St. Patrick’s Day is the quintessential time to display your inner irish (whether you’re Irish or not). With the Guinness flowing, the corned beef simmering, and everyone on the lookout for a pot of gold, there’s no better way to spend March 17th than with friends, loved ones, and the leprechaun in your life.
There are always plenty of St. Patrick’s Day events to choose from. If you’re in or around Boulder County, try one of the following:
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Okay, this event is technically in Denver but it’s worthy of mention because of its sheer gravity; it’s one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the US. The parade takes place on March 12th, the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, and kicks off at 9:30 AM (although spectators are encouraged to get there much earlier if they want to be lucky enough to grab a spot). This year marks the return of the parade after COVID-19 shut it down in 2020 and 2021.
The parade route starts on Wynkoop at 19th. It goes down 17th Street toward Union Station before heading up Blake Street. Attendees are encouraged to wear layers, but can hopefully leave their winter gear at home; in the parade’s 60-year history, it’s only snowed twice.
Bootstrap Brewing
If you’re looking for live music on St. Patrick’s Day, Bootstrap Brewing in Longmont has got your fix. It’s teaming up with Stomp Street Heist for a March 17th jam. Stomp Street Heist is a band that describes itself as a “high-spirited Molotov cocktail of bluegrass, vintage bank robber songs, and Irish party music.” Ask Alexa to play a sample; you just might make her head spin.
The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade has returned to Boulder after a couple years’ delay thanks to the pandemic. The parade’s festivities will feature Irish step dancers, drill team, bagpipers, wolfhounds and more. The parade takes place on March 13th at 12pm on 16th Street between Pearl & Spruce Streets.
Come Get Your Blarney Stoned
Front Range Brewing Company, located in Lafayette, is a small venue with a big vibe. Stop by on March 17th to sip on award-winning craft beer and enjoy some laughs. The brewery is hosting Come Get Your Blarney Stoned, a St. Patrick’s Day comedy show headlined by Mitch Jones, and featuring Zoe Rogers, Rudy Garcia, Catherine Shea, and Matt Conlee.
Odde’s Music Grill
Odde’s Music Grill, a well-known live music venue in Westminster, is ringing in St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish breakfast followed by shot and drink specials to keep the spirits flowing. The St. Patrick’s Day bash will also feature a corned beef special and live Irish music starting at 6:30 PM.
The Boulder Bar Scene
If you can’t find any St. Patrick’s Day events that you want to attend, invent your own. Boulder is the ideal place for an old-fashioned pub crawl. It features over 20 breweries as well as a handful of distilleries, wineries, and cideries. Pearl Street, with so many businesses close together, is a wonderful place to start. Alternatively, check out MyHandleBar, a 16-passenger bar bike with pedaling seats, and get ready for a party on the go. Partying on a work night? You’ve never been cooler.
St. Patrick’s Day honors Irish (and not-so-Irish) traditions. It’s the perfect time to go green or go home.