Happenings in Denver for St. Patrick’s Weekend

Sunday brings the unofficial kickoff to spring with St. Patrick’s Day, adorned with the usual bagpipes, shamrocks and green attire. Many hope it’ll jumpstart the warmer weather following the winter storm Denver-area residents expect earlier in the week, but as for the holiday weekend itself, temperatures in the 40s are anticipated.

Regardless of temperature, Denverites have several options in terms of how they choose to celebrate the Irish holiday.

St. Patrick’s Celebration at Pindustry
From 4 p.m. to close, Pindustry is kicking off St. Patrick’s weekend celebrations by hosting the last chance to skate Denver’s largest rooftop ice rink. Skating is free and will be supplemented by a photo booth, Irish food and drink specials.

When: Friday, March 15 at 4 p.m.
Location: 7939 E. Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, CO 80112

Fortissimo St. Patrick’s Weekend
Fortissimo is Denver’s only dueling piano venue and is hosting St. Patrick’s-themed events on both Friday and Saturday evening. Dressing in green, white and orange is encouraged. 

When: Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Location: 891 14th St. #110, Denver, CO 80202
Cost: $15 – $25
Register

St. Patrick’s Day 5K
Highlands Ranch Community Association is holding a 5K presented by CU Medicine. Once participants complete the course, the first beer is free. HRCA will provide all-you-can-eat pancakes, pints from Living the Dream Brewing, Irish dancers and additional entertainment. Whoever finds the golden kettlebell hidden by a leprechaun along the course and brings it to the finish line will win $100. All registrants will receive a t-shirt, bib, and pint glass.

When: Saturday, March 16 at 9 a.m.
Location: 9352 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Cost: $40-65
Register

St. Partick’s Day Parade
Denver kicks off Saturday’s festivities with the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi, established as an official tradition in the Mile High City in 1962. The parade has its unofficial origin in 1889, when the parade was preceded by a grand ball completely illuminated by gas lamps. The volunteer-run parade will start at 9:30 a.m. on Wynkoop Street and 19th Avenue and will wrap up on Blake Street and 27th Avenue. The parade will be livestreamed on Facebook and is expected to last around four hours. The high is expected to be in the mid-40s with some clouds. Parking information can be found here.

When: Saturday, March 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Parade starts at Wynkoop Street and 19th Avenue and ends on Blake Street and 27th

St. Patrick’s Day Post Parade Party at McGregor Square
Located downtown between Coors Field and Union Station, McGregor Square is throwing a Post Parade Party on Saturday at 10 a.m. The free event will feature live performances from bagpipers and a DJ, green beer, drink specials and food.

When: Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m.
Location: Between Coors Field and Union Station

Shamrock the Block at the Dairy Block
The Dairy Block is celebrating with Shamrock the Block, which will include two Irish dance performances at the Maven Hotel at 12 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. In addition, the alley in the Dairy Block will feature celtic-inspired live music and a ‘Lucky Charms’ jewelry pop-up by LoveWeld.

When: Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m.
Location: 1800 Wazee St., Denver, CO 80202

St. Paddy’s Palooza at Punch Bowl Social
Punch Bowl Social is not only hosting its customary bowling, but is also offering karaoke and is partnering with Tullamore D.E.W. to provide an Irish-themed drink menu. Games such as cornhole, darts and board games will be free. Additionally, pots of gold will be hidden throughout, and those who find them will win prizes.

When: Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m.
Location: 65 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Register

The Celtic Awakening
The Celtic Awakening at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts will provide a family-friendly and music-focused option, which will include performances by Celtic Colorado Pipes & Drum, Celtic Steps Irish Dance School, Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers, soprano Aubrey Jacobs and hammered dulcimer player Joshua Messick.

When: Saturday, March 16 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 17 at 2:30 p.m.
Location: 2344 East Iliff Ave., Denver, CO 80210
Cost: $17 – $59
Register

St. Paddy’s Day with Kevin Fitzgerald
Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald of Animal Planet, “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” and the “Late, Late Show” headlines Comedy Works downtown for a St. Patrick’s-themed show.

When: Sunday, March 17 at 7 p.m.
Location: 1226 15th St., Denver, CO 80202
Cost: $17
Register

Those is search of an Irish pub have their pick of the many fan favorites that litter the city.

• Scruffy Murphy’s at 2030 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205
• Fainting Goat at 846 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
• The Celtic at 1400 Market St., Denver, CO 80202
• Nallen’s Irish Pub at 1429 Market St., Denver, CO 80202
• The Irish Rover at 54 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
• Finley’s Pub at 375 S. Pearl St., Denver, CO 80209
• Dougherty’s Neighborhood Pub at 5 E. Ellsworth Ave., Denver, CO 80209
• The Abbey Tavern at 5151 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80220

Yes, this week’s snowstorm has the chance to be among the biggest in Denver’s history