March is here! And it’s not just the trees that will start to look green. Celebrations of St. Patrick and all things Irish are happening during Irish American Heritage Month in Maryland. We’ve got a list of things to do for kids, adults, and kids-at-heart. So put on some green (check out Irish Traditions or Whimsicality for fun apparel and accessories), grab your Guinness, and head to one of these events.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Address: Starts on West Street at Amos Garrett Boulevard (right by The Westin Annapolis hotel)
Day/Time: Sunday, March 8 at 1 PM and lasts for approximately 2.5 hours
Price: Free!
That’s right: the parade is not on March 17. There are various reasons for this, including not wanting to compete with parades in nearby cities. As for the route, the City of Annapolis’ press release states that “the parade will make its way toward downtown on West Street, traveling around Church Circle before continuing down Northwest Street to Calvert to St. John’s Street.”
Tips for the Parade:
- Wear your walking shoes. Annapolis has beautiful brick sidewalks and steep streets…so it can be a bit of a workout. Even if you plan to sit at the parade, prepare to walk to and from your car (especially if you’re navigating a stroller).
- Get there early to get a spot in a city garage. The closest garage to the start of the parade is Park Place Garage. The closest garage to the end of the parade is Calvert Street Garage. But there are several other options along the route and in the city, so visit the parking authority’s website for more information. According to the St. Patrick’s Weekend website, “Due to the smaller footprint this year there will be no parking at the Navy Stadium and no buses from the stadium.”
- Dress in layers. It’s often a bit cooler in Annapolis, especially in early March. Prepare for getting a spot in the sun (bring some sunscreen) or shade (bring a hoodie).
- Play parade bingo with your kids. Make a list—or a fun bingo card—and see if your little ones can find a leprechaun, a pot o’ gold, gold coins, a shamrock, a harp, silly green glasses, Irish dancers, and whatever else you can come up with!
ShamRock the Lot
If you aren’t in or following the parade on its route, stick around for a party hosted by Engel & Völkers Annapolis. Food will be available from CrabTown Curbs and All Fired Up Pizza food trucks. And complimentary beverages! All ages welcome, so bring the whole family!
Address: 138 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Day/Time: Sunday, March 8 from 11 AM to 3 PM
Price: No price listed.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry, then Do It Again!
The parade on March 8 won’t be the only day to carouse. During the rest of the month, head to any number of restaurants and pubs—Irish-themed or just Irish-spirited for March—where the fish ‘n’ chips are frying and the Guinness is flowing.
That being said…please remember to enjoy all festivities responsibly. Appoint a designated driver or, at least, a designated sober person to take your keys and put you in a rideshare.
Got it? Grand. Now here are some places to have some good food and good times:
- Enjoy a jam-packed month of events and specials at Galway Bay Pub in Annapolis, Killarney House in Davidsonville, and Brian Boru Pub in Severna Park.
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade Patio Party at Seasalt Annapolis on March 8.
- Enter to win two tickets to Ireland at McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar. You can only buy raffle tickets in person, so head down there ASAP!
- Middleton Tavern will host a post-parade party and outdoor concert on Sunday, March 8 from 3:30 to 6:30 PM. Then visit them again on St. Patrick’s Day from 11 AM to 11 PM.
- Molloy’s Irish Pub & Grill in Gambrills will have a St. “Practice” Day party on Saturday, March 14 from 3 PM until 12:30 AM. It will include a performance from Hunt School of Irish Dance from 5 to 6 PM.
- All Rams Head locations will party on Saturday, March 14 with Irish music and drink specials.
- Federal House Restaurant starts its St. Patrick’s Day party at 11 AM and continues until midnight.
- Castlebay Irish Pub’s St. Patrick’s Day party will start at 9 AM on Tuesday, March 17 and continue until the wee hours of March 18 at 2 AM.
- O’Loughlin’s Restaurant in Arnold will start their St. Patrick’s Day celebration at 11 AM. And drink specials will continue for every game of March Madness.
Delight in Irish Song and Dance
Whether it’s traditional Irish singing or a bit of rock and roll with a Celtic twist, get ready for some toe-tapping, hand-clapping, top-of-your-voice-singing time. Many of the bars and restaurants listed above have live music, but here are a few more to add to your list.
