Annapolis St. Patrick’s Weekend Guide 2024

The Parade

This is without a doubt downtown Annapolis’ biggest and baddest parade. Local businesses, fire departments, dance troupes, and dozens more participants pull out all the stops for St. Patrick’s Day in Annapolis.

The Grand Marshall is always an iconic Annapolis figure and this year it’s a man anyone who’s ever been to McGarvey’s knows like a beloved uncle. He’s the father of the Irish Coffee shooter. He’s the best-dressed bartender around. It’s the one, the only. . . Beans – AKA Martin Gardner.

Date: March 17

Time: Step off is 1 PM. The parade should last about 2.5 hours.

Route:

• Step off from Amos Garrett Blvd
• Turn right onto West Street
• Clockwise around Church Circle
• Exit onto Main Street
• Clockwise around Compromise Circle
• Exit onto Randall Street

Anywhere along the route is a great vantage point but Main Street is always a favorite. Judging happens just before Compromise Circle near the huge Irish flag.

Parking:

Downtown parking is limited and garages will fill up faster than a poorly poured Guinness overflows. We recommend parking at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for $20 and taking the free shuttle. Pay in advance to save time.

The shuttles stop at the beginning and end of the parade. You can get on or off at either stop. Buses run from 10 AM to 9 PM EXCEPT between 12:30 PM and the end of the parade (3:30 PM ish) because they have to drive on the parade route. So arrive early if you're planning to shuttle!

Water taxis:

The water taxis will be coming out of hibernation this weekend. Make sure to download the Where in Annapolis app for easy payment or grab some cash from the ATM at Dock Street Bar & Grill. It’s right by the water taxi pickup.

Shamrock the Dock

All day Saturday and after the parade on Sunday, Johnny O’Leary and Naptown Events are hosting a two day music festival at City Dock. Performers include Carbon Leaf, Seven Nations, Skerryvore, and many more. We’re most excited for Sunday when local Irish band Dublin 5 will play in public for the first time since their hiatus that started after last year’s parade.

21 acts are playing on 2 stages starting at 12 PM both days. View the lineup and get tickets.

Irish restaurants and bars

Annapolis is home to several wonderful Irish establishments you may want to visit this March. They include:

• Galway Bay Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar
• Killarney House Pub & Whiskey Bar
• Brian Boru Irish Pub & Restaurant
• Castlebay Irish Pub

Many other spots aren’t 100% Irish but they don’t want to miss out on the fun. And they’re right along the parade route.

• Stan & Joe’s bills itself as an American saloon with an Irish attitude.
• Leo is hosting an Irish brunch complete with specialty cocktails the morning of the parade. Make reservations on Resy.
• Rams Head Tavern is selling $1 Guinness from 11 AM to noon and green beer while supplies last. They have live music all day and no cover.
• O’Brien’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Tavern has a special Irish menu through March 17.
• The Choptank rooftop has a fantastic view of the parade but space is extremely limited.
• McGarvey’s (home of Parade Grand Marshall Beans) has a special Irish menu for drinks and food through March 19.

Have fun and be safe

Please drink responsibly this weekend and if you are drinking, don’t drive.