By Jodi Egan
St. Patrick's Day in 2017 has come a long way since it first was observed literally thousands of years ago. From religious reverence on the Emerald Isles to the green beer and top hats that will no doubt fill pubs around the world on March 17, a modern St. Patrick’s Day is a flurry of events. So grab some green gear and head out to the heart of Calgary for the six best ways to spend your St. Patrick’s Day in our city. [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/mediaphotos]
What better place to spend St. Patrick’s Day than at Calgary’s Irish Cultural Society? Bring the whole family down for traditional foods, music, dancing and Irish drinks. Best of all, children under 12 receive free entry while admission for non-ISC members is only $10 per person. When you get there, you’ll find the ICS has more to offer than their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The society also hosts pub nights, classes, choirs, concerts and hurling all year around.
Holidays can be tough for us single folk, but St. Patrick’s Day is thankfully not one of those holidays we have come to dread. But, if you are in the mood for a love connection, Eau Claire Distillery is hosting a fun and low-key singles event. Starting at Hotel Arts, the Gin To My Tonic Singles Mixer bus chauffeurs guests to the distillery where a free drink and some light appetizers will be waiting. Try something (or someone) new this St. Patrick’s Day!
Every pub in town has their own spin on their St. Patrick’s Day celebration, but one pub in particular sticks out from the crowd. The Ship and Anchor Pub is hosting an unheard of 13 hours of live music featuring bands like the Frontiers, Nova Scotiables, The Shillelaghs and more! All of this in addition to the St. Patrick’s staples like green beer and fabulous food. Get there early, though, as space fills quick!
No one celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in Canada like our maritime friends! Join Celtic legend Ashley MacIsacc, The Barra MacNeils and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at the Arts Commons’ Jack Singer Concert Hall for some fantastic fiddling, joyous jigging and even some traditional numbers that will leave you with a new respect for the beautiful music of the Irish culture. Tickets range from $25 to $85 and can be purchased in person, by phone or online.
Head to Willow Park Wines and Spirits for their All Things Irish Festival, which is set to highlight a variety of spirits and an incredibly thorough selection of Irish beers and whiskies. But don’t fret, traditional Irish food will also be supplied to help a delicious drink go down right. Tickets cost $55 per person and can be purchased online through Willow Park Wine and Spirits.
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You can’t have St. Patrick’s Day in Calgary without the 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Road Race in support of the Canadians Diabetes Association! If you’re looking to burn some calories before putting them on again at the pub, you can run a five kilometre (km), 10-km or 30-km relay race. Register today to really earn that evening Guinness.
Whether you’re Irish or not, look good in green or not, or even if you like alcohol or not, there’s always something to do in Calgary to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Grab a friend or the whole family to make this holiday fun and unique for you.
