Sláinte, Charm City! It’s officially that happy-go-lucky time of year, and there are plenty of ways to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Whether you’re looking for beers and bar crawls, traditional Irish eats and treats, family-friendly fun, or the perfect spot to jig along to some live music, this guide has something for everyone.
Bar Blarney
3/15-3/17: The Irish Village at Guinness Open Gate Brewery
As expected, the Halethorpe facility—the first Guinness brewery built on American soil since 1954—is pulling out all the stops for the holiday. Aside from its March beer releases, food specials, and nearly daily live music and special events schedule, the destination is activating its Irish Village throughout St. Paddy’s Day weekend. Throw on your green and gold to enjoy Irish-themed food stalls, traditional music and dancing, trivia, and, of course, plenty o’ pints. There are also ticketed experiences on offer, including a $40 full Irish breakfast (think: thick-cut bacon, black pudding, baked beans, eggs, and grilled tomato) and guided food and beer pairings. 5001 Washington Blvd., Halethorpe.
3/15-17: St. Patrick’s Day at Looney’s Pub
All locations of this homegrown pub chain—which operates venues in Perry Hall, Bel Air, Maple Lawn, and College Park—have their own set of specials and back-to-back performers booked for St. Pat’s weekend. Hit up your local Looney’s to jam to the live bands, plus look out for beat-the-clock deals (the earlier you arrive, the better), Irish brunch dishes, and more shenanigans. Locations vary.
3/16-17: Eighth-Annual St. Paddy’s Block Party at Delia Foley’s
Per tradition, Delia Foley’s is shutting down the corner of South Charles Street and Fort Avenue to host its massive indoor-outdoor bash. Line up early (the first 500 people through the door get a free Foley’s koozie) to enjoy Irish food specials, plenty of beer, a Crush station, outdoor games, an ice luge, Jameson and Guinness giveaways, and constant live music on the second floor and outside in the tent. 1439 S. Charles St. 10 a.m. $10 cover.
3/16: Fells Point Shamrock Crawl
Gather a group to toast the luck of the Irish at 10 watering holes around Broadway Square in Fells Point. The $30 price of a wristband allows you to fill a signature green mug with $3 Bud Lights, $4 rail drinks, and $4 Shamrock shots at participating bars. Among them are The Point, Duda’s, Rodo’s, Todd Conner’s, and The Rockwell. Locations vary around Fells Point. 1-9 p.m. $30-40
3/16: Federal Hill Irish Stroll
The annual shenanigans in Federal Hill are back with more than 10 fan-favorite bars participating—including Mother’s, The Charles, Banditos, Wayward, Abbey Burger, Nobles, and One Star Country Club. Hop around to take advantage of drink specials like $3.50 Bud Lights and Guinness Blondes, as well as $4.50 White Claws and Hoop Teas with the price of a wristband. Registration at Mother’s. 1113 S Charles St. 1–9 p.m. Early bird tickets starting at $10
3/16: Kegs & Eggs Rally in the Alley
This annual daytime rager at Power Plant Live features local EDM DJs, bar games, and lots of green beer. The cost of admission gets you five drink tickets and one food voucher to use at the participating venue of your choice, including Underground Pizza Company, Angels Rock Bar, and Tin Roof. 34 Market Pl. 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. $50
3/17: St. Patrick’s Day Shamrockin’ with Remedy
At Fish Head Cantina in Halethorpe, the all-day St. Paddy’s celebration will highlight $3 green beers and green tea shots; $4 Guinness drafts; $5 Jameson shots and Smirnoff green bombs; $6 Irish car bombs; and a plate of corned beef and cabbage for $14.95. Stick around for live rock covers from local band Remedy from 4-8 p.m. Fish Head Cantina. 4802 Benson Ave. Halethorpe. Free admission
Looking for a more classic Irish pub experience? Check out even more spots to hit, here.
Irish Eats
3/12-3/17: Kelsey’s Irish Pub
For the 30th year in a row, this Ellicott City staple is throwing down the entire week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Festivities include discounted Guinness pints and plates of corned beef and cabbage on March 14; a Guinness milk stout sampling and live music by Brendan Pelan and the Garrett Mabe Band on March 15; and a special toast at 7 p.m. (Ireland time) on St. Patrick’s Day Eve. On the big day, arrive as early as 8 a.m. for a Kegs and Eggs breakfast, plus bagpipers, live performers, and more food specials throughout the day. 8480 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City.
3/15-3/17: Ye Olde Emerald Tavern
This historic tavern is as close as you can get to the Emerald Isle in Parkville. In addition to the standard menu, Saint Patrick’s Day specials will include bangers and mash, Irish potato soup, corned beef and cabbage with potatoes, and Guinness-glazed wings. Wash everything down with Irish Crushes, coffees, and mules. 8300 Harford Road, Parkville.
