When you think of a city that really celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, you think of Madison, right? Apparently, yes, as Madison somehow ranks higher than Milwaukee in this category.
Well, even though we’re not at the caliber of a Chicago or a Boston, we do have a lot of events. Here are some highlights:
WJJO/Miller Lite .10K Run/Walk (Saturday, March 9): Each year on the Saturday before St. Patty’s Day, 1,200 people “race” from State Street Brats to Wando’s (we used to run to Brother’s before it closed). This takes place after they’ve been drinking since 9 a.m. of course. The partying continues throughout the day at Kollege Klub, Church Key, Double U and Whiskey Jacks.
Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day Regent Crawl (Saturday, March 9): Bagpipe players will lead this bar crawl that starts at noon at Sconniebar and heads east down Regent Street. There will obviously be specials on Bud and some giveaways, too.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (Saturday, March 16): This family-friendly event held at the DreamBank includes crafts and face painting.
Trinity Irish Dance (Saturday, March 16): Enjoy multiple free performances from the Trinity Irish Dancers as part of the Kids in the Rotunda series at the Overture Center.
Shamrock Shuffle (Saturday, March 17): If you want to do a race longer than one block, Saturday’s trot through campus is for you. The 5K/10K run and 2M walk to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County starts at 8 a.m. at the intersection of Frances Street and State Street. It doesn’t look like the annual post-race party at Brats is taking place, though.
90s vs 00s (Saturday, March 17): DJ Josh B Kuhl and DJ Tanner will play music videos from the ’90s and 2000s, “with a little Irish flavor thrown in.” Free green beads at the door.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Sunday, March 17): I actually had class with Katie O’Phelan, the originator of the annual march around the Capitol Square, now in its 22nd year. The parade starts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, and the grand marshal is Charlie Berens from the “Manitowoc Minute.”
St. Patrick’s Party (Sunday, March 17): The Celtic Cultural Center hosts its annual party at the Brink Lounge. Includes live music and the Trinity dancers.
Endless live music and parties: Pick a bar, any bar, and you’ll likely find live entertainment on March 16 or 17. Here are a few examples:
- Erin’s Snug has multiple bands, including the Troy Shanks Duo
- High Noon Saloon has the Kissers
- Gates & Brovi has The Old Tin Can String Band
- The Come Back In and Essen Haus have multiple bands, including Deep Pool
- Harmony Bar has The Currach
Tags: St. Patrick's Day
