St. Patrick’s Day is finally here! The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. The holiday, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast–on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage. As time has passed, the holiday has grown into a beautiful celebration of Irish culture, history and people. On March 17, it’s common for people to wear green and take part in various St. Patrick’s Day activities. Whether you celebrate by attending Mass or going to a parade, here are some fun activities you can do around Greeley in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
head downtown for Greeley’s 9th annual blarney on the block
Kickstart the holiday week on Saturday, March 12 in downtown Greeley at the 9th annual Blarney on the Block with a parade, bagpipe players, live music, Greeley’s famous Go-Cup service and more. Community members of all ages are encouraged to dress in green head to the 9th Street Plaza for the festivities. Entertainment including the McTeggart Irish Dancers and go-cup service starts at 2pm. Then at 2:30 you’ll love the short First National Bank Parade. The Northern Colorado Caledonia Pipe Band sticks around until 4pm and then the feature band, the wildly popular Irish Pub Band, Juice O’The Barley, plays on the 9th St plaza stage.
The parade route begins at 9th Avenue between 6th and 7th streets and adults, teens and children are encouraged to participate in the parade by decorating their bikes, strollers, wagons and even their pups. Lineup for the parade begins at 2:15 p.m.
enjoy St. Patrick’s Day specials all week at Fat alberts
Head to Fat Alberts March 10th-March 17th for their St. Patrick’s Day specials including, traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage with Irish potatoes, Irish coffees and green beer of course! Celebrate early and avoid the St. Patrick’s Day crowds! *They do not accept reservations on St. Patrick’s Day – first come, first serve.
Celebrate with friends at green earth brewing
Visit Green Earth Brewing (GEBCO) for their annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities. There will be special St. Patrick’s Day Releases including, an Irish Red, Irish Dry Stout, Scottish Ale, No Alert Amber and a Mojito Seltzer. With special live music from Nick Critchlow and Thomas Viney.
Nick Critchlow is a singer/songwriter from Fort Collins. He has been a local NoCo musician for a decade, playing his original acoustic tunes up-and-down the front range. Critchlow’s music is best described as folk rock with a blue’s mistress. He is accompanied by experienced violinist Thomas Viney.
byob paint class
Join an instructor led class at Work of Art Greeley and Paint, Play and Create! Paint your own Lucky Leprechaun! Canvases are pre-sketched for ease of painting your design. An instructor will walk you through the painting process step by step – no experience needed.
St. patrick’s Day #2 at the Moxi
To make up for the year with no St. Patrick’s Day, The Stubby Shillelaghs are making it up at the MOXI Theater! The band began in 2010 when long-time friends Andrew Mithun, Ryan Knaub, and Shaughnessy McDaniel decided to start “The Stubby Shillelaghs” as a small side project. They recorded and released their first self-produced album “Stubbies Assemble!” on St. Patrick’s Day of 2011. Following this the band has recently released their 2nd studio album “Whiskey Business” and their first live album “Parental Advisory Live!” Don’t miss their live show with The Constant Tourists and Bolonium following St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, March 18th.
How are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year? Feel free to share by posting your Instagram pics using #VisitGreeley and #YourDestination, and we will try to share them to our Story!
