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. Here are the highlights:
WJJO/Miller Lite .10K Run/Walk (Saturday, March 9): 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 Church Key, Jay’s, Double U and Whiskey Jacks.
Regent Street St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl (Saturday, March 9): In the past, bagpipe players have led this bar crawl that starts at noon at Sconniebar and heads east down Regent Street, ending at Red Zone. There will be specials on Bud products and a pop-a-shot contest.
Shamrock Shuffle (Saturday, March 16): 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 8:15 a.m. at the intersection of Frances Street and State Street. Post-race food and beverage discounts at various partner bars.
TBD — St. Patrick’s Party: The Celtic Cultural Center does not appear to be hosting its annual party with live music and the Trinity dancers that’s held at the Brink Lounge, which closed last year.
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl (Saturday, March 16): 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 or Whiskey Jacks, and the other participating bars are Chasers, Double U, Wando’s, Jay’s, Hawks, Luchador and Danny’s.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Sunday, March 17): The annual march around the Capitol Square starts at 1:30 p.m. News 3 reporter Brady Mallory will serve as the grand marshal. Proceeds benefit numerous organizations, including GiGi’s Playhouse.
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 pipe players
- High Noon Saloon has the Kissers for two shows on March 16
- The Come Back In and Essen Haus have multiple bands, including O’Darby, on March 16 and 17
- Bierock will bring back its reuben bierock
- The Atwood will have live music and drink specials on March 16
- East Side Club is having a family-friendly lunch on March 16
Tags: downtown, St. Patrick's Day
