If you’re like many people, St. Patrick’s Day is on your radar – but what’s happening in and around Scottsdale on March 17? Here’s what you need to know.
How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2020 in Scottsdale
Saint Patrick’s Day – commonly called the Feast of Saint Patrick – is a religious and cultural celebration that’s always held on March 17. This year, it’s on a Tuesday. Historically, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and his day commemorates the day he died in the year 461. By that time, he had established churches, monasteries and schools all over Ireland. Today, it’s an extensive celebration – and Scottsdale has plenty to do. Check out these great events, some of which are happening on March 14 (because the big day is on a Tuesday, and we don’t know about you, but we definitely have to work):
- “St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland” at ASU Cultural Center
- St. Patrick’s Day Block Party and Pub Crawl
- Scottsdale Shamrock Crawl with RLLS
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Phoenix
Here’s a closer look at each.
“St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland” at ASU Cultural Center
Check out the history of St. Patrick’s Day while you celebrate Ireland and its rich culture at the ASU Cultural Center on March 5. You’ll get to see Billy Kanaly (Riverdance, An Irish Christmas) as the principal dancer and hear fabulous music from the Kerry Traditional Band (led by Ryan McKasson on the fiddle, Colin Cotter on guitar and providing vocals, Christa Burch on vocals and bodhrán, and Preston Howard Wilde on uilleann pipes and flutes). More information here.
St. Patrick’s Day Block Party and Pub Crawl
The St. Patrick’s Day Block Party and Pub Crawl in Scottsdale is on March 17. A wristband gets you access and drink specials at more than 10 venues within blocks of each other in Old Town Scottsdale. You’ll even get a “bar crawl kit” containing drink coupons and a map to bars that you may want to visit. Dress in green and check in between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Three Wisemen. The event starts at 4 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m. on March 18. More information here.
Scottsdale Shamrock Crawl with RLLS
The Scottsdale Shamrock Crawl with RLLS on Saturday, March 14, takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Old Town. Tickets include admission to all the bars, three 1-penny drink vouchers, drink specials and more. The bars will be announced by March 13. More information here.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Phoenix
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Phoenix is on March 14 this year. The annual parade has been going strong for 37 years, and it starts at 10 a.m., traveling south from Third Street at Sheridan Street. It continues to Willetta Street and includes Irish step dancers, bagpipers, floats, marching bands and more. Once the parade wraps up, there’s a huge Irish Family Faire in downtown Phoenix at Margaret T. Hance Park. You’ll see three stages of performers, have the chance to buy delicious foods from vendors, and shop. More information here.
