With any Irish luck, this will be a weekend to remember. Check out our roundup of the best 10 things to do around the Valley in honor of St. Patrick’s Day this weekend, March 15 through March 17.
Friday
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at the Irish Cultural Center
The Irish Cultural Center is the place to be this weekend to take part in dozens of fun and unique festivities that all celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The event will take place all weekend, with activities – like the Ceili (a family-oriented Irish social dance) – beginning Friday night at 7 p.m. Throughout the weekend, attendees can also enjoy an Irish Tea Ceremony on Saturday and a storytelling exhibit on Sunday. All festivities are included with paid admission; adults are $6 and children $12 and under are free. For more information on this event, click here.
Pot of Gold Music Festival
The popular Pot of Gold Music Festival will take place all weekend at the Phoenix Steele Indian School Park. With a lineup of some of the music industry’s hottest chart-toppers and a collection of regional foods, spirits and St. Patrick’s Day-themed cocktails, this music festival is the best ticket in the Valley this weekend. Admission ticket prices vary. For more information on this event, click here.
Saturday
Experience Ireland at the Musical Instrument Museum
Two days of Celtic-inspired fun await all those who stop by the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) for the Experience Ireland festivities this weekend. With Irish music, crafts and cultural storytelling, the event will serve as the perfect, immersive experience to enjoy the holiday. Performances and activities are included with paid admission to the museum; food options are sold separately. For more information on this event, click here.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
This glorious, family-friendly parade, often referred to as “the greenest day in the desert,” will storm the streets of Downtown Phoenix this weekend with marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, floats and so much more. The festive parade will kick off at 10 a.m. at 3rd Street and Sheridan, and will head south through the central downtown area. For more information on this event, click here.
Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Family Faire
The Irish Family Faire – which is hosted at the Irish Cultural Center at Hance Park – is comprised of three stages of Irish music, step dancing and bagpipers. As if there won’t be enough entertaining performances, event attendees can also enjoy food and drink which will be available for purchase, and a VIP Pub hosting Arizona Craft Beers. Faire admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and over) and military, and children 12 and under are free. For more information on this event, click here.
Kiss Me, I’m Irish Run
At Westgate Entertainment District, runners, athletes and sports aficionados can join in on the St. Patrick’s Day fun by participating in the Kiss Me, I’m Irish Run – a half marathon, 8k run or 4k run/walk. The event will also include live Irish music, costume prizes, a post-race party and more. For more information on this event, click here.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Fountain Hills
Fountain Hills has garnered a world-famous reputation for the towering fountain at Fountain Park. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the fountain water will turn green and will spout 560 feet into the air. For more information on this unique experience, click here.
Free Skerryvore Concert in Chandler
The Chandler Center for the Arts – located in the heart of Downtown Chandler – will play host to Skerryvore, an eight-piece band that creates music through the fusion of folk, rock and traditional Scottish music. What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than by taking in the beautiful, authentic sounds of Irish and Scottish culture? Seating is first come, first served; the show begins at 7 p.m. For more information on this event, click here.
Sunday
19th Annual Beauty to the RESCUE
Mane Attraction Salon is joining forces with PACC911 for the 19th Annual Beauty to the RESCUE on Sunday, March 17. PACC911 brings together the many animal welfare organizations throughout Arizona, providing four key resources: large outdoor adoption events, ongoing fundraising, educational outreach, and medical assistance to soften the high-cost veterinary care. Hosted inside this stylish salon located in the heart of Phoenix's Biltmore neighborhood, this fun, festive and pet-friendly fundraiser has already helped raise over $330,000 toward animal rescue organizations in Maricopa County. For more information on this event, click here.
Star Wars: A New Hope at Symphony Hall
Coming from a galaxy far, far away is the musical stylings and composition of John Williams’ famed score from “Star Wars: A New Hope.” With triumphant tunes to the ethereal Princess Leia theme song, the Oscar-winning score will be brought to life thanks to the talents of the Phoenix Symphony Hall. Admission prices vary; show times begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information on this event, click here.
