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
If you're looking for something a little more traditional to complement your St. Patrick's Day weekend (or month), stop by the Lost Colony Tavern for their take on an Irish-inspired St. Patrick's Day. All month long, they'll be offering live music by the O'Brothers every Friday in March as well as offering a limited-time special menu of traditional Irish fare, including a Full Irish Breakfast, Calcannon, and Coddic. As they say on their Facebook, "Nobody in Ireland drinks green beer or eats corned beef & cabbage for St. Pat’s…and neither will we." So be sure to stop by during March for a real Irish experience.
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.
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