Revel in Irish culture at these emerald-tinged gatherings
Celtic Bells: The Irish in Boston (pictured): This family-focused storytelling and music hour takes place at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on March 8 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. as part of its Celebrate! series. Enjoy traditional Irish music woven together with tales of the history of Irish immigrants in Boston. This is a free event, but reservations are required.
Harpoon St. Patrick’s Festival: On March 14 from 6–11 p.m. and March 15 from noon–7 p.m., the Seaport brewery hosts its annual beer-centric blowout, which takes place under heated tents where patrons can take in live music while sipping on a wide range of Harpoon beverages. There’s even tickets available to a limited number of visitors for the “Leprechaun Lounge,” where there are additional beer offerings and special swag.
Dropkick Murphys: The Boston-bred band comes home for the conclusion of its annual St. Patrick’s Day tour by taking up residence in the Fenway at the MGM Music Hall March 14–16 and the House of Blues on March 17. There’s even a family-friendly mini-concert that includes a meet & greet at MGM Music Hall on the afternoon of March 15 to benefit the band’s charity, the Claddagh Fund, where adult ticket buyers can get two kids under 13 in for free. Performances tend to sell out fast, so check the secondary market for tickets if you miss out, or simply purchase access to the live stream of the St. Patrick’s Day performance and rock out at home.
Irish Cultural Centre Greater Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: This Hibernian-focused institution in Canton spreads out the joy over four days of activities, beginning with its kick-off on March 14 from 6–10 p.m. that pairs live music along with dancing and dance lessons. March 15 starts off with a family breakfast buffet from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.—complete with Irish dancers, music, face painting, arts & crafts and more—and continues with a lunch buffet featuring more of the same frivolity from 2–5 p.m. Come back for all-day fun on March 16, highlighted by performances from Brian Herlihy, Slainte, Bell & Sons and local Irish dance schools. For a bonus, March 17 is filled with many of the same acts and more from morning until evening, as well as a corned beef buffet.
South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Honoring both Ireland’s patron saint and Boston’s Evacuation Day holiday, this raucous tradition welcomes throngs of green-clad party people to the streets of the Hub’s most Irish of neighborhoods on March 16 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Held annually since 1901, the parade features floats, marching bands, local politicians and other colorful characters who proceed from near the Andrew stop of the MBTA’s Red Line and head east before heading back west down the home stretch of Broadway, where locals and visitors alike gather in bars, restaurants and the sidewalks of Southie to take in the celebration.
