Don’t miss out on this weekend’s exciting lineup of events across the DMV region, from the annual Maple Syrup Festival in Thurmont to DC’s Whiskey Walk! Northern Virginia will have a little something for everyone, from a family-friendly Astronomy Festival to a St. Patrick’s Day Parade that you won’t want to skip.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
Maryland is bustling this weekend, from the annual Shamrock the Dock and St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities in Annapolis to the 50th Annual Chesapeake Collector Car Swap Meet for gearheads of all ages.
Maple Syrup Festival
Where? 14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
When? March 8th & 9th
The 54th Annual Maple Syrup Festival is happening this Saturday and Sunday at Cunningham Falls State Park! Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating historical process, as well as enjoy samples of the modern product. Guests can watch staff members boil sap and even try their hand at the great pancake race. Indulge with a hot pancake breakfast complete with sausage and of course, plenty of maple syrup. Breakfast is available at an additional cost and there is a suggested donation of $5 per person at the entrance for admission. If you can’t fit the festival into your schedule, it will return for a second weekend on the 15th & 16th — so mark your calendar now!
2025 Shamrock the Dock & St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Where? Dock Street, Annapolis
When? March 9th
Shamrock the Dock is scheduled from 12:00 AM to 6:00 PM this Sunday at Susan Campbell Park. Bands set to perform at this weekend’s event include We’re Not Handsome, Galway Guild, and Dublin5. You won’t leave hungry, either! Food trucks onsite include Picante, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Timber Pizza. There will be a nominal fee to cover the costs of the event and kids ages 12 and under are free. The parade is slated for 1:00 PM and will step off on West Street, just below Westgate Circle/Park Place. The parade will travel down West Street to Church Circle before going clockwise to Main Street and continuing to the end of City Dock. This is the city’s largest annual parade so wear some extra green and have a blast!
Leprechaun Luau 2025
Where? 797 East Patrick Street, Frederick
When? March 8th
This year’s Leprechaun Luau will be held on Saturday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Tickets are priced at $75 and include all food, beer, margaritas, and entertainment. Refreshments include JB Seafood, raw oysters, Margarita Man, Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder, Silver Diner, Dublin Roasters, and assorted desserts. Attendees must be 21 or older. The event benefits the Rotary Club of Frederick, which is one of the largest and most active service clubs in the area dating back to 1920. You can feel great about supporting a good cause while you celebrate St. Paddy’s Day! After all, who doesn’t love a luau?
Girl Scout Cookies Beer Fest
Where? 2408 Crofton Boulevard, Crofton
When? March 8th
Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery is excited to host the Girl Scout Cookies Beer Fest, which is an annual gathering of all things Girl Scout cookies. Whether you’re coming for the beer or the cookies — everyone is invited to support the Girl Scouts and enjoy a sweet time. The event is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and there will be five Girl Scout cookie beers on tap, as well as local scouts on-site to sell boxes of the good stuff! If you’d prefer to stick to the basics and enjoy a box of Thin Mints on the side, try the Dublin Irish Stout or the easy-drinking Thomas Point Lager on tap.
Irish Music Festival
Where? 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville
When? March 8th
Enjoy an array of live Irish bands, vendors, themed activities, and more to ring in St. Patrick’s Day this year. Celebrate with the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks at this family-friendly gathering from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM this Saturday at the Oregon Ridge Lodge. There will be free venue parking and tickets are priced at $20 for attendees ages 12 years and older. Most of the event will be held indoors but weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities as well. Live music will feature The ShamRogues, so come ready to dance!
Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show
Where? 2200 York Road, Timonium
When? March 7th-9th
The Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show is back for another weekend of spring inspiration as you meet with vendors, enjoy themed garden displays, and shop, compare, and save! With over 450 home project experts under one roof, this is a truly unique opportunity to meet potential contractors and learn how you can transform your home into the vision of your dreams! Exhibitors range from automotive & garage, construction & renovation, financial/mortgage, flooring, heating & cooling, home appliances and many, many more! Swing by the Exposition Hall which is located up the hill from the Cow Palace to check out the wide variety of crafts, decor, and specialty items in the Craft Hall!
50th Annual Chesapeake Collector Car Swap Meet
Where? 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship
When? March 8th
The 50th Annual Chesapeake Collector Car Swap Meet is scheduled for this Saturday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, rain or shine! This event features free admission and free parking, so come on out and buy, sell, and swap, or simply just check out this popular annual event! There will be a range of auto parts, tools, automobiles, and more on display at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Whether you’re in search of that specific part or collector car you’ve been looking for, this is your chance to find it. Vendors will be onsite and there are indoor, covered, outdoor, and car corral spaces available.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
If you love all things whiskey, then snag your tickets now for the DC Whiskey Walk 2025. Families will enjoy a trip to the Capital One Arena to watch their favorite Globetrotters amaze with spectacular tricks and never-before-seen dunks!
