Every year, St. Patrick’s Day weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to the season in Ocean City, Maryland. After a quiet winter, the town comes back to life with festive events, lively crowds, and many favorite bars, restaurants, and attractions reopening for the 2026 season.
From the popular Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade to live music, themed parties, and plenty of Irish-inspired food and drinks, it’s the perfect time to celebrate by the beach and get your first taste of Ocean City’s summer energy. 🍀🌊
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
The highlight of the weekend is the annual Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, hosted by the Delmarva Irish-American Club. Held on Saturday, March 14, the parade steps off at 12:00pm noon along Coastal Highway, marching south from around 57th Street to the 45th Street Shopping Center.
Spectators can expect a lively lineup of bagpipe bands, marching bands, Irish dancers, and colorful floats celebrating Irish culture and the start of the season in Ocean City, Maryland.
Before and after the parade, the 45th Street Village Shopping Center hosts a free Irish festival with live music, dancers, food, drinks, and Irish merchandise, making it the perfect spot to keep the celebration going.
Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot — the parade draws large crowds each year and has grown into the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Maryland.
🍀 Pro tip: Many bars and restaurants along Coastal Highway host watch parties, so you can enjoy the parade with a drink and a front-row seat.
Restaurants & Hotels Reopening for the Season
Ocean City, Maryland also starts to feel like summer again as many popular restaurants and hotels reopen their doors for the season during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
On the dining side, several local favorites are welcoming guests back. Harrison’s Harbor Watch returns with its well-known waterfront views and seafood menu overlooking the inlet, while the bright and beachy The Atrium Cafe is a go-to spot for breakfast and lunch. Also reopening is Coastal Salt, known for its elevated coastal dishes and stylish atmosphere. And of course, no St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without stopping by the longtime Irish favorite Shenanigan’s Irish Pub & Grille for a pint and classic pub fare. (If you need more dining recommendations, check out a full lineup here.)
For visitors planning a weekend stay, two well-known oceanfront properties have also reopened for the 2026 season. Both Quality Inn Oceanfront and Quality Inn Boardwalk welcomed guests back this week, making it even easier to turn the holiday weekend into a full beach getaway.
If you’re looking for even more happening around town, be sure to check out our March Events Calendar to see everything going on throughout the month. And if you’re thinking about visiting, now’s a great time to book your stay and be part of the excitement as Ocean City comes back to life for the season.
