People may think Austin quiets down right after SXSW but with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, the celebrations are far from over. This year the holiday lands on a Monday, giving Austinites an extra day to feast.
Despite its beginnings as a religious holiday, St. Paddy’s Day has become a global celebration of Irish culture and another excuse to wear that one green shirt. If you’re looking for authentic Irish dances, family-friendly fun, or the infamous green beer consider yourself lucky because Austin has something for everyone in the shamrock spirit.
Here are 10 events to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Austin all weekend long.
St. Paddy’s Day Palooza at Punch Bowl Social
Friday, March 14 to Monday, March 17
Test your luck at Punch Bowl Social’s downtown location all weekend long during its St. Paddy’s Day Palooza. At the three-day fest, attendees can find hidden pots of “gold” throughout the venue; those who find them will have a chance to win fun prizes. Everyone can enjoy drink specials from Tullamore D.E.W Irish whiskey and double the fun by taking advantage of happy hour and brunch game specials like 50 percent off bowling and karaoke. This event is free to attend and no reservations are needed.
Sips of Shamrocks
Saturday, March 15
For a smooth and elevated take on St. Patrick’s Day, head over to the Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar to learn how to make Irish-inspired libations. The class will go over three cocktails: The Grasshopper, which features a minty twist on a classic; The Irish Maid, a refreshing whiskey cocktail with cucumber and elderflower liqueur; and Black Velvet, featuring a unique blend of Champagne and rich Guinness. Tickets ($45, including gratuity) are available for purchase on Eventbrite.
Lucky at Nomadic Beerworks
Saturday, March 15
Beer fans can head over to Nomadic Beerworks to enjoy two new beer releases for St Patrick’s Day. Lucky Enough, an Irish red ale, makes its return to the brewery along with the new Half Hour, which is a creamy Irish stout. To add to the celebration, there will be live music and themed bites like corned beef Reuben sandwiches. This event is free and open to the public.
Jack & Ginger's Irish Pub
Saturday, March 15 to Monday, March 17
Jack & Ginger at The Domain is going all out with a three-day St. Patrick’s takeover. It starts on Saturday with the Leprechaun Olympics, live music, and beer specials; that's all followed on Sunday by a dog costume contest, a Guinness Irish Car Bomb Toast, and a countdown to St. Patrick’s Day. On Monday, join the block party with live music and bagpipes all day, plus food and drink specials.
B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub
Saturday, March 15 and Monday, March 17
What better way to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day than at Austin’s oldest Irish pub? Head over to B.D. Riley’s on Saturday for a St. “Practice” Day that starts early with rugby matches followed by live music by The Yokes and Kristen Gibbs. On Monday, enjoy pints of Guinness along with more live performances and the pub’s Irish specialties like shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, and fish and chips. This event is free and open to the public.
St. Paddy's Irish Festival at Mozart’s
Sunday, March 16
For a family-friendly St. Paddy’s activity, the Irish Festival at Mozart’s is a must. Starting at 1 pm on Sunday, patrons can grab a coffee while enjoying traditional Irish music and dance performances by the Irish Dance Center. After, kids can enjoy free face painting and more group dances. This event is free to the public, however, RSVP is encouraged to help the staff get ready for the event.
Cork & Barrel St. Paddy's Day Birthday Bash
Sunday, March 16 and Monday, March 17
Cork and Barrel is going all out for St. Paddy’s Day with a two-day celebration. The “Warm-Up Party” on Sunday kicks off with live music from The Yokes, Hylton Cruikshank, and Daithi Arwine, plus classic Irish fare like fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie, Reuben hand pies, and more. The celebration continues on Sunday with more live music from Blaggards and Whiskey, and on Monday with Inishfree Irish Dancers. This event is free with first-come, first-served seating options.
St. Patrick's at Seven Grand
Sunday, March 16 to Monday, March 17
Whiskey bar Seven Grand is rolling out two days of celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day. On Sunday, enjoy themed drink specials such as Irish coffee, Irish mules, baby Guinness shots, $6 Irish whiskey shots, and $8 pints of Guinness on tap. Musicians Ru Coleman and The Big Hurt will be performing live on Monday to close out the St. Patty’s Day celebrations. This event is open to the public, no reservations are needed.
St. Patrick’s Day Drag Brunch at Zilker Beer
Sunday, March 16
For a pint and a show check out the St. Patrick’s Day-themed drag brunch at Zilker Beer. Staring at 1 pm, enjoy performances by Austin’s Brigitte Bandit and her “shamrock saints” Yvonna F Mei and Iggy Bank, plus drink specials featuring green beer. Pint sales from this drag show benefit the Queer Liberation Network, a nonprofit that supports queer and trans individuals. This event is open and free to the public.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Fieldhouse
Sunday, March 16 and Monday, March 17
For Folks up north who want to join the festivities closer to home, Fieldhouse at the Crossover in Leander promises two days of St. Paddy’s fun. Enjoy a performance by Inishfree Irish Dancers on Sunday, plus live music on both days. There will be vendors, green brews, and stein beers to add to the celebration. This event is free and open to the public.
