How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Calgary
This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on Saturday, March 17, 2018. Celebrate by eating Irish food, listening to Celtic music and, of course, drinking green beer at local pubs.
Thinkstock
General St. Patrick's Day events
St. Patrick’s Day at the Calgary Farmers' Market
Date: Saturday, March 17
Cost: Free
The Calgary Farmers' Market is getting in the St. Patrick's Day spirit with some live entertainment. After doing some shopping, stop by the main stage and see live performances featuring Celtic folktales, the Ian Gott Irish Dance Academy and Bow Valley Fiddlers from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.
Calgary Farmers’ Market, 510 77 Ave. S.E., 403-240-9113, calgaryfarmersmarket.ca
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Irish Cultural Society
Date: Saturday, March 17
Cost: $5 for ICS members; $10 for non-members
If you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the most authentic way possible, plan on going to the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary. Members and non-members alike are welcome at the centre’s event, which will feature Irish dancing performances, Celtic music and food.
Irish Cultural Society, 6452 35 Ave. N.W., calgaryics.org
Food and drink events on or for St. Patrick's Day
All Things Irish Festival
Date: March 17
Cost: $40
Food and drinks play a big part in Irish culture. So this St. Patrick's Day, don a green outfit and try some Irish cuisine for yourself at Willow Park Wine & Spirits' All Things Irish Festival. In addition to Irish food, the evening event will feature Irish beers, liqueur and whiskies. The festival runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
10801 Bonaventure Dr. S.E., 403-296-1640, willowpark.net
Shamrocks & Shenanigans
Date: Saturday, March 17
Cost: $64.95
Eat like the Irish at Heritage Park's Shamrocks & Shenanigans event. There's an evening dinner featuring a menu of bangers and mash, Irish fried soda bread, a build your own shepherd's pie station, Driview Farms lamb loin and more, as well as beer from Big Rock Brewery. Local Celtic band Cabot's Crossing is also performing at the event.
Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W.,403-268-8500, heritagepark.ca
St. Patrick's Day at Vendome Cafe
Date: March 17
Cost: $45
Head to Vendome Cafe for an Irish-themed dinner on St. Patrick's Day. Beer and cocktail pairings will accompany the three-course dinner. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
940 2 Ave. N.W., 403-453-1140, vendomecafe.com
Whiskey Tasting at Atco Blue Flame Kitchen
Date: Saturday, March 17
Cost: $50
While this event isn't explicitly for St. Patrick's Day, Ireland is a country that's known for its whiskey so it makes sense to drink the popular spirit on March 17. This evening session at Atco Blue Flame Kitchen highlights four whiskey styles from around the world. You'll learn about each whiskey style and try food pairings with them.
Atco Blue Flame Kitchen, 909 11 Ave. S.W., 403-245-7630, atcoblueflamekitchen.com
Sporty St. Patrick’s Day events
Calgary Roughnecks St. Patrick's Day Party
Date: Saturday, March 17
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Calgary's professional lacrosse team is holding a St. Patrick's Day Party on March 17. In addition to the high-energy evening lacrosse game, there will be a halftime show, dance team performances, giveaways and more. And don't forget to wear green (to mark St. Patrick's Day) as you watch Calgary play the Rochester Knighthawks from New York.
Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise S.E., calgaryroughnecks.com
The Original St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
Date: Sunday, March 11
Cost: $55
Don some green athletic attire or a fun costume for one of the last races of the winter season. Runners can take on a five-kilometre or 10-km route, then fill up on Irish stew once they’ve crossed the finish line. The race is a fundraiser for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Central Memorial High School, 5111 21 St. S.W., raceroster.com
Bars and restaurants with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and specials
Dixon's Public House
24, 15425 Bannister Rd. S.E., calgarysbestpubs.com/dixons/
Donegal Irish Pub
1637 37 St. S.W., 403-686-6960, calgarysbestpubs.com/donegal/
James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant
114 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-0708, jamesjoycepub.com
Joyce on 4th Irish Pub
506 24 Ave. S.W., 403-541-9168, calgarysbestpubs.com/joyce/
The Kilkenny Irish Pub
500, 3630 Brentwood Rd. N.W., 403-284-4404, calgarysbestpubs.com/kilkenny/
Limericks Traditional Public House
7304 Macleod Tr. S., 403-252-9190, calgarysbestpubs.com/limericks/
Ship and Anchor
534 17 Ave. S.W., 403-245-3333, shipandanchor.com
[This article was last updated on February 28, 2018 to reflect 2018 events]
Sign-up for our Food & Drink Newsletter to get the latest Calgary dining news.
