On March 17th thousands of people don their greenest garb, enjoy Irish pride parades, devour green clover-shaped cookies, feast on corned beef and cabbage and drink frosty mugs of green beer in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
Although Patrick was born in Britain in AD 387, he was captured by Irish pagans and grew to like the spirit of the Irish. Patrick spent his life studying in monasteries and spreading the word of Christianity. Thousands were drawn to the Church under his direction. Patrick died of natural causes on March 17, 461. Today, St. Patrick is honored as the patron saint of Ireland and is one of the most revered saints in the Catholic Church.
There are many St. Patrick’s Day events scheduled around Phoenix beginning March 15th through March 17th. So choose your celebration destinations, find your greenest attire and enjoy the spirit of the Irish.
A Celebration of Celtic Culture: March 15th – noon – 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy traditional Welsh music by Tremor/Overseas in the courtyard of the Musical Instrument Museum. The courtyard will be filled with the music of bagpipes, flutes, whistles, mandolins, guitar, percussion as well as storytelling and dance.
The celebration continues at 6:00 p.m. with Music in Motion featuring Trotters Wake, a five-piece acoustic Irish band. The band plays a mix of ballads, traditional instrumental tunes, rebel songs and old Irish drinking songs.
Events are free with museum admission. A Celtic inspired food dish is available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Musical Instrument Museum: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ – 480-478-6000
Admission: Adults $15, seniors $13, children ages 6-17 $10, children age 5 and younger FREE
Guinness’s Book of World Records: March 15th at 2:00 p.m., March 16th at 6:00 a.m. and March 17th at 11:00 a.m.
Thousands of participants are expected to attend this three-day event, which begins on Friday, March 15th at 2:00 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting and reception, followed by live performances at 4:00 p.m. Breakfast will be served beginning Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Be one of the first 700 people to arrive that day and receive a free leprechaun costume and be part of history. The pub will be attempting to break the record for the most leprechauns in one place at one time at 4:00 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to enter for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to Ireland for seven days. Food, drink and festivities will continue through Sunday, March 17th.
Johnny Fox’s Public House: 16100 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Drive, Peoria, AZ – 623-878-2660
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Faire: March 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The parade will feature the 2012 grand marshal, Seamus McCaffrey and the 2012 Irish Persons of the Year, Patricia and Sean Prior (founders of the Irish Cultural Center). The parade will proceed south along Third Street, from Sheridan to Moreland Streets. The Family Faire will be featuring two stages of Irish music, bagpipers and Irish step dancing. Guests will enjoy Irish crafts, novelties, food and beverages, genealogy, Irish clubs and a play area for children.
Irish Culture Center: 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ – 602-258-0109
Admission: $10 adult faire tickets, free for children and for the parade.
St. Patrick’s Night Ceili: March 17th at 7:00 p.m.
After enjoying the Irish Faire and parade, relax and enjoy Irish social dancing, live music, dance lessons and a cash bar.
Irish Culture Center: 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ – 602-258-0109
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: March 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Town of Fountain Hills is presenting its St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in cooperation with the Sons of AMVETS Squadron #7 and the Fountain Hills VFW Post 7507. The crowds will enjoy the main attraction as the 360-foot-tall fountain erupts with emerald green water at noon. The festivities will include traditional Irish music, dancers and refreshments. Green beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, lemonade, soda and water will be on sale.
Fountain Park: 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ – 480-816-5252
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