You don’t need a four-leaf clover to luck out on a fun St. Paddy’s Day. Engage in all sorts of shenanigans, including parties, rugby-watching, live Irish music and much more. Irish eyes will smile at these festive options.
Ireland’s Four Courts
It’s a monthlong celebration of not only St. Paddy’s Day, but also the pub’s 30th anniversary. The party starts March 11 with $7 Guinness until 8 p.m. and continues into St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Doors open March 14, 7 a.m., and the Four Courts Four Miler takes off at 9 a.m., welcoming runners of all abilities. Irish dancers will perform at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., and there will be live music in a heated outdoor tent starting at 10 a.m. On March 15, the restaurant opens at 9 a.m. Watch the Irish dancers at 6 p.m. and eat lunch and dinner specials. The fun kicks off March 17 at 10 a.m. with live music. Dancers will perform again 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. 2501 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
St. Patrick’s Party with the Seán Heely Celtic Band
Take a trip to Ireland without leaving Northern Virginia as you tap your toes to U.S National Scottish Fiddle champion and Gaelic singer Seán Heely. He and his bandmates will play high-energy dance tunes, beautiful ballads and everything in between on March 11, 7:30 p.m., at Jammin’ Java. Tickets are $27. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
St. Paddy’s Day Palooza at Punch Bowl Social
The Ballston Quarter watering hole has a weekend of merriment planned March 13-17 that includes $6 green beer and $13 Dew & Brew deals. (D.E.W. and a Brew is an Irish tradition of pairing Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey with a beer.) Other activities include the always-available bowling and arcade games, just set to Celtic beats. Doors open at 11 a.m. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
St. Patrick’s Day Bingo Brunch at Copperwood Tavern
See if you’ve got the luck of the Irish on March 14, 10 a.m.-noon, with 10 chances to win a round of bingo. The games are free to play, and brunch will be served if you get a hankering for a short rib Benedict or fried chicken and waffles. Bring the kids: There’s a menu for them, too. 4021 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub
Named after a famous Irish writer, this Shirlington spot turns up its weekly music party to an 11 for St. Paddy’s Day. Events include the Bushmills Irish Whiskey Tasting on March 14, 11 a.m., followed by a showing of the Ireland vs. Scotland rugby game at 2:10 p.m. On March 15, a reverse happy hour starts at 6 p.m.-2 a.m., with live music starting at 8 p.m. On the big day, music plays noon-2 a.m., with Irish dancers performing periodically throughout the day and drink specials, including $6 Green Tea Shooters and two finalists from the Guinness Perfect Pint competition pouring the beer. Always available are Irish dishes such as shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage. 2800 S. Randolph St., Arlington (Shirlington)
Clarendon’s St. Paddy’s Day Bar Crawl
Visit Clarendon Ballroom, BOE, Hyde Social, Mister Days Sport Rock Café and other bars in the Arlington neighborhood on March 14, 3 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, party favors and all-day drink specials, such as $5 shamrock shots and $7 Guinnesses. Tickets start at $7. Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Makers Union
Celebrate the patron saint of Ireland March 14, 9-11 p.m., and March 17, 5-8 p.m., with live music. Indulge in some food and drink specials, too, including Irish tacos, with corned beef, Guinness-braised onions and pickled cabbage, and Pastrami Egg Rolls, with sauerkraut and cheese. Wash those down with $1 green Jello shots, $5 green tea shooters and Green Light Lagers, and $9 Green Whiskey Lemonade. 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington (Shirlington)
St. Paddy’s Day Festival at Shipgarten
St. Patrick’s Day starts March 15, noon-5 p.m., at this McLean venue. Wear all the green you can stand and be one of the first 100 people through the door to get a bag of even more green swag. Party with live performances by Adam K, Nick Tierra and James Stevens; munch on Irish dishes; sip Irish drinks (green beer, anyone?); and play games like the leprechaun toss. Kids are welcome. There will be a kids’ corner with face painting, a moon bounce, and arts and crafts. Admission is free. 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons
Ireland’s Four Provinces
Owner of the 4Ps, Colm Dillon is a native of Ireland’s County Cork, guaranteeing an authentic pub experience. On March 17, 8-10 a.m., stop in for Kegs & Eggs or make a reservation for lunch or dinner, when Gerry Timlin will perform. 105 W. Broad St., Falls Church
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub and Whiskey Bar
Family-owned and -operated, this Clarendon pub stocks more than 130 whiskeys and serves Irish eats such as sausage and mash, and beef and Guinness stew. Chow down while watching performers from the Boyle School of Irish Dance on March 17. 3207 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Big Buns
Available only on March 17 is The Blarney Burger and green beer, but all month, diners can get the Luck O’Irish Shamrock Shake. Your sweet tooth will be happy to know it’s made with vanilla ice cream, Andes mint and mint syrup. 4401 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); 4251 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington); and 1336 Chain Bridge Road, McLean