bars” lists ever since. (It’s ranked ninth in North America and 32nd in the world.) This year, you don’t need to passport to sample Limantour’s signature drinks: Bartenders Pamela Lopez and Alfredo Juarez Lopez are in town for the Speed Rack competition, and they’re popping up at Press Club for one night only. 6 p.m. Free; drink prices vary.
Sapphic Songwriter Nights at Songbyrd
Queer pop artist and composer Be Steadwell headlines this evening of sapphic artists. Medusa’s Muse, a duo project, and Veronique, a jazz-influenced songwriter, also take the stage. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid. 8 p.m. $26.
Tuesday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day in the pubs
The big day arrives with early starts around the area. Ireland’s Four Provinces opens its doors at 8 a.m. for the traditional Kegs and Eggs, which runs until 10 a.m., followed music in the dining room, pub and patio throughout the day. Lines begin early at the Dubliner, where there’s traditionally cheap Guinness from 9 to 10 a.m., and music from Brian Gaffney, Morris Minor and Sean Fleming on two stages beginning at 9. Crowds build throughout the day. Next door to the Dubliner, Kelly’s Irish Times opens at 10 a.m. with $5 Jell-O shots available at its four bars. Doors open at 10 a.m. at Ireland’s Four Courts, which is when both live music and lunch service begin. Pat Carroll starts picking at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub at 10 a.m., and there are performances throughout the day with artists including Rook Richards and Practically Einstein. At the Limerick Pub in Wheaton, Maryland, Mike Fearson and Pat O’Neil get underway at 11:30 a.m., and there’s music throughout the day, headlined by La Unica. There are two options at the Old Brogue in Great Falls, Virginia: Head for the pub side, where Will Baskin begins at noon, the Galway Gamblers play until last call, and Irish dancers perform throughout the afternoon; or book a table in the snug, where seatings for lunch (11:15 a.m. or 2 p.m.) and dinner (4:45 or 7:30 p.m.) are accompanied by live music.
St. Patrick’s Day Drag Brunch at Shaw’s Tavern
This rare midweek drag brunch starts St. Patrick’s Day off right — with live performance, bottomless mimosas and the chance to win Lady Gaga concert tickets (all brunch attendees will be entered in the draw March 24). Stick around after brunch for an early happy hour at 3 p.m.; at 7 p.m., there’s live music from the Irish Troubadours. 12:30 p.m. Prices vary.
Wednesday, March 18
FKA Twigs at the Anthem
Last year, FKA Twigs dabbled in etymology, coining “eusexua” as a term for a practice, state of being and “the pinnacle of human experience” that is equal parts nothingness and pure focus. On a same-named album and its sequel, “Eusexua Afterglow,” the singer-songwriter-dancer foregrounded the connection between a night on the dance floor and one in bed with a lover. The beat shifts tempos and rhythms but never stops across both albums; the same will probably be true on the D.C. stop of her Body High Tour. 8 p.m. $73.35-$365.20.
Ale Max at Bluejacket
Running, the latest sneakers and the freshest beer collide at Ale Max, an Atlanta-based series of collaborations that bring together sneakerheads and craft beer fans. Their D.C. installment paired local Black-owned Soul Mega brewing with Bluejacket to create Ale Max 90, a blonde ale with sea salt and lemon peel. The release party begins with a friendly community run that leaves the brewery at 7 p.m., and features music from DJs Airless Jordan and Ebb King. The dress code? Your flyest kicks. 6 to 10 p.m. Free
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