St. Patrick's Day in the US capital is a time of celebration. In Washington, there's something for everyone to enjoy - whether you're interested in the culture and heritage of Ireland or just want to have a few drinks with friends at a local pub, you've got a day to remember ahead of you.

Let’s discover the best ways to celebrate and schedule St. Patrick's Day in Washington. DC.

Join the parade action

Why not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish fashion by attending DC’s biggest parade of the year?

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held on the Saturday nearest to March 17. It begins around 11am at Freedom Plaza and follows along Pennsylvania Avenue towards the White House. Thousands of spectators line the streets to join in the celebration and cheer on the participants.

The parade features live music and performances, traditional Irish folk dance and colorful floats that fill the streets of downtown DC with excitement and fun. You can also enjoy (and participate in) Irish pub crawls, art shows, costume contests and more.

If this seems like the kind of thing that would get you excited, don your best green gear and get ready for a day of fun, music and a whole lot of Irish pride.

Indulge in the magic of Irish cuisine

Want to make the occasion special with some homemade food? From a traditional shepherd’s pie to bangers and mash with a modern twist, you can treat your friends and family to the finest classics on any Irish menu.

And you can wash it down with a pint of Guinness. If a stout isn’t your thing, why not try an Irish whiskey?

St. Patrick's Day 5K, half and full marathon

If you’re looking to get in a good sweat and support a great cause at the same time for St. Patrick’s Day, sign up for the annual St. Patrick’s 5K, Half and Marathon. The proceeds from such fun events are donated to charities like the National Brain Tumor Society.

Taking part in a St. Patrick's Day 5K race is a fun and active way to celebrate the holiday in DC. These events typically feature a festive atmosphere with green decorations, music and food. You can also take the opportunity to explore the city (especially if you’re not from here), enjoy the beautiful weather and participate in physical activity with friends and family.

Popular St. Patrick's Day race events in Washington, DC, include the Potomac River Run and the Luck of the Irish 5K.

Depending on your fitness level, you can choose between the 5K, half or full marathon courses.

All routes start at the Washington Monument and take runners through some of DC's iconic landmarks, such as the US Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian Institution.

Make sure to register early on to ensure your spot in this memorable event.

Decorate 'big ass' cookies at D.C.'s favorite bakery

Baked and Wired, among other bakeries, offer Green Rice Krispie snacks, chocolate cupcakes with Jameson Ganache and Bailey's buttercream icing and more on St. Patrick's Day.

But if you don’t feel like chowing down the first delicacy you see, why not take matters into your own hands by attending their cookie decorating event?

You'll receive two massive cookies and all the tools (and professional help) needed to create confections worthy of being sold at DC's best cupcake shop.

Let your inner artist sprout.

You can visit the Irish Ambassador's residence

Cultural events at the Irish Ambassador's residence in Washington are sure to give you all the cultural warmth, music and fun you can expect out of St. Patrick’s Day.

Experience Irish culture to its fullest and celebrate this special holiday with the local community.

Overall, your Irish cultural yearning shall not go unfulfilled if you schedule things right and get the most out of what the city and the occasion have to offer.