Maine has gotten hit by quite a few Nor’easters the last few weeks, and it’s been pretty ridiculous. In case you forgot, St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner! If you’re looking for something fun to do in honor of our favorite Irish holiday, check out this roundup!
March 17th, 5:30 AM: all day live entertainment at Ri Ra
Start off St. Patrick’s day bright and early at Ri Ra! Take a dip in the ocean for the annual Paddy’s Day Plunge that occurs at East End Beach at 5:30 am (yes, it really is that early). After taking the plunge, dry off and fuel up at Ri Ra, where they will be serving complimentary breakfast. On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s never too early for a Guinness, and Ri Ra is the place to have one. After all, they will have a full trailer on hand with Guinness kegs, just in case they somehow manage to run out. Listen to fantastic local music while you enjoy your beer, with Ben Kilcollins (of cover band Kilcollins) and Tim Mercer kicking things off with live Irish music at 9 am. Not sure you want to wake up at 5:30 am? Come in a little later and Ri Ra will be serving traditional Irish fare like shepherd’s pie, corned beef, and cabbage.
March 17th, 12:00 pm: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Anyone who loves St. Patrick’s Day will be participating in The Irish American Club of Maine’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Although the parade starts at noon, participants should line up at 11 am in the Fish Pier parking lot. The parade starts on Commercial Street going East and ends at Bell Buoy Park. For those that want to just watch, the parade ambles its way through the Old Port and always adds a fun spin for those that are just out celebrating.
March 17th, 2:30 pm: Shut Down Brown Matinee, Brian Boru
Looking to add some funk to your St. Patrick’s Day plans? We highly encourage getting to Shut Down Brown’s matinee at Brian Boru early, because this band is quite popular. Shut Down Brown is a seven-piece band that brings soul, rock, and funky beats everywhere they go. This will be SDB’s first Brian Boru show since 2015, so it’s bound to be a rocking good time! Not only is it their first show at Boru in 3 years, but they will also be giving Brian Boru’s brand new stage a spin as well. Got the funk?
March 17th: 2:00 pm: Paddy’s Pub Pig, The Thirsty Pig
Love the Thirsty Pig? For St. Patrick’s Day, it’s becoming Paddy’s Pub Pig. Expect Irish tunes, eats, and just a general good time! Festivities include a full Irish Dinner: house corned beef, braised vegetables, soda bread, and skillet cottage pie. Wash it all down with beer from Marsh Island Brewing and Half Acre Beer Co. By the end of the night, you’ll be singing and dancing along to live music from Clara Junken and Ryan Halliburton.
