Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Norfolk this year? Well, you’re in luck. (Get it?) We have some really fun St. Patrick’s Day events in Norfolk complete with green drinks and plenty of reasons to dress in an Irish-inspired fashion. Plus, If you’re in the mood for some authentic Irish eats and drinks, we’ve got you covered there too. So, throw on some shamrocks, give in to a green beer, and join in the fun.
Note that in 2026, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday, meaning most celebrations are happening on the previous weekend.
Irish Inspired Eats and Drinks
Food
Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub
Norfolk’s only Irish pub, Grace O’Malley’s is smack dab in the heart of Downtown and is the most authentic Irish experience around. Throughout the pub you’ll find items shipped directly from Ireland: the mahogany woodwork, the light fixtures and even the tile. Grace O’Malley’s owners were determined to give customers a true Irish experience and have exceeded expectations with their authentic menu and live Irish performers of Gaelic song and dance. Indulge in traditional dishes like bangers and mash, cottage pie, shepherd’s pie made with homemade Guinness brown gravy or corned beef Blarney sub created with their signature Paddy Old Irish Whiskey sauce. Pair your meal with an Irish beer (we recommend Smithwick’s – pronounced “Smiddick’s”) to get the full experience.
St. Patrick’s Events in Norfolk
Shamrockin’ in Ghent
March 6, 2026
Shamrockin’ in Ghent the much anticipated annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party in Norfolk’s historic Ghent district. The event launches the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Thousands of people come out to celebrate with live music from The Fighting Jamesons. The Tidewater Pipes and Drums kick off the event on the street. There are beer trucks, Irish whiskey and local food vendors.
@carolynrice, Instagram
59th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14, 2026
The 59th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a fun filled Irish parade with all the marching bands, clowns, floats, cars, and people necessary to make up an exciting and enjoyable parade. After the parade come inside the Columbian Club of Ocean View for live music, food and fun. There will be a variety of food vendors and live music.
See full parade route at https://norfolkparade.com/
Party After the Parade at COVA
March 14, 2026
Look for COVA Brewing Company’s float during the parade, and then head over to the brewery to keep the party going until 9 p.m.! They’ll have food, live music and all the green beer you can drink!
Keep the party going with live music by Kaboombox, festive vibes, and specialty drinks flowing all day—including our famous green beer. Grab your crew, wear your green, and celebrate St. Paddy’s the COVA way.
Everybody’s Irish DJ Night at Grain
March 14, 2026
Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend the right way. Join us Saturday, March 14th from 9PM-2AM as DJ Saint James spins your favorite tracks all night long. Whether you’re Irish or just Irish for the night, come raise a glass (or pint) with us.
St. Patrick’s Day Post Parade Party at Benchtop
March 14, 2026
When the parade confetti settles and the street sweepers roll through, the real fun begins. Slide over to Benchtop and keep the celebration going with us. We’ll have corned beef sausages sizzling all day from our friends at Pendulum Meats, plenty of good pours flowing, and Cats on the Blacktop bringing the jams from 4–7pm. When the band packs up, the mic heats up with karaoke from 7-10 so you can sing your heart out and close the night strong.
One Last Time at Bold Mariner
March 17, 2026
Ocean View brewery Bold Mariner’s St. Patrick’s Day parties are the stuff of legend, so it will be a bittersweet farewell this year as the Mariner prepares for its next chapter.
