The Hub goes full-on Irish on and around March 17 with these Hibernian-flavored events
Celtic Bells—The Irish in Boston: On March 11 from 10:30–11:30 a.m., the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum (pictured) at Columbia Point in Dorchester welcomes families to enjoy this free St. Patrick’s Day-themed concert that combines music performed on a wide array of instruments—including traditional Gaelic ones like the bodhran (Irish drum) and bagpipes—with poetry to tell the story of the Hub’s Irish immigrants.
Dropkick Murphys: The local Celtic-punk legends return for their yearly home stand, this time taking up residence at two Fenway venues, namely the brand-new MGM Music Hall from March 16–18 and the House of Blues on March 19. The shows are already officially sold-out, so check the secondary market to get your chance to take in this raucous and joyful spectacle.
Irish Cultural Centre’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: Head down to Canton on St. Patrick's Day weekend for a threefold celebration: An all-day St. Patrick’s Day party on March 17 full of music, dance, Irish craft vendors, and corned beef and cabbage; an evening performance that same night by Green Road and Irish soprano Clodagh Kinsella from 8–11 p.m.; and a family-friendly gathering from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. featuring an Irish breakfast buffet, arts and crafts, and face painting along with, of course, music and dance on March 18.
A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn: Brian O’Donovan’s Irish music and dance showcase stops at several venues around eastern Massachusetts, including Cambridge’s Sanders Theatre on March 18 at 3 & 7:30 p.m. Fans can even opt for a virtual viewing to enjoy from home by visiting the Celtic Sojourn website.
South Boston St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day Parade: Southie’s annual tradition of celebrating both its Irish-American heritage and its military past and present—March 17 is also a city holiday commemorating a significant Continental Army victory over the British in 1776 that was centered in the neighborhood—continues on March 19 beginning at 1 p.m. Expect tens of thousands of green-clad revelers to line the streets from the start near the MBTA’s Broadway Station on the Red Line to the end point at Andrew Square to witness marching bands, colorful floats and more.
