Top St. Patrick’s Day pub parties 2016 in Calgary
Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. The annual celebration of Ireland’s patron saint and snake hater, this Celtic party occasion typically encompasses its closest weekend. Rivaling Stampede week for sheer party volume, enthusiasm and beer consumption, formal 2016 celebrations will primarily be held Thursday, March 17, but the informal fun will wobble into the weekend.
Dickens Pub
1000 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2Y6Canada’s beloved punk-rock Scotsmen The Real McKenzies perform their powerhouse brand of Celtic party music at Dickens Pub on March 17. A hopping alternative music venue outfitted with a high stage (hear the band, but also see it!), the alt-rock bar’s St. Patrick’s night live music roster also includes Boids and The Hockey Fight.
Jamesons Irish Pub
1230 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0B8Jamesons claims to throw the city’s biggest St. Patrick’s party, and it certainly takes the event’s Irish theme seriously. With locations on 17th Avenue Southwest and in Brentwood, the pub spreads its 2016 festivities over two days. On March 17, the party starts with a 10 am full Irish breakfast complete with pints of Guinness. The balance of the day will be filled with face painting, Irish dance interludes and live Celtic music performances, including bagpipe sessions. On March 18, Fraid Knot unleashes an evening of live Celtic rock and green beer at 7 pm at Jamesons on 17th.
Ship & Anchor Pub
534 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B1A well-worn U.K. pub and live alternative music venue, the Ship & Anchor is located one door east of the intersection of Fourth Street and 17th Avenue Southwest. Its esteemed entryway flies open at 11 am, March 17 to the all-day Celtic ditties of River Jacks, Fire Next Time, Shillelaghs, From Under The Stone, Nova Scotiables and Sealegs. There’s no cover charge, but a line-up is assured, so arrive early. Irish food specials will be served.
Irish Cultural Society
6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 1S6St. Patrick’s Day in Calgary doesn’t get more Irish than the celebrations at Hickey’s Pub in the Irish Cultural Society (ICS) Bowness facility. The evening’s entertainment includes live music by the Tara O’Sullivan Band, Bow Valley Fiddlers and Dave Morrisey as well as the ICS Choir. Celtic dance troupes from the Casey O’Loughlin School of Dance and Sarah Coshquin School of Irish Dance will also perform. Admission for members is just $5, while guests pay $10.
The James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant
114 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B3The shamrock-green and very hospitable James Joyce Irish Pub on Stephen Avenue Walk presents a full day of Irish food and drink starting at 10 am on March 17. Party favours are free, but VIP tickets are $25. The day’s musical entertainment will be provided by Celtic rockers Fraid Knot.
Tipperary's Pub
2002 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0M1The St. Patrick’s Day party at Tipperary’s Pub on the Trans Canada and 19th Street Northwest launches at 1 pm, March 17. Irish breakfast, beer and whiskey will be available all day, while live musical entertainment and Irish dancers step up the celebration from 4 pm onward. Reservations are available until 3 pm when a $5 admission applies. Skip the line-up with the purchase of a $5 VIP ticket.
The Dog & Duck Public House Resturant
5340 2 St SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G7A converted house on the east edge of the Manchester industrial area, this homey English-style pub presents regular open-mic and live-band performances in its rec-room-like stage area. Drop in March 17 for live Celtic music all day long.
