We’re helping you get a head start on your shenanigans with food, drink and music events that commemorate that snake-eradicatin’ Irish priest named Patrick.
Originally, the March 17 holiday honored the patron saint of Ireland, who founded a mission near Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, in 432 A.D., bringing Christianity to the island for the first time.
I’d venture to say that Bishop Patrick wouldn’t mind his namesake holiday. While St. Patrick’s Day, with all its boozy excesses, might not seem goodly Christian in character, it sure is full of the spirited camaraderie and fun that engender the love of fellow man (and woman, ahem) that the Good Book talks so much about.
A pot o’ thanks to Libby Smith, who contributed to this report.
Weekend of March 11-13
St. Puppy’s Day St. Patty’s Day festivities go to the dogs at Citrus Park’s Dubliner. Puppy Costume Parade/contest begins at 3 p.m. Proceeds go to the Tampa Bay Humane Society with live music, a performance by the Irish Dancers, giveaways and prizes. Sat., March 12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 12836 Henderson Road, Tampa. (corner of Gunn Highway and Henderson Road), 813-300-2076. thedublineririshpub.com.
Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Day Parade Come out to Ybor City to experience the 2011 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hosted by the Rough Riders. Beads, food and fun for all. You can ride the streetcar to the parade if you wish. Sat., March 12, 8-9:30 p.m. Seventh Avenue, Ybor City. tampa-roughriders.org.
Shamrock ‘n’ Run Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with food, fun, friends and entertainment at the 5k and 1.5 mile walk. Children 7 years and under can participate in the Clover Kids Fun Run starting at 8:15 p.m. Sign up before March 4. Online registration available. Call 727-587-6740 ext. 5016 or email athletics@largo.com. Fri., March 11, 7 p.m. Ulmer Park, East Bay Drive,
Thursday, March 17
The Dubliner — Citrus Park will be throwing its annual St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza. The Dubliner will be making use of every inch of space by throwing a huge outdoor tent party in their parking lot. The festivities will kick off early with a special Irish luncheon buffet featuring Irish favorites such as fish and chips, shepherds pie and authentic sausages imported directly from Ireland. The buffet will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will cost $9.95 per person. The festival will continue throughout the day and night with a variety of live entertainment from the Fightin’ Malones and the Jeremy Thomas Band on a large outdoor stage. The Stephen Scariff School of Irish Dance will be putting on two performances at 6:15 p.m. and 10 p.m. There will be Irish games, including a shepherd’s pie eating contest, plus Irish sheep racing, a stuffed leprechaun toss and much more. Irish fare and drink specials will be served all day, including one of the only places in Tampa serving Green Miller Lite ($3). $5 cover charge starting at 4 p.m. In addition, the Citrus Park Dubliner is commemorating its two-year anniversary. The pub is at 12836 Henderson Road, Tampa, at Gunn Highway. 813-300-2076. thedublineririshpub.com.
The Dubliner — South Tampa hosts a lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $9.95. Live entertainment all day and night. Irish dancers perform at 7:30pm and green Miller Lite will be served. Cover charge is $10, starting at 4 p.m. 2307 W. Azeele St., Tampa. 813-258-2257. thedublineririshpub.com.
Leprechaun Hop Hang out on Corey Avenue, downtown St Pete Beach, for a day filled with shopping, dining, live music and food specials. Participating businesses include P.J.’s Oyster Bar, Oscar’s on 75th, Madeleina Cottage, Avenue Gourmet, Blue Parrot and Swigwam Beach Bar on Corey. Swigwam commemorates its 1-year anniversary with the band Soundwave from 8 p.m. to midnight. Free admission. Corey Avenue is just off Gulf Boulevard at the southern point of St. Pete Beach. Free Parking. 727-498-8778.
Durty Nelly’s St. Pat’s Block Party Celebrate the Irish holiday with free live music from Eye Empire, Not Tonight Josephine, Shu-Tang and others. Thu., March 17, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub, 149 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 813-220-1799. durtynellysirishpub.com.
