I remember growing up as a kid in a very heavy Irish Catholic neighborhood back east, my mom used to call me out of school to go to the St. Patty’s Day parade. Where I come from the holiday is whatever day March 17th fell on, not the weekend after and certainly not the weekend before, that’s nearly blasphemous. As I progressed into high school, if I wasn’t called off, I was ditching to go hang with other Irish youth and sneak our green beers around in McDonald’s cups and roaming through the downtown streets.
For me, I don’t think Denver can ever live up to that experience but they do offer great events and I still take full advantage, after all my birthday is Dec. 16, so I’m pretty sure I’m celebrating my conception every time I throw on my shamrocks and head out for some shenanigans.
Here is just a sampling of what is going on in the Mile High City this St. Patricks Day 2012:
Flogging Molly @ The Ogden Theatre
Wednesday, March 14th, 8pm, Ogden Theatre, Uptown Denver
Listed as one of SPIN Magazines must hear bands, Flogging Molly’s album, “Speed Of Darkness is music to play after you’ve lost your job or your love, and music to listen to as you dream of better things for your family and country. It’s the music you hear as you fight a bigger man, and it’s the music you hear as you help him from the floor and buy him a pint at the bar. The album, like Flogging Molly itself, is a testament to youth and resilience, to growing old and the wisdom of scars, and yet for all of the record’s darkness and the speed with which it descends, the ultimate theme is one of light: We can persevere. We must and we will persevere.” – All Eyes Media
Celtic Tavern Singer/Songwriter Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, Celtic Tavern, Downtown Denver
Every Wednesday the Celtic Tavern in downtown Denver hosts a singer/Songwriter series for local performers and music lovers. All music is self-composed/self-written by Denver locals. Come and sing or come to enjoy the live music! Tonight! And best of all, it’s free to perform or watch.
Celtic Tavern is located at 1801 Blake Street, Denver, CO 81620. 303-308-1795
Irish Cocktail Tour In Boulder
Thursday, March 15th, Boulder
“What’s a cocktail tour and why should you join us on one? A cocktail tour is a small group libation “class.” We visit three of Boulder’s best watering holes and meet esteemed tenders of the bars. Learn about different spirits, like vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, and scotch, the flavor profiles associated with spirits, and tips on mixology. Each cocktail tour is different, so after a few tours, you’ll be so much more comfortable saddling up to a bar and ordering an Aviation, or Blood and Sand, rather than a gin and tonic or rum and coke. Drinking IS involved in these tours, so please eat something first. It ends around happy hour, which is a great time to end a cocktail tour! Must be 21+” – Local Table Tours
Fado Irish Pub St Baldricks Foundation Fund Raiser
Friday, March 16th, Fado Irish Pub, Downtown Denver
Be a hero for kids with cancer! Join this St. Baldrick’s event, and whether you decide to shave your head, volunteer, or donate, we hope you’ll be a part of the excitement. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Get involved and you’ll be giving hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers.
A World of Taste – Ireland
Friday, March 16th, Cook Street School of Culinary Arts, Downtown Denver
Take a culinary journey around the world and add some global inspiration to your menu. Explore exotic ingredients and classic dishes that have pleased palates for generations. A meal complete with wine and dessert is included in each class.
The Menu: Seared Cold Water Scallops with Green Onions, Morels, and Cream
Country-Style Lamb and Ale Pie, Sharp Cheddar, and a Fresh Cabbage and Mustard Salad
Guiness Ice Cream with Toasted Barmbrack, Jameson Irish Whiskey Caramel
Lucky Laces 5k Run/10k Walk CIty Park Denver
Saturday, March 17th, 10am, City Park Denver
With over 1,000 lucky Lads & Lasses already registered to participate in Lucky Laces on St. Patrick’s Day, you can still share the green and the warmth of spring! Beat the clock and register online by midnight, March 14, 2012 or register in person at two packet pickups (details below) or at the event! Run or walk with all your might on Saturday, March 17, to the sound of Celtic tunes, bagpipes, and the like. The party continues on Sunday! Nestle down, if you’d like, with kin and kinfolk on the day after at our hosted post-St. Patty Day Awards Party at Scruffy Murphy’s for food, drinks, live music, family, fun and awards!
50th Anniversary Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 17th, 10am, Downtown Denver
Parade Theme: “The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Golden Jubilee Celebration”
The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Inc. is a non-profit organization with volunteers dedicated to organizing and promoting the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade and affiliated functions. Our goal is to present a quality event for your organization and to make Denver shine nationally as having the BEST Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee!
Fado St. Patrick’s Day Party
Saturday, March 17th, 7am, Fado Irish Pub, Downtown Denver
Doors open to the biggest St Patrick’s Day party in Denver at 7am. Outdoor festival starts at 10am with live music on 2 stages with Irish Music from the Clancy’s at 10am, Big Paddy at noon, The Indulgers at 2pm, Nevermind the 90s at 2pm, Celtic Steps at 4pm and Colorado Youth Pipe Band at 4pm.
10am – 5pm: Kids events include bouncy castle, games and face painting. 21 & up after 5pm.
$10 cover starts at 10am, $15 cover after 5pm. Save some cash – buy tickets in advance here
St. Paddy’s Day Family Concert @ Oriental Theater
Saturday, March 17th, 4pm, The Oriental Theater, Highlands
Lalla Rookh, a 5 piece Celtic band from Fort Collins, Colorado has been playing together for more than a decade. A mix of traditional (and not so traditional) Celtic music from England, Ireland and Scotland has made them fan favorites along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and Celtic festivals throughout the western United States.Starting with traditional material – ballads, jigs and stories of romantic adventures – Lalla Rookh adds fresh and vital energy to their arrangements.
