Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! Canadian cities across the country are cheering the luck of the Irish, either parade- and party-side or between beer stines. Any way you choose to celebrate, here are 5 St. Patrick’s Day parties to check out from coast to coast.
Montreal
March 19th is the annual St. Patrick Day’s parade, where hundreds of people line St. Catherine Street at noon downtown and continue the festivities (um, public outdoor drinking) well into the evening hours. It is the 194th edition of this celebrated parade, organized by the United Irish Societies of Montreal since 1928. Start the day at one of the pubs offering an Irish-style breakfast (and early-morning libations too).
Toronto
On Saturday, March 18th, Toronto’s waterfront is turning Irish with live music (like Irish fiddler Lennan Delaney), games, family activities, and more. For a bit of adult fun, whiskey and Guinness will also be served.
Vancouver
The West Coast gathers to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at CelticFest at Robson Square, where Delhi 2 Dublin will tear down the stage. There’s quite an extensive line-up of additional musicians too. There will be authentic Irish food and, of course, the parade. Having started on March 10th and running until the 18th, you don’t want to miss out on this awesome ode to Celtic traditions and life.
Calgary
Tonight from 5-11pm, Calgary families can join at the Irish Cultural Centre for Irish music, dancing, food and drink. There’s the Willow Park Wines and Spirits whiskey tasting and festival (10801 Bonaventure Dr. S.E.), and a St. Paddy’s Day Shamrock Shaker Crawl will begin at Hudsons. The Legacy Place St. Patrick’s Day Race 2017 also kicks off at 10am.
Winnipeg
March 18th is the 6th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 2pm at the Irish Club. The pre-party and the after-party are just as festive, with plenty of spirits to go around. Also, the McConnell Irish Dancers are hosting their St. Patrick’s Fest 2017 with entertainment all day Saturday, plus lots of traditional food and drink.
Photo: Toronto.com/Guinness SPD
