St. Patrick's Day weekend is a thing on the Outer Banks – a long weekend of celebrations, an excuse for people to come to town, a reason for people to get together. It's more than just the borrowing of Ireland's holiday honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who died on March 17, and a celebration of all things Irish. Here, it also marks the unofficial return of spring, getting everyone back out into the social scene after a winter of hibernating and traveling.
Here are some of the St. Patrick's Day-themed events happening around the Outer Banks this weekend.
Kelly's 34th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday, March 16, 1 p.m.
Held on the Beach Road in Nags Head, the St. Patrick's Day Parade is a much-loved Outer Banks tradition. The 1-mile parade route runs from Bladen Street at MP 11.5 north to Driftwood Street. It's held rain or shine, and you should arrive early to get a watching spot – it's estimated that more than 10,000 spectators show up to watch along the 1 -mile route. If you have kids, bring a bag for candy because there are more than 100 participants in this parade and they traditionally throw a ton of candy at the kids. This year the parade's Grand Marshall is Jockey's Ridge State Park, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, so participants are asked to incorporate Jockey's Ridge themes into their parade presentations. Judges will give awards and prizes for the best entrants after the parade. Wear your green!
Running of the Leprechauns 5K and 10K
Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m.
Outer Banks Sporting Events is hosting its annual green-themed Running of the Leprechauns on Saturday, with a home base at Satterfield Park in Nags Head. The 10K starts at 8 a.m., and the 5K starts at 8:05 a.m. The post-race party includes a beer garden and Irish stew and live music. Runners receive a t-shirt and a medal. Get more information and register here.
St. Patrick's Day Beer Mile
Saturday, March 15, 2 p.m.
After you recover from the morning run, try an afternoon beer run at Outer Banks Brewing Station. This popular annual event features quarter-mile runs interspersed with drinking of 10 ounces of beer. This 21-and-older only run, and dressing up is highly encouraged. Participants receive a t-shirt, and there's an after-party in the backyard. Onsite registration is available starting at 1 p.m. Register through OBX Running.
Sandy O'Banks Irish Pub at Bonzer Shack
Through March 30
Bonzer Shack on the Beach Road in KDH is celebrating St. Patrick's month with a pop-up Irish pub through March 30. They'll have Irish-themed food and drinks for lunch and dinner every day. Their biggest celebration of the month will be after the parade on Sunday, March 16 with all the food and drink specials plus music, prizes and fun around the firepits in the back yard. The month's food specials will include Shepherd's Pie, Colcannon, Bangers and Mash, Corned Beef Sliders, Guinness Stew and Irish sweets.
Shamrocks & Shenanigans at McGrath's Burger Shack
Friday, March 14 through Monday, March 17
McGrath's Burger Shack in Nags Head is hosting four days of live music, Irish-themed food and drink specials and door prizes.
Here's the music lineup:
Friday 6 to 9 p.m.: Steve Hauser
Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.: Doc Perkins; 5 to 8 p.m.: Westcott Butlers
Sunday 5 to 8 p.m.: Phil Watson
Monday 6 to 9 p.m.: Open Mic Night hosted by Jubilee Music Store
Shake Your Shamrock at The Black Pelican
Saturday, March 15 at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m.
The Black Pelican in Kitty Hawk is hosting two St. Patrick's Day-themed parties this weekend. There will be music, prizes, drinks, Irish food and lots of fun at the Beach Road restaurant.
St. Patrick's Day at The Froggy Dog
Monday, March 17, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Down in Avon, The Froggy Dog Restaurant & Pub is celebrating on the real St. Patrick's Day with a special menu available all day long. Guinness pints will cost only $3.17. Enjoy Irish fare like Colcannon, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Steak and Ale Pie and Reubens made with house-made corned beef.
OBX St. Patrick's Day Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Turf's Up OBX
Monday, March 17, 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Turf's Up OBX is an indoor virtual golf simulator in Kitty Hawk. On St. Patrick's Day they are hosting a one-day tournament designed to give you a full golf experience. Pair up with a league member (a pro) and they will show you (the amateur) the best tips for enjoying the facility while enjoying some competition. Choose a time slot and register online here. Cost is $25 per player.
St. Patrick's Day Bingo at Whalehead Brewery
Monday, March 17, 6 p.m.
Head up to Corolla for a St. Patty's Day party at Whalehead Brewery. You can enjoy green beer and bingo, plus Whalehead's excellent menu of pizzas, sandwiches and more.
There's a whole lot more going on this weekend (and month) so be sure to check our Daytime and Nightlife listings. Have fun out there! Slainte!
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
