St. Patrick’s Day is back on March 17, and while there will be the typical pub deals and celebrations around the city, finding something to do outside of visiting a bar can be a bit harder. From a premium Irish whisky tasting event to a themed lacrosse game, here are a few events happening in Calgary that will take your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to the next level.
Rare & Rising Irish Whiskey Masterclass
Willow Park Wines & Spirits is offering a premium Irish whisky tasting event on March 13. There will be cheese and bread to pair with a variety of whiskys ranging from Blue Spot Whiskey to Jameson 18 Year. Tickets are $80 and it runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
10801 Bonaventure Dr. S.E., 403-296-1640, willowpark.net
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Festival
Spend the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day (and the big day itself) at James Joyce pub for a celebration of Irish music, food and drinks. On March 13, 14 and 17, enjoy live performances from Celtic bands Byron & Danny or Fraid Knot while savouring a full Irish food and drink menu. Wear green all weekend and don’t miss the all-day celebration on St. Patrick’s Day, which has VIP tickets available.
114 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-0708, jamesjoycepub.com
Calgary Roughnecks St. Patrick’s Day Party
Calgary’s lacrosse team has a home game just before St. Patrick’s Day and is pulling out all the stops to mark the occasion. At the game on March 14, expect specialty themed jerseys, giveaways and festive green beer to celebrate.
Scotiabank Saddledome, calgaryroughnecks.com
The Original St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
This outdoor road race has been going strong for more than three decades, and you can take part in this year’s edition on March 15. Don some green running gear and choose between a five-kilometre or 10-kilometre run that starts and ends at Central Memorial High School. The race supports Calgary Road Runners and Diabetes Canada.
Central Memorial High School, 5111 21 St. S.W., calgaryroadrunners.com
St. Patrick’s Day Open House at the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a day of fun at the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary. On March 17, there will be live Celtic music and traditional Irish dance performances to enjoy with Irish cuisine. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with a variety of ticket options available.
6452 35 Ave. N.W., 403-288-8641, calgaryics.org
St. Paddy’s Day at Ship and Anchor
On March 17, enjoy live music all day at Ship and Anchor’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party. The pub’s stage will host six different bands like The Shillelaghs and Irish Goodbyes from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a DJ closing out the night’s festivities. There’s no cover required for the shows, and beer and food specials are available all day.
534 17 Ave. S.W., 403-245-3333, shipandanchor.com