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 8): 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, Chasers 2.0, Red Shed and Whiskey Jacks.
Regent Street St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl (Saturday, March 15): In the past, bagpipe players have led this bar crawl that starts at 11 a.m. 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 15): 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. on Langdon Street with an after-party at Lucille’s.
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl (Saturday, March 15): 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 State Street Brats, Wando’s, Jay’s, Hawks, Whiskey Jacks, Luchador and Danny’s Pub.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Sunday, March 16): The annual march around the Capitol Square starts at 1:30 p.m. WKOW anchors Amber Noggle and Brandon Taylor will serve as the grand marshals. Proceeds benefit numerous organizations, including the UW Carbone Cancer Center.
Other events with live music and/or food specials: Many bars will have some form of celebration between March 15-17. Here are a few examples:
- Erin’s Snug has multiple bands and bagpipe players on March 15 and 17
- High Noon Saloon has the Kissers for two shows on March 15
- Bierock will bring back its Reuben Bierock starting on March 15
- Seminole Tap is having a DJ and dancing on March 15
- Crystal Corner has VO5 to help celebrate “St. Patrick’s Day Eve Eve”
- Overture Center has Danú (a traditional Irish ensemble) on March 16
- The Bur Oak will have The Lillies of the Midwest perform on March 16
Tags: downtown, east side, Fitchburg, near east, north side, St. Patrick's Day
