General St. Patrick’s Day events
A Celtic Celebration with Heather Rankin
Date: Sunday, March 17
Cost: $50 to $90
Heather Rankin arrives in Calgary for a collaborative performance with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. A member of Canada’s esteemed Rankin Family band, Heather released her debut solo album in 2016. Joining her and the orchestra will be the Calgary Fiddlers and dancers from the Casey O’Laughlin Academy of Irish Dance.
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons, 403-571-0270, calgaryphil.com
St. Patrick’s Day at the Calgary Farmers’ Market
Date: Sunday, 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 enjoy “luck of the Irish” games and balloons, plus live entertainment by the Ian Gott Irish Dance Academy and Bow Valley Fiddlers from 10 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: Sunday, 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: Friday, March 15
Cost: $40 or $60 bundled with Irish Whiskey Master Class
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., but if you attend the Irish Whiskey Master Class ($60) at 6 p.m. your admission will be waived for All Things Irish.
10801 Bonaventure Dr. S.E., 403-296-1640, willowpark.net
An Irish Stew – Murder Mystery Dinner
Date: Friday, March 15
Cost: $89
Pegasus Performance is in full St. Patrick’s Day spirit with this murder mystery dinner performance at Granary Road. Playwright Leslie Carmichael has created of a whodunnit tale set at an Irish family’s grandfather’s wake — as they squabble over his fortune, audience members will be asked to figure out who in the family is responsible for the death. Dinner will be prepared by Granary Road residents Salt Box Kitchen, Bakery and Bar.
Granary Road, 226066 112 St. W., Foothills, granaryroad.com
Batey’s Boozy Brunch
Date: Sunday, March 17
Cost: $65 for just brunch or $115 with drink pairings
Teatro’s boozy brunch bash is back by popular demand just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This time around, Charbar chef Jessica Pelland will be helping to craft the indulgent menu alongside Teatro’s own corporate executive chef Matt Batey. The price for brunch is $65 or $115 with strongly encouraged alcohol pairings. Ticket purchasers will be contacted by staff to set a specific seating time.
Teatro, 200 8 Ave. S.E., 403-290-10-12, teatro.ca
Brewmaster Dinner
Date: Saturday, March 16
Cost: $39.95
Have a civilized St. Patty’s weekend with a sit-down Brewmaster Dinner at the Toad ‘n’ Turtle’s Barlow location. Legend 7 Brewing will be in the house to pair one of their beers with each of the four courses being served. Alternately, use this occasion to get some food in your belly and pre-game a few beers before the night gets raucous.
Toad ‘n’ Turtle, 2475 27 Ave. N.E., 403-717-0670, toadnturtle.ca
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Death By Shamrock
Date: Saturday, March 16
Cost: $85
The Irish ain’t so lucky this time. Fort Calgary’s latest Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, Death By Shamrock, follows the contestants of reality TV show, ahem, The Incredible Race as the competition draws to a close. What exactly are the contestants willing to do to secure the prize money? You’ll have to attend to solve the case. Ticket prices includes a locally sourced dinner buffet.
Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave. S.E., 403-290-1875, fortcalgary.com
Shamrocks & Shenanigans
Date: Saturday, March 16
Cost: $69.95
Heritage Park is a having a dinner party the day before St. Patrick’s Day with help from their friends at Big Rock Brewery. Executive chef Leighton Smyth is an Irish ex-pat and has crafted a mouth-watering, traditional menu including Irish soda bread scones with whipped butter, Big Rock Traditional Ale beef stew, and many other dishes. Your ticket includes food, a drink ticket, a flight of beer, the sights of the Gasoline Alley Museum, live music by Cabot’s Crossing and the chance to help name a new nano brew created by Heritage Park and Big Rock.
Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W.,403-268-8500, heritagepark.ca
St. Patrick’s Day Beer Tasting at Atco Blue Flame Kitchen
Date: Saturday, March 16
Cost: $75
Enjoy a mouth-watering dinner of smoked pork tenderloin with an apple raisin chutney served with caramelized sweet potato and crispy sage at the Atco Blue Flame Kitchen. Dinner will be served alongside a bevy of beers (and cider) from Village Brewery. A special custom cask was made by Village and Kitchen staff for the occasion.
Atco Blue Flame Kitchen, 909 11 Ave. S.W., 403-245-7630, atcoblueflamekitchen.com
St. Patrick’s Day at Vendome Cafe
Date: Saturday, March 16
Cost: $35
Head to Vendome Cafe for an Irish-themed dinner on St. Patrick’s Day. Beer pairings will accompany the three-course dinner of cullen skink (smoked haddock in a creamy soup served with soda bread), your choice of shepherd’s pie or salmon pot pie and barmbrack (Irish tea cake with sultana raisins and dried fruit). The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
940 2 Ave. N.W., 403-453-1140, vendomecafe.com
Sporty St. Patrick’s Day events
Calgary Roughnecks St. Patrick’s Day Party
Date: Saturday, March 16
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Calgary’s professional lacrosse team is holding a St. Patrick’s Day Party on March 16. In addition to the high-energy evening lacrosse game, there will be a halftime show, interactive pub games and autographs following the game. And don’t forget to wear green (to mark St. Patrick’s Day) as you watch Calgary play the Colorado Mammoth.
Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise S.E., calgaryroughnecks.com
The Original St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
Date: Sunday, March 17
Cost: $60
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 Calgary Roadrunners and 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/
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/
Shelter
1210 1 St. S.W., 403-233-7730, shelteryyc.com
Ship and Anchor
534 17 Ave. S.W., 403-245-3333, shipandanchor.com
[This article was last updated on March 6, 2019 to reflect 2019 events]