Ironically enough, St. Patrick's Day, filled with lots of green and beer drinking, is very much an American holiday. But that doesn't make it any less fun! It's a wonderful day to learn about the history of the Irish in America, find out more about St. Patrick (who wasn't actually Irish, by the way), and enjoy corned beef, cabbage, and Irish soda bread with green beer! And while you're here on the Outer Banks, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holiday. From parades to dinner specials, everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day. So may the road rise up to meet you as you keep reading for all the awesome things to do on the Outer Banks for St. Patrick's Day!
35th Annual Kelly’s St. Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 1:00 PM
This is one of the largest St. Paddy's celebrations in the state. The event takes on extra significance as the official launch for Dare County’s A250 celebrations, marking America's 250th anniversary. Expect over 100 floats with the theme "Life, Liberty and Liftoff in the Land of Beginnings."
The route covers a one-mile stretch on the Beach Road (Virginia Dare Trail) in Nags Head, starting at Bladen Street (MP 11.5) and finishing at Driftwood Street. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere, so bring a bag for the candy thrown from the floats and arrive early to claim a spot among the 10,000-plus spectators.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updated information!
Running of the Leprechauns 5K and 10K
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 8:00 AM
For those who want to earn their green beer, the annual Running of the Leprechauns 5k and 10k races offer a great course through Nags Head. The 10K kicks off at 8:00 AM at Satterfield Park, with the 5K following just five minutes later. The finish line leads straight into a post-race party with live music and Irish stew. It’s a high-energy way to start the weekend and a great warm-up for the Flying Pirate Half Marathon later in the spring. Find more information here.
The Outer Banks St. Patrick's Day Beer Mile
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 2:00 PM
If pushing your party limits is a little more your thing, be sure to register for the Outer Banks Beer Mile, hosted by the OBX Running Company and The Outer Banks Brewing Station.
Participants (21+ only) run four quarter-mile laps, with a 10-ounce beer at the start of each. It’s a lighthearted, costumed event that usually ends with a big afternoon in the Brewing Station’s backyard.
This event is usually hosted either the weekend before or after St. Patrick's Day (because nobody wants to choose between this and the parade!), so check your calendars for next year and be sure to book your Outer Banks vacation rental in advance to get the most of your Outer Banks St. Patrick's Day!
Irish Eats
Lost Colony Tavern
March 1 - March 31
While you’ll find green beer and American Corned Beef & Cabbage at every bar in the U.S., only at Lost Colony Tavern will you discover THE REAL FOOD OF IRELAND on their special limited-time menu of authentic Irish pub favourites such as Dublin Coddle, Leg of Lamb Stew, and the iconic Full Irish Breakfast. And of course, March marks the return of our perennial favourite “DUBLIN LAWYER,” the People’s Choice Winner of the 2023 Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff!
You can also enjoy an afternoon of traditional Irish folk music by The O’Brothers — Bill Rea, Doug Dino, and Adam Nixon — every Saturday in March from 2:00 to 5:00, including TWO shows on St. Paddy’s Day!
McGrath's Burger Shack
March 12 - March 15
McGrath's is great for Irish food year-round, but get ready to enjoy a weekend like no other at the only Irish Pub on the OBX! Join them for three full days of St. Patrick's Day fun, filled with live music, Irish cheer, food & drink specials, and giveaways at their Shamrock & Shenanigans weekend. Wear your green, bring your friends, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend the OBX way — Irish all year, not just one day.
The Black Pelican
Saturday, March 14
11 AM-4 PM
The Black Pelican in Kitty Hawk is once again hosting their Annual St. Patrick's Day Party. Located on the Beach Road, this venue offers a specialized Irish food menu, themed cocktails, and live music in a high-energy holiday atmosphere. And don't miss out on their limited edition St. Patrick's Day T-Shirts!
Swells'a Brewing
After the parade, be sure to head on over to Swells'a Brewing as the party continues! Enjoy live music, fresh oysters, and green beer for an unforgettable weekend.
Jolly Roger
If you're looking for a more traditional Irish experience, head on over to the Jolly Roger where you'll be able to enjoy a Corn Beef & Cabbage special as well as nightly karaoke!
Outer Banks Brewing Station
For another awesome afterparty, head on over to the Outer Banks Brewing Station where the Backyard will be geared up and ready for all your St. Patrick's Day shenanigans. Enjoy live music and the open & pouring beer truck for an afternoon of tasty eats and drinks!
St. Patrick's Day Quick Facts
Secure Your Outer Banks Vacation Rental for St. Patrick's Day
Whether you're going to make it in time forthe St. Patrick's Day Parade, you want to join the Running of the Leprechauns, or you're already planning for next year, you’ll need to find the perfect place to relax and lay your head down at night. There are plenty of great short-term or temporary rentals available for great rates, along with seasonal specials that will make your stay that much more sweet. It's not tooearly to start looking for the perfect place to spend your next Outer Banks vacation with your family group.
Get started early by calling one of our live, in-house Outer Banks Vacation Rental Specialists at (866) 884-0267 or check out our available rentals to book your next Outer Banks vacation today! Let us help you get ready for an unforgettable St. Paddy's spring break and spend these next few monthslooking forward to an amazing Outer Banks vacation that’s sure to help you stress less, move more, and enjoy the best of what the Outer Banks has to offer. And if you're still on the fence? Check out our Reasons to Spend Spring Break on the Outer Banks for more fun and exciting ideas.
Don’t let the chance to stay in your dream vacation home get away.
Book today.
We’ll see you at the beach!
