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Vancouver Adventures: St. Patrick’s Day Events

This week: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these fun Irish-inspired adventures 

By Kirsty Chan /

Credit: Flickr/Phillip Jeffery

The Donelly Group Pubs – All of March

Celebrate the the luck of the Irish all month long at one of Donelly Group’s Vancouver pubs, You can indulge in a festive shot of Jameson for just $5, and if you enter its draw to win a trip to Ireland make sure you drop by The Lamplighter Public House on St. Patrick’s Day to find out if luck was on your side. Be sure check out some of its other pubs like The Academic, Library Square, The Bimini for more festive fun!



Credit: Flickr/j f grossen

The Blarney Stone St. Patrick’s Day Festival – March 13 to 17

Head to the Blarney Stone for the biggest all-ages St. Patrick’s Day party in the city. Stop by on March 15 for pre-parade brunch and festivities including live dancing, face painting and music. On March 16 they’ll be holding a countdown to the big day, complete with a balloon drop at midnight. The party hits its peak on St. Patrick’s Day with a block party: they’ve shut down the whole 200 block of Carrall Street for dancing, circus performers and live music galore. 



Credit: Facebook/Steven Higgins 

St. Patrick’s Ceili Dance – March 14

Sure, it’s fun to watch all the Irish dancing this time of year, but if you don’t want to stay on the sideline and would rather join in the fun, then the Vancouver Irish Ceili Society is here to help. Pick up tickets for their St. Pat’s Dance with local band Gaoler’s Muse. At this all-ages event they’ll teach you how to dance with an on-the-spot caller. Beginners are encouraged to give it a try, so come with friends or come alone and they’ll pair you up with someone!



Credit: Flickr/janheuninck

St. Patrick’s Day 5K – March 14

Get moving this weekend with the St. Patrick’s Day 5K at Stanley Park. Come decked out in green, compete for their Best Costume Prize and enjoy their scenic loop through the park. Cross the finish line to win your very own Granville Island Brewing beer cup, and then celebrate your success at the after party featuring green beer, food, a DJ and a bar. 



Credit: Flickr/J R

A Very VCBW Celebration of Questionable Irish Heritage – March 14

Don’t worry if the most Irish thing about you is your drinking skills because Vancouver Craft Beer Week has you covered. They’re hosting A Very VCBW Celebration of Questionable Irish Heritage to raise a glass of cold B.C. craft beer to all those who are Irish-ish. There will be over 25 local breweries serving up samples as well as music by The Railtown Prophets and DJ Hebegebe. 



Credit: Flickr/Michelle Lee

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 15

The 11th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a Vancouver tradition that you don’t want to miss. The parade begins at Howe and Davie St. then runs down Howe, takes a turn on Georgia, and ends on Georgia and Granville. There will be over 2,000 people taking part in the parade including pipe bands, Irish dancers and the Vancouver Police motorcycle drill team.



Credit: Flickr/Jeff Hitchcock

St. Patrick’s Day at the Lonsdale Quay – March 15

Escape the parade madness for a while and escape across the harbour to North Vancouver. Lonsdale Quay Market is throwing their own St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and it promises to be a family-friendly getaway. They’ll have Celtic dancing out in front of the market, and crafts and face painting for the kids. Go to The Cheshire Cheese on March 17 for live music, dancing and amazing views. 



Credit: Flickr/Paul Joseph

CelticFest – March 6 to 17

The parade may be the main event, but CelticFest is offering Vancouverites so much more. They’ll have their street fair, Celtic Village, from March 14 to 15. The market will be set up on Granville St. between Robson and Nelson St. and feature tons of live music, street performers, food and vendors selling world-class wares. Come before or after the parade to pick up a souvenir, grab a bite to eat and bask in the lively atmosphere.



Credit: Flickr/Raj Taneja

Celtic Week at Doolins – March 11 to 17

Doolin’s Irish Pub is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the right way with a whole week of parties. Over the weekend they’ll be airing early morning rugby games for sports enthusiasts (and early risers). They’ll have live Celtic music every day leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, including a parade after party. On March 17 they’ll be open until 3 a.m. with live music, dancing and plenty of pints for everyone. 



Credit: Flickr/Giacomo Frega

Shamrock Shenanigans at the VPL – March 17

For an event fit for the whole family, stop by the Vancouver Public Library on St. Patrick’s Day for Shamrock Shenanigans. It’s the perfect chance for young kids to enjoy the holiday and have fun. The VPL will be sharing stories and singing songs about the Emerald Isle, as well as having fun crafts for kids. If that’s not enough to grab your attention, it’s all free!