St. Patrick’s Day officially won’t be until next Thursday, March 17th, but does that mean you need to wait until then to drink green beer, don your leprochaun outfit and hear some Irish tunes?
St. Patrick’s Day officially won’t be until next Thursday, March 17th, but does that mean you need to wait until then to drink green beer, don your leprochaun outfit and hear some Irish tunes? No, of course not.
RVA is known for its St. Paddy’s Day shindigs all over town and this weekend through the end of the month there are a ton of festivals, bar and restaurant events and shows at music venues all to celebrate the day.
So RVA Mag has put together this St. Patrick’s Day Guide to help you choose which place you would like to take your drunken shenanigans. Happy Drinking!
Shamrock the Block-Saturday, March 12
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival on the Boulevard is back with beer, bands and food and other vendors. Performers include Baldy Mcgregor, Cabin Creek, Footwerk, La Unica, and The Barons. 11-5 pm. Free. There’s also an after party at Nacho Mama’s on the Boulevard starting at 5 pm. Live music from the Fender Benders, $!0 nacho bar and tiki bar.
Blarney Bash in Shockoe Bottom- Saturday, March 12th
It looks as though Shamrock the Block at the 17th Street Market has been
revived as “Blarney Bash” courtesy of the Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood Association. There will be ;ive music from ‘The Sutor Brothers, Cary Street Ramblers and Irish dancing performances by The Baffa Academy of Irish Dance. The festival will also be crowning a ‘Mr. and Miss St. Patrick’s Day’!
Looks as though there will also be an eating contest? So prepare to eat as many Bangers and Mash in five minutes as you can. Halligan Bar and Grill is catering Blarney Bash and of course, there will be plenty of Guinness and other beers. 11 am to 5 pm.
Rosie Connolly’s St. Patrick’s Street Party-Saturday March 12th
Basically part of Blarney Bash (see below) this party will feature live music, bag pipes, Guinness and Jameson served inside and out of the bar.
Kicks off at 10:30 am with live music going from noon to 9 pm and the party going until 1:30 am.
Traditional Irish Menu, a DJ, beer and shot specials and green beer. They will also be celebrating all day for the actual St. Patrick’s Day next Thursday.
The Church Hill Irish Festival– March 19th and 20th
The 25th Church Hill Irish Festival commences next weekend at 25th and East Broad streets. A little more family friendly than the previous two major festivals, but definitely one of the best that’s continued to be a great time each year. r There will be over thirty Irish vendors, “Irish Lasagna” prepared by the Ladies of St. Patrick’s, “Fish and Chips” and other favorites provided by Rare Olde Times Irish Pub, Rosie Connolly’s. Expect plenty of Guinness and Harp and of course, Black and Tans. There will also be face painting and crafts for the kids!
Proceeds benefit the St. Baldrick’s Society and their fight against childhood cancer, the Church Hill Association, $5.00 donation will be collected at the gate.
Center of the Universe St. Patrick’s Day Bash to benefit St. Baldricks– Saturday, March 12th
In an effort to raise money for St. Baldrick’s which aims to eradicate childhood cancer, the Ashland brewery will host a party this Saturday from 1 to 9 pm. A fundriasing effort from a silent auction and and raffle items donated from 50 local businesses worth over $6,000 will be raffled off throughout the day. COTU is releasing a special brew for the day called, Irish Red. There will also be games, food trucks and live music.
Rare Olde Times St. Patrick’s Day Party-Thursday March 17th
We all can’t be in Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, so Rare Olde Times in the next closest thing RVA has when it comes to a true Irish pub. They will have their annual celeration with live music Uisce Beatha. 5 to 8 pm.
F.W. Sullivan’s Street Party-Thursday, March 17th
The Fan restaurant and bar will host its 7th annual St. Patrick’s Day party from noon to 2 am.
Jet Trails Media show with Butcher Brown and The Big Payback-Thursday, March 17th
Jazz instrumental outfit Butcher Brown and The Big Payback: A Tribute to James Brown will put a show next week at The Camel to celebrate St. Paddy’s. $10 in advance. $12 at the door. Get your tickets here.