Cherish the Ladies at Rams Head on Stage
Address: 33 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Day/Time: Tuesday, March 3 at 8 PM
Price: Between $65 and $84
O’Grady Quinlan Irish Dance at Deale Library
Address: 5940 Deale Churchton Road, Deale, MD 20751
Day/Time: Saturday, March 7 and Saturday, March 14 from 11 AM to noon
Price: Free!
The High Kings at Rams Head on Stage
Address: 33 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Day/Time: Sunday, March 8 at 5 PM and then another concert at 8 PM
Price: Between $83 and $84 for the 5 PM show. Between $78 and $125 for the 8 PM show.
An Irish Afternoon with Seamus Kennedy at St. John’s College
Address: Mellon Hall, Francis Scott Key Lobby, 60 College Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
Day/Time: Sunday, March 8. Doors open at 2 PM, and the concert starts after the parade at approximately 3:30 PM.
Price: $45 regular admission in advance. $75 VIP seating.
Irish Dance Extravaganza! At Brooklyn Park Library
Address: 1 East 11th Ave., Baltimore, MD 21225
Day/Time: Saturday, March 21 from 2 to 3 PM
Price: Free!
Fun for Wee Ones
Whether they’re excited to find a leprechaun or enjoy a story time, little kids will have good craic connecting with Irish American history and lore. Separate fact from fiction or relish the mythical tales about Ireland—either way, they’re sure to feel a bit of magic.
St. Patrick’s Day Storytime at Odenton Library
Address: 1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113
Day/Time: Saturday, March 14 from 10:15 to 11 AM
Price: Free!
St. Patrick’s Day Storytime at Broadneck Library
Address: 1275 Green Holly Drive, Annapolis, MD 21409
Day/Time: Saturday, March 14 from 10:30 to 11 AM
Price: Free!
St. Patrick’s Day Party at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library
Address: 269 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis Neck, MD 21403
Day/Time: Tuesday, March 17 from 2 to 3 PM
Price: Free!
Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime: It’s Not Easy Being a Leprechaun
Address: William Paca House & Garden, 186 Prince George St., Annapolis, MD 21401
Day/Time: Saturday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 17 from 10 to 11 AM
Price: $10 per child and $5 per adult for general admission. $8 per child and free for adults for Historic Annapolis members and military.
And here are some ideas for St. Paddy’s fun at home:
- Make some Irish, Irish-themed, or green treats together
- Learn about St. Patrick.
- Try out some Irish dance moves.
- Watch this video to learn how to say colors in Gaelic.
- Draw some rainbows together. Maybe there will be a pot of gold, too!
More Fun for Adults
For the grown-up crowd, there is plenty of opportunity to connect with other people your own age for some grown-up good times. There are parties, sports, and singles nights. Don’t forget your “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” shirt and remember that everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.
Annapolis Shamrock Stroll
Address: You will receive an email the week of the event to find out where to register. Registration will be at Armadillo’s, Federal House, or Stan & Joes.
Day/Time: Saturday, March 7, from noon to 5 PM (registration begins at 11 AM)
Price: $5
Peake Irish Experience
Address: Main Street in Annapolis. Exact meeting location TBD.
Day/Time: Saturday, March 7, from noon to 6 PM
Price: Between $7.18 and $10.14
Trivia Time: Lucky Breaks & Superstitions at Linthicum Library
Address: 400 Shipley Rd., Linthicum, MD 21090
Day/Time: Tuesday, March 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Price: Free!
Cookbook Club: St. Patrick’s Day at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library
Address: 1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113
Day/Time: Wednesday, March 11 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Price: Free!
NABSD Irish Specials at Navy Baseball vs. University of Maine
Address: Terwilliger Brothers Field, Max Bishop Stadium, USNA
Day/Time: Wednesday, March 18 from 3 to 5 PM
Price: Free!
So remember to wear your green (or else the leprechauns might see you and give you a pinch), and enjoy the festivities on, before, and after St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t just use this as an excuse to party…take some time to learn about the history of Irish American contributions to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. And of course, Erin go Bragh!
May the winds of fortune sail you,
May you sail a gentle sea.
May it always be the other guy
Who says, “This drink’s on me.”
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