It's that time of year again when Phoenix goes green with St. Patrick's Day festivities sprawling across the valley. In what's become a tradition, the city's Irish pubs and establishments are set to spread joy with a plethora of events, ranging from parades to bar crawls. If you're feeling lucky, join the 41st St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire on March 16, starting from 3rd Street at 10 a.m. and concluding at Margaret T Hance Park where, according to 12News, the festival atmosphere continues till 5 p.m.
Bars and taverns are not far behind, with the Thirsty Lion hosting a weekend of Irish music and dance, and an Irish-inspired menu that patrons can sink their teeth into on March 16-17. As Phoenix New Times reports, other hotspot events include the Tempe St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl on March 17, which offers a trail of drink specials and free prizes, making the most of the holiday spirit.
For those seeking something a bit more authentic, Phoenix's oldest Irish pub, the Dubliner, celebrates 40 years on the same weekend, promising live music, and, of course, corned beef and cabbage. For a greener spectacle, Fountain Hills keeps up a 45-year tradition, turning their fountain a vivid hue of emerald at noon and basking it in green light come sunset; a nod to their 1979 inauguration when water skiers were included in the act.
Around the Valley, there's no shortage of places to salute the Irish, with Cactus Jack's and Connolly's throwing parties featuring live music, giveaways, and Irish cuisine. Cactus Jack's brings The Noodles on stage and a best-dressed Irish costume contest, while Connolly's ramps up the party with a parking lot bash filled with green beer and a photo booth. For a more offbeat St. Paddy’s destination, Cobra Arcade Bar is ditching cover charges and packing the place with DJs and green drink specials.
It’s not just the pubs and bars getting into the shamrock spirit. Even public events boast a touch of green, from the Skysill Rooftop Lounge's "Lucky & Charmed" celebration to Wicked Wolf Glendale's block party which features a variety of outdoor games, and, if you have the guts, a green beer-chugging competition. With so many options, Phoenix is proving that this St. Patrick's Day, whether you're seeking culture or craic, the Valley is the place to be.