DC Whiskey Walk 2025
Where? 1610 U Street NW
When? March 8th
The DC Whiskey Walk might just be one of the best adventures of your life. Enjoy the best of Ireland’s premium distilleries at 8 of the city’s leading bars. Whether you’re gearing up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or you just enjoy whiskey — this event welcomes connoisseurs of all varieties. Whiskey Walk participants will enjoy one-ounce pours of select Irish whiskeys at each venue, all included with the price of their ticket. There will also be specials on food, beer, and additional whiskey to be had! All venues are within relative walking distance. Early bird ticket sales are priced at $29, plus a fee and sales tax, and end on Thursday, March 6th. Tickets will then rise to $65 (plus fees & sales tax) per person.
Harlem Globetrotters
Where? 601 F Street NW
When? March 8th
Fans of all ages will be starstruck when the Harlem Globetrotters take the court. From amazing spins, slams, and impressive dunks — this Globetrotters World Tour will feature all new trials as the beloved players face off against their rivals, the Washington Generals. Fans will have the chance to interact with the players at Saturday’s 1:00 PM game, so grab your tickets now. Seats are on sale for as low as $32! There will be a 5th quarter autographing session where fans will be invited to the court to meet the players and if you’re lucky, you may even find yourself competing in the all-new Halftime Skills Showcase!
Alton Brown Live: Last Bite
Where? 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
When? March 8th
Alton Brown is coming to The National Theatre in DC this Saturday! Tickets are on sale beginning at $60. This is set to be Brown’s “last” big roadshow tour, so if you’ve been a fan of The Good Eats star for some time — you won’t want to skip this weekend’s show. Last Bite is set to showcase live music, a multifaceted monologue, and a large, “very unusual” set of culinary demonstrations. Typically, shows also feature audience-favorite campy costumes, history lessons, and plenty of pop-culture puns. Whether you’ve been a fan for a short while or for many years, Brown’s unique way of engaging with the audience endears him to guests of all ages!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
Whether you’re in search of some new greenery to spruce up your living space or you want to spend your Saturday evening looking to the stars — Northern Virginia has something for you! To celebrate Women’s History Month this March, partake in a guided wine tasting with your best gal pals!
7th Annual Plant Market
Where? 921 North St. Asaph Street, Alexandria
When? March 7th-9th
The 7th Annual Plant Market will be hosted by PlantHouse in Old Town Alexandria this Friday through Sunday, complete with discounts, drink specials, local vendors, and more. The hours for the market will run from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, allowing guests to get a jumpstart on the spring season. Plant Club members will receive early access starting on Thursday. Tickets are free but attendees are encouraged to RSVP via the website so organizers know how many people to expect. PlantHouse also offers a variety of terrarium workshops, candle-making crafts, and more throughout the year — so stay tuned and never miss out on a chance to engage your green thumb and meet cool people!
Astronomy Festival
Where? 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls
When? March 8th
If you’re interested in astronomy, you won’t want to miss this weekend’s Astronomy Festival at The Turner Farm. On Saturday from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, attendees will look to the stars at the Turner Farm Park Observatory in Great Falls to see what planets, constellations, and more night sky secrets they can spot! Registration is priced at $10. Activities will include guided stargazing, looking through the telescope, and listening to fascinating ancient stories about the constellations around a campfire. Hot chocolate will be included in the price of registration. Limited tickets are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can also be secured online in advance.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party
Where? 9419 Main Street, Manassas
When? March 8th
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party at Sinistral Brewing Company will be occurring in Old Town Manassas this Saturday. Sinistral will open early at 10:00 AM and the parade will kick off an hour later. Live music will be performed all day, with Tim Trant hitting the stage from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by Ted Garber and JunkFood. Whether you’re a regular at Sinistral or new to their brews, you’ll find over 10 different options on tap! Sip and savor the Little Grey IPAor the light, refreshing, and easy-drinking Jackson’s Fish Taco Lager.
Women’s History Month Wine Tasting
Where? 576 South Fern Street, Arlington
When? March 7th
Celebrate Women’s History Month with Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique this Friday. The wine tasting event will feature four wines from Slater Run Vineyards, which is a woman owned winery with a female winemaker, specializing in French style wines using Virginia-grown grapes. The event will be hosted from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM and is free to wine club members with one guest. Tickets for non-members are priced at $15 and include a $5 credit towards wine purchases!
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
With so many options to choose from, you certainly won’t be bored this weekend in the DMV! Whether you call Maryland, DC, or Northern Virginia home — the region is bustling with festivities, activities, events, shows, and more. Check out one of the St. Patrick’s Day-themed events or swing by the Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show to create the home of your dreams.