Four Celtic Voices, with special guests from the McGinley Academy of Irish Dance, performs at the Largo Cultural Center on St. Patrick’s Day. See original dances with vocal harmonies, harp, psaltery, harmonium, flute, bass and drums. Tickets are $25 advance, $28 VIP, $23 group of 10 or more, $28 at the door. 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6793. largoarts.com.
Four Green Fields Tampa’s most authentic Irish Pub doesn’t even have to throw a party. Just being at the South-of-Downtown hangout on St. Patrick’s Day will put you in the fun-loving spirit of the holiday. Hundreds flock to Four Green Field’s quaint thatch-roof-covered pub and outdoor patio on St. Patty’s to socialize, down some Guinness and take in the sing-alongs of the Emerald Isle. 205 W. Platt St., Tampa. 813-254-4444.
The Lucky Dill’s St. Patty’s Day Extravaganza The popular deli presents a four-day St. Patrick’s Day event. It kicks off Wednesday with a bagpipe performance at 4:30 p.m., and the big holday tent party happens on Thursday with live music and a DJ, pipers, step dancers, a leprechaun and contests. Friday and Saturday feature Irish feasting and more music. Full bar indoors and under the tent with $2 green beer and unique St. Patrick’s Day cocktails. March 16-19. Lucky Dill Deli, 2800 Alt. U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. 727-789-5574.
MacDinton’s Irish Pub $10 cover starting at 5 p.m. Irish Whiskey specials all day and night. Live music from 2 p.m. till close. Irish dancers and bagpipers. Thu., March 17. MacDinton’s, 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. 813-251-8999. macdintons.com.
O’Brien’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration All three O’Brien’s Irish pub and grill locations — in Brandon, Plant City and Tampa — are hosting parties. Enjoy Irish dancers, performances by the Tampa Bay Pipe Band, and live music pumped straight from Ireland. Senior 50 percent discount on all food until 2 p.m. Thu., March 17. obrienspubs.com.
Paint the Channel Green The Garrison Channel goes green! The Rough Riders and their famous Teddy Roosevelt float will be in attendance to entertain the crowd. At 6 p.m. the channel will be dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. Afterward, celebrate with live music and Irish specials, followed by a performance by the Bon Jovi tribute band, Slippery When Wet, at 8 p.m. Thu., March 17, 4 p.m. Free. Channelside District, 615 Channelside Drive, downtown Tampa.
Peggy’s St. Patrick’s Day Backyard Bash Spend the March 17 holiday in Peggy O’Neil’s 25,000-square-foot backyard with live music and Irish step dancers. Jeff Duncan performs noon-4 p.m. Dave Bearce, 4-8:30 p.m. and Ben Bryan Band 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 1025 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor. 727-787-7734. peggyoneillsirishpub.com/palm_harbor.
RenFest’s St. Patty’s Day Party Hoist a pint to Irish heritage at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival grounds with a St. Patrick’s Day party in Piper’s Valley. Admission is free. Partake of traditional grub, music and green beer. Thu., March 17, 4-10 p.m. Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6300. bayarearenaissancefest.com.
St. Patrick’s Day at O’Keefe’s Don your four-leaf clover hat at the bay area’s beloved three-day St. Patty’s blowout at O’Keefe’s. On March 17, you can enjoy festivities under the tent from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Hear live music from Four Star Riot on Thu., Seven Nations on Fri. and Big Brother Band on Sat. All three days enjoy green beer, corned beef and cabbage, Mulligan stew, shepherd’s pie, bagpipers and Irish dancers. Free parking. March 17-19. O’Keefe’s, 1219 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. 727-442-9034.
St. Patty’s at Maloney’s Local Irish Pub Enjoy live music inside and out featuring the Dave Matthews Tribute Band, along with green beer and Irish food, a cornhole tournament, and giveaways. Live broadcast of the Cowhead Show from 3-7 p.m. Thu., March 17, 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Maloney’s Local Irish Pub, 9540 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa. 813-749-0859. maloneyslocalirishpub.com.
Did we miss something? If so, e-mail name of event, date, time, admission and other pertinent details to julie.garisto@creativeloafing.com.
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Events, Food & Drink Events | Leave a comment
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Get yer Irish up at these St. Patty’s Day events | Daily Loaf
