Saint Patrick’s Day Events in Annapolis
St. Patrick’s Day is awesome. With drinking, friends, and bad accents, the only downside is it’s only one day. Luckily, in Annapolis, our Irish roots run so deep, we dedicate two weeks to celebrate this holiday! Irish Week in Annapolis, begins Saturday, March 5th and runs through to Thursday, March 17th, we know, we know, that’s technically not one week, but we didn’t name it so just go with it. Here is a breakdown of Saint Patrick’s Day events in Annapolis, Maryland.
Saturday, March 5th
Shillelagh Shuffle Free Pub Crawl – This is NOT your average bar crawl!! Kick off the Irish celebrations with this Pub Shuffle through the streets of downtown Annapolis, ricocheting between parade sponsoring bars. Join the fun at 12:00 pm at Armadillo’s AKA Johnny O’s Bar!
The Annapolis Irish Hooley – This is the 2nd annual Annapolis St Patrick’s Parade kickoff Hooley. Starting at 6:00 pm, stumble over to the Lowes Hotel on West Street for live music, drinks, and food. There’s an open bar for the first hour, so you do not want to be fashionably late.
Sunday, March 6th
Annapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade – You’re going to want to power through that hangover to make it to this 4th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at 1:00 pm. Since its creation, the parade has grown into the largest parade in the city, and the region. This may be because the parade is not only fun, but it is also for a good cause; supporting the Nation’s Wounded Warriors, Maryland Professional Firefighters, and the Blue Ribbon Project. But be warned, the parade is family friendly, so if you’re a next day puker, make sure you get it out ahead of time.
Parade After Party – Head over to Galaway Bay on Maryland Avenue following the parade, and let the quaint surroundings of this traditional Irish Pub transport you away to the Emerald Isle. From 3:00 – 7:00 pm enjoy the musical stylings of Aine O’Doherty.
Monday, March 8th
The Traditional Irish Pub Song Club – Head on over to the Killarney House in Davidsonville, MD at 7:00 pm, to keep this party going. The Traditional Irish Pub Song Club was founded to learn and sing Irish pub songs. So come by for a drink or two, and hear some classic Irish tunes. You’ll be able to impress your friends on St. Paddy’s Day, or catch the eye of some bonny lass.
Friday, March 11th
Whiskey Tasting – We’re back at Galaway Bay for authentic Irish whiskey tasting, from 7 pm – 9 pm. This is your chance to experience the many different brands and blends Ireland has to offer.
Saint Baldrick’s Head Shave – You might want to pregame this event. With two locations, Fado’s Irish Pub in downtown Annapolis, and O’Loughlin’s Resturant and Pub in Arnold, this annual head-shaving event raises money and awareness to help fight children’s cancer.
Fado’s: Starts at 11 am, and runs through 7 pm. DJ Joe will be on deck, and Dublin 5 will perform at 9:00 pm. There is no cover.
O’Loughlin’s: Starts at 11 am, and runs through 6 pm. The Dublin 5 will begin the event at 11:30, and the shaving stats at 1:15.
Monday, March 14th
Guinness Glass Engraving – Drinking is important. And what you drink out of is equally important. Come to Galaway Bay from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Monday evening, enjoy a pint of this traditional Irish stout, and then have your glass engraved.
Wednesday, March 16th
The Young Dubliners – Hang on to your kilts! This iconic Celtic rock band will be performing at Rams Head on Stage, show starting at 8:00 pm. The Young Dubliners have toured the US and Europe and played with bands such as The Flaming Lips, Collective Soul, Jethro Tull, and Johnny Lang. Tickets are on sale now, click here for more information.
Thursday, March 17th
The Feast of Saint Patrick – The big day is finally here! If the week (and a half) of festivities hasn’t got you in the St. Paddy’s Day mood, then honestly we don’t know how to help you. But if you’re like us and doing everything short of dying your hair red, today is what you’ve been training for all week. March 17th is an annual city-wide Annapolis festival celebrating the foremost patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Grab yourself a green beer, some good mates, and kick back and enjoy this great holiday.