Shamrock Fest--Anyone Been? (friendly, sunny, kids) - Northern Virginia - Virginia (VA) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

novahousehunter · 02-24-2010, 07:57 AM

Kegs and Eggs is different--it is a DC101 event.
Shamrock fest has a couple of radio stations but I think is a hiball event.

I haven't been to SF since it was moved from Arlington, though some of my friends still go every year. All of those events are generally catered more toward the early 20s party crowd, but it's not at all "out there" like many weekend long music festivals. I don't think the crowd would make anyone uncomfortable.

pcity · 02-24-2010, 10:07 AM

Oops... I meant to revisit this thread a while back.

I agree with the above posts. You will definitely see a lot of drunk 20something guys, even outside the all-you-can-drink VIP "party zones" (which are totally not worth it BTW), but it's not exclusively their festival. You will also see couples with and without kids. During the day, there are a decent amount of families on the carnival rides and watching the Irish dancers. As nightfall approaches, and the big bands start coming out, some of the famlies leave and it's more crowded with twentysomethings. There's still a decent amount of non-twentysomethings though.

My advice would be, if you don't like crowds, don't get too close to the stages since the crowds can get a bit rowdy, but I guess that goes for any concert really. Also, try to get your bathroom breaks in early in the day because the lines at 6PM and later get pretty ridiculous.

Personally, I try to get there as early as possible to get my money's worth. I always catch at least one of the Irish dancing troupes and then it's on to the bands. Donegal X-Press, Scythian, and Carbon Leaf are some of my faves.

Caladium · 03-03-2010, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novahousehunter

Kegs and Eggs is different--it is a DC101 event.
Shamrock fest has a couple of radio stations but I think is a hiball event.

I haven't been to SF since it was moved from Arlington, though some of my friends still go every year. All of those events are generally catered more toward the early 20s party crowd, but it's not at all "out there" like many weekend long music festivals. I don't think the crowd would make anyone uncomfortable.

I looked up Kegs and Eggs. Sounds like it skews towards the 20-something crowd. OK, back to Plan A. I'm doing Shamrock Fest and if I still want more St, Paddy's Day fun after that maybe I'll go to Brogue Tavern the next day (or the day before)

normie · 03-07-2010, 05:48 AM

Hope they have some indoor events. Or tents. Looks like we're expecting rain that day. (Of course, maybe it's just be passing sprinkles. The weather report seems to wait until the day before to say if it'll be a lot of rain or just light showers.)

pcity · 03-07-2010, 07:07 PM

They do have tents for DJ's spinning dance and hip-hop music, as well as tents for watching college basketball.

On a completely selfish note, I'm actually kinda hoping for some rain. It rained last year and was one of the more fun Shamrockfests I've been to, because it wasn't as crowded as previous years.

normie · 03-08-2010, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcity

They do have tents for DJ's spinning dance and hip-hop music, as well as tents for watching college basketball.

On a completely selfish note, I'm actually kinda hoping for some rain. It rained last year and was one of the more fun Shamrockfests I've been to, because it wasn't as crowded as previous years.

Good point, I've been to events on rainy days and you're right--it's great because it's not crowded, and the people who show up really want to be there and add a fun energy.

You know what else is fun on a rainy day--the zoo! Yes, believe it or not. The animals are awake, running around, and playing. Much more fun than on a sweltering hot day when they're all asleep.

Caladium · 03-08-2010, 10:33 AM

I'm going rain or no rain. I'm so ready to go to outdoor events again. Who cares if we have a few stray showers?

kwolf68 · 03-08-2010, 11:25 AM

Good gig. Street Dogs, yah

kevinm · 03-08-2010, 11:45 AM

Why are parents bringing CHILDREN to this event? St. Paddy's Day is a DRINKING OCCASION. Leave the kids at home where they belong.

pcity · 03-08-2010, 01:50 PM

Huh? There's nothing wrong with bringing kids to the event. There's carnival rides and they can see their peers do Irish dancing. If I were a kid, I'd love Shamrockfest. Obviously it is a drinking occasion but it's not ONLY a drinking occasion.

This is the first time I've heard anyone complain about kids there.