Other cities must be green with envy. WalletHub lists Madison at No. 20 as one of the nation’s best cities for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
St. Patrick’s Day parades didn’t originate in Ireland, BTW, but right here in North America. The first parade ever held on this side of the Atlantic was on March 17, 1601 in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.
Perhaps that’s a wee bit of trivia you can tell your friends and family at one of the many events happening in Madison this week.
Saturday, March 16
Shamrock Shuffle | 7 a.m. | 600 block of State Street, Madison | $45 | Join thousands of dressed-up runners for a timed 10K or 5K race, all benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County.
St. Patrick’s Day Lunch | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | East Side Club, 3735 Monona Dr., Monona | $15 | Enjoy a meal of corned beef and cabbage or baked chicken and mashed potatoes with a stunning view of Lake Monona.
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl | 4-10 p.m. | Locations vary, Madison | $10-$30 | Partake of drink and food specials at various businesses in Madison, with photography opportunities, and a big after party.
St. Patrick’s Day Party | 5 p.m. | The Atwood, 2116 Atwood Ave., Madison | Cost of purchase | There will be food and drink specials, dancing, and live music by the traditional Irish band Killarney Blarney.
Kissers St. Patrick’s Day Celebration | 5 p.m., 8 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | $0-$20 | The Kissers play their signature Celtic music. The early show is family-friendly and kids under 12 get in free.
Sunday, March 17
St. Pawtrick’s Party | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Crazy Dog Mom, 161 W. Main St., Stoughton | Cost of purchase | Your furry friends can get in on the festivities with photo ops, store discounts, and games.
St. Patrick’s Day at Bierock | 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | Bierock, 2911 N. Sherman Ave. | Cost of purchase | The famous Reuben Bierock will be served, while supplies last. Also on the menu? Jameson Peach Pie bierock, infused with Irish whiskey.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Crafts | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St., Madison | Free with museum admission | Families can create a festive button, flag, or hat to adorn themselves for the holiday parade.
Dane County Shamrock Club Flag Raising Ceremony | 12-1 p.m. | Wisconsin State Capitol Building, 2 E. Main St., Madison | Free | Watch the flag of Ireland wave in the Rotunda, while Irish music and dancing abounds.
St. Patty’s Drag Bingo | 1 p.m. | Hop Haus Brewing Company, 2975 Sub-Zero Pkwy., Fitchburg | $20 | Celebrate with the likes of Bianca Lynn Breeze, Lucinda Reer, and Maya Mink.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade | 1:30 p.m. | Capitol Square, Madison | Free | There will be plenty of green worn in a festive parade around the State Capitol.
All weekend
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration | Times vary | Essen Haus, 514 E. Wilson St., Madison | Cost of purchase | Enjoy a wee bit of the Irish in one of Madison’s most iconic German restaurants. Over a special menu, there will also be live music by O’Darby and Deep Pool.
St. Patrick’s Weekend Celebration | Times vary | Erin’s Snug, 4601 American Parkway, Madison | Cost of purchase | Green beer, giveaways, special food and drink specials, and bagpiping makes for a fun weekend.