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 typically do have a lot of events. After two years of COVID-related cancellations, we are finally seeing some St. Patrick’s Day events in Madison return. Here are the highlights:
WJJO/Miller Lite .10K Run/Walk (Saturday, March 12): Each year on the Saturday before St. Paddy’s Day, people “race” from State Street Brats to Wando’s (actually about 0.12K). This takes place after they’ve been drinking all morning of course. The partying continues throughout the day at Kollege Klub, Church Key, Double U and Whiskey Jacks.
Regent Street St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl (Saturday, March 12): Bagpipe players typically will lead this bar crawl that starts at 11 a.m. at Sconniebar and heads east down Regent Street, ending at Buckingham’s. There will be specials on Bud products and some giveaways, too.
Shamrock Shuffle (Saturday, March 12): If you want to do a race longer than one block, Saturday’s trot through campus is for you. The 5K/10K run and 5K walk to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County starts at 8 a.m. at the intersection of Frances Street and State Street. Post-race party appears to be at Vintage.
NOT HELD — 90s vs 00s St. Paddy’s Day Ball: No dance party with music videos from the ’90s and 2000s this year.
NOT HELD — St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The annual march around the Capitol Square won’t take place for the third straight year.
NOT HELD — St. Patrick’s Party: The Celtic Cultural Center does not appear to be hosting its annual party with live music and the Trinity dancers.
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl (Saturday, March 19): The organization called Crawl With Us hosts several bar crawls in Madison throughout the year at the same set of bars. Check-in is at Red Rock Saloon, and the other participating bars are Chasers, Double U, Whiskey Jacks, Hawks and the Side Door.
Other events with live music and/or food specials: Many bars will have some form of celebration on March 17. Here are a few examples:
- Erin’s Snug has multiple bands and bag pipers
- High Noon Saloon has the Kissers for two shows on March 12
- The Come Back In and Essen Haus have multiple bands, including Pinky and the Brains
- Bierock will televise NCAA basketball during its party
- The Riley Tavern has the Michael Mikrut Trio
- Breakwater will host St. Patrick’s-themed Drag Queen Bingo
Tags: downtown, St. Patrick's Day