3/17: Sláinte Irish Pub
Forever a favorite in Fells Point, this Irish pub and soccer fan headquarters offers traditional pub grub all the time. But the vibes are at an all-time high throughout March, when you can find rotating specials like Irish espresso martinis and Shepherd’s Pie empanadas. Swing by during St. Patrick’s Day weekend to dig into classics such as corned beef sandwiches, fish and chips, Dubliner mac and cheese, and the famous Irish bibimbap bowl. 1700 Thames St.
3/17: James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant
Start the party bright and early with a traditional breakfast at this Harbor East fixture. The $40 price of admission includes a full buffet spread, Irish coffees, and a commemorative T-shirt and James Joyce pin. Throughout the day, expect Irish beer and whiskey specials, dance performances, and live music by the likes of local fiddler Richard Osban. 616 President St. 9 a.m.
3/17: St. Patrick’s Day Cooking Class at Schola
Celebrate the unique flavors of Ireland with a traditional Irish cooking class. Under the direction of one of Schola’s expert chefs, guests will whip up a tasty St. Patrick’s Day brunch that includes Irish soda bread scones, smoked salmon, Guinness-braised beef short rib potato hash, and cast iron pancakes topped with apples and Nutella. Brunch includes a BYOB Bloody Mary bar with a variety of toppings. 2744 Lighthouse Point East. $75 per person.
Family-Friendly Fun
3/14-3/15: St. Patrick’s Day Art Play
Start the morning off on a fun note with St. Patrick’s-themed art and sensory play. There will be two crafts on offer, as well as sensory play stations and a PlayDoh setup. 742 Dividing Rd., Severna Park, Manhattan Beach Clubhouse, Mar. 14-15, $23 for first child, $13 for siblings.
3/17: St. Patrick’s Day Snakes
Register early for this annual kiddie favorite at Oregon Ridge Nature Center. During the program—which offers two sessions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.—families work with outdoor experts to spot snakes that call the Cockeysville property home. The nature walk is meant to educate attendees on the importance of snakes, and ultimately debunk the myth that they’re “evil”—which is the supposed reason why St. Patrick banished them from Ireland. 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville. 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Free admission for members. $6 for non-members
3/17: Saint Patrick’s Day Family Funday at Guilford Hall Brewery
Conveniently, St. Paddy’s happens to fall on a Sunday this year. So this brewpub near Station North is getting in on the holiday fun with brunch specials galore. Bring the whole family to enjoy games and discounted eats including corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, bangers and mash, and Shepherd’s Pie. Adults can expect a special Pot of Gold cocktail, as well as $10 Irish coffees and $12 Shamrock martinis. 1611 Guilford Ave. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Merry Music
3/16-17: Claddagh Pub’s Annual Meet in the Street
The countdown is on for the biggest bash of the year at Canton’s “old-school Irish pub.” The tented, two-day festivities on O’Donnell Square will feature multiple groups including local faves HFS Band, Starcrush, Crushing Day, Mr. Greengenes, Doc Marten and the Flannels, and Just the Tip featuring Bryan O’Boyle. 2918 O’Donnell St. 9 a.m. Free admission
3/16-17: Shamrock the Dock Annapolis
This two-day live music fest on the Annapolis waterfront features a killer lineup this year, including Celtic rockers Barleyjuice, Seven Nations, Poehemia, Dublin5, and Carbon Leaf. The family-friendly weekend will also highlight Irish dancing, pipe bands, and a full Leprechaun Land with face painting and stilt walkers for kiddos. 1 Dock St. Annapolis. 12-9 p.m. General admission starts at $30
3/16: Front Page at Charles Village Pub
Put on your dancing shoes to rock out with Front Page at Charles Village Pub. Get an early start on St. Paddy’s celebrations by enjoying familiar ’80s and ’90s rock covers all night long. 19 W Pennsylvania Ave. 6 p.m.
3/17: Celtic Woman
The Hippodrome is hosting this all-female Irish musical group on the big day. In celebration their native country’s rich musical traditions, the award-winning ensemble has toured internationally since its conception in 2004, performing both originals and Irish classics. 12 North Eutaw St. 3 p.m. $70
3/17: Julia and the Shared Delusion at Cat’s Eye Pub
The hallowed pub and live music joint in Fells is ringing in the holiday with Julia and the Shared Delusion. The Baltimore-based blues group promises to deliver “a range of funky New Orleans and blues songs that’ll make you move.” 1730 Thames St. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.