Your Guide to DC in March 2026

D.C. is breaking out of hibernation and so should you 🫵 Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, the Persian new year, or just the existence of delicious meatballs, this month is all about reveling and putting the lonesome days of winter behind us.

Drink Green Beer On St. Patrick's Day

Head to Ireland at the Wharf Fest on March 14 for a true Irish festival with rugby, dancing, bands, and a whole lot of Guinness. Local musicians like the 19th Street Band and the Ben-David Warner Band will be playing.

• Optional side quest: Find Irish spice bag to eat — a Chinese-inspired Irish fried compilation that gets shaken up in a paper bag. There are only a few around D.C., including at Sook and Irish Channel.

Go Stargazing With the Pros

Embrace Pisces season and head to Turner Farm in Great Falls for their astronomy festival on March 7. There will be guided star gazing, telescopes, and storytelling about the constellations around the campfire. Hot chocolate is included with the $10 ticket price, obviously.

Join a Local Run Club

The warm weather almost (almost) makes me want to take up running. Luckily, D.C. has dozens, if not hundreds, of social run clubs of all speeds and sizes. If you’re just getting into the scene check out our article about how to find the right run club for you.

Celebrate the Persian New Year

Norooz Market is bringing traditional Persian music, food, and dance to the Brookland Arts Walk March 15 to celebrate the Spring equinox. There will be dozens of art and crafts vendors as well as sweet treats from Toi Moi bakery and others. The Museum of Asian Art is also hosting its own highly attended Nowruz family festival on March 14

Tune In To Baltimore’s DJ Scene

Legendary Baltimore DJ Rod Lee is coming to Chacho Spirits in Takoma on March 14. The venue itself is closing at the end of the month, so it might be your last chance to check it out. Located in an industrial office park, it feels like you’re headed to the dentist before you open the door to a sick bar and DJ room.

Eat Some Meat With Your Balls

Also on March 14, D.C. is hosting its second annual meatball battle at Osteria Morini. Eight of D.C.’s top chefs will compete to see who can make the tastiest meatball, and you get to vote. Plus, there’s unlimited pasta and focaccia. It’s bulking season anyway … right?