St. Patrick’s Day weekend is upon us, which means it’s time to don your best green attire and get ready to celebrate everything Irish, from food to beer to music. If crowded bars aren’t your scene but you still want to get in the spirit of the holiday, check out these festivals and celebrations at NoVA’s breweries. They’ll serve up everything from dark and creamy stouts to Irish red ales and even some neon-green dyed concoctions sure to satisfy any beer lover. Add some delicious food specials and traditional Irish music to the festivities and it’s a weekend you won’t soon forget.
Aslin Beer Co.
March 15–17
It’s hard not to feel lucky at a St. Patrick’s Day celebration like Aslin’s. The brewery will host a weekend-long celebration at each of its locations, full of Irish food specials, drink specials, “shamrock shenanigans,” and the release of a new special-edition beer. Stop by to try the barrel-aged stout, flavored with notes of Irish coffee and marshmallows. Multiple area locations
Shipgarten
March 16, 1–11:30 p.m.; March 17, 12–6 p.m.
There are two days of activities at Shipgarten. On Saturday, expect live music starting at 2 p.m., food specials inspired by the holiday (including a green eggs and beer deal), games and giveaways, and drinks like green beer, green tea shots, and Guinness. Sunday is family day, with face painting, moon bounces, games, and appearances from characters Merida and Peter Pan. 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean
Ono Brewing Company
March 16–17
You’ll find Irish-inspired specials at this Chantilly brewery, but don’t expect green beer — there will be two options for Irish-style brews on tap, in addition to 10 other beers at its self-serve tap wall. Odd BBQ, the Hawaiian-inspired barbecue joint that operates inside Ono, will serve up corned beef, and Irish music and a game at checkout will keep the experience lively. 4520 Daly Dr. Ste. 102, Chantilly
Ornery Beer Company
March 15–17
This brewery’s Killarney black Irish stout will be on tap all weekend, so dress up in green and head over for a pint starting on Friday. On Saturday, there’s a free comedy show at the Fairfax location starting at 9 p.m. — for adults only! — and on Sunday, you’ll go home with a free pint glass if you order the Killarney. 3850 University Dr., Ste. 106, Fairfax
Old Bust Head
March 16–17
Old Bust Head will have Irish dancers and music all weekend, with performances from The Cold North, the Blue Ridge Bandits, and Kristin Butke Irish Dance on Saturday and Freddy Hall and the Phoenix Irish Dance Academy on Sunday. Taste the new releases crafted for St. Paddy’s Day, a red ale and a Fuzzy Leprechaun hard seltzer. 7134 Farm Station Rd., Vint Hill
Lost Rhino Brewing Company
March 16, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Start the day off right with “eggs and kegs” from 8 to 11:30 a.m., or head over in the afternoon for live music from The Distance and traditional Irish dance from the Foley Academy of Irish Dance. Whenever you go, expect Irish beer and food specials and limited-edition St. Patrick’s Day shirts and glassware for sale. 21730 Red Rum Dr. Ste. 142, Ashburn
Eavesdrop Brewery
March 15–March 16
What better companions for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration than baby goats and alpacas? Eavesdrop Brewery will have those adorable farm animals on hand, plus live music and a barbecue food truck at its Saturday event. Friday has fun in store too, with releases of brand-new beers and more live music. 7223 Centreville Rd., Ste. 115, Manassas
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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