Certain things come to mind when spring rolls around each year. Spring break and a fresh, new wardrobe are at the top of the list, of course. There is also that quiet undercurrent of anticipation; we all know that the most active, exhilarating time of year is upon us. St. Patrick’s Day in and around the Boulder area is more than the traditional observance of Irish culture. It is that, no doubt, but it is also the party that marks the beginning of festival season. This year, on St. Patrick’s Day, take advantage of everything our flourishing community has to offer. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 2016 Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, beginning at 9:30am. It’s Denver’s largest parade of the year, offering an entire day of family-friendly fun. There are over 200 entries and 10,000 marchers scheduled for this event, including stagecoaches, marching bands, Irish dancers, floats, and more. Plan on getting Downtown early; this is a very popular event!
Worlds Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Just as fun, the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade spans only two blocks on 13th Street, between Walnut and Spruce, and is now entering its 16th year running. It began as a pub crawl between two Irish bars and has evolved into a local holiday favorite. It’s such a blast that nobody cares or complains when the parade ends after only 20 minutes…they simply file into Conor O’Neill’s and keep the party going. Plan to arrive just before noon on Sunday, March 13 and stick around for live music and Irish dancers for the rest of the afternoon.
Runnin’ of the Green Lucky 7K & Leprechaun Leap 2 Mile Walk
The Runnin’ of the Green Lucky 7k is one of the largest 7k’s in the United States, but the excitement certainly doesn’t stop there. Following the event, you’ll find a wealth of other St. Patrick’s Day festivities, including an expo held at Fado’s Irish Pub. The entertainment will, of course, include the obligatory Irish music and dancing, but this one is extra special because it features the Colorado Youth Pipe Band. Don’t miss it.
If speed is not your strong suit, give the Leprechaun Leap a shot. This is an untimed 2-mile walk that offers just as much fun for participants as the 7k. This event will be held on Sunday, March 13 in Denver. Registration begins at 8:00am, and the race begins at 10:15am.
Free St. Patrick’s Day Party
On March 17, Boulder Beer and Jameson are bringing you a free celebration, complete with all the drink specials and Irish fare you can ask for. The Free St. Patrick’s Day Party is being held at Boulder Theater, and as usual, they have some top-notch entertainment lined up for you…at the top of the lineup are The Al Capones and Pro-Leisure. It starts at 5:30pm and ends at 11:00pm, and as expected, partygoers will need to be at least 21 years old to enter.
St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Concert with the Kilted Man
Looking for an educational event? Matthew Gunsey (otherwise known as the Kilted Man) will regale his St. Patrick’s Day audience with his signature combination of Celtic music and Irish tales. His performances are popular among people of all ages, and he has become an in-demand entertainer in cities across the United States and Canada. Lucky for you, you won’t have to go far to see him. He’ll be at the Longmont Library on March 17 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, and admission is free.
However you choose to spend the festive occasion, we want to encourage you to get out and enjoy this unique and wonderful community that we live in. We can assure you that there is no wrong way to spend St. Patrick’s Day. It’s simply a matter of how many of these exciting events you can squeeze into your schedule. Be sure to also check out our suggestions for other things to do in Boulder in March 2016.