St. Patrick’s Day is coming up this weekend and it can be difficult to decide how and where to celebrate the Irish holiday. Luckily you’ve found a four-leaf clover by coming across our list of the best places to celebrate in Ontario.
Here’s where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in 10 different cities across Ontario.
Ottawa
There are many places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the country’s capital, but one event sticks out. Overflow Brewing Company is hosting a ‘Queers and Beers’ night on Friday, March 15 to kick off the weekend. The goal of the event is to have a safe environment for queer and trans pub lovers, while being open to people of all sexual orientations and genders. While at Overflow Brewing Company guests can enjoy craft beer and live music. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
London
Live music and cold beer are a recipe for a good St. Patrick’s Day, and Winks Eatery in London is providing that this weekend. On Sunday, March 17 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. the pub will be pouring pints of Guinness and welcoming cover band Pop Rockets to the stage. Pop Rockets are a trio from London that cover a variety of hits from ‘Go Your Own Way’ by Fleetwood Mac to ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ by Britney Spears. Attendees are encouraged to wear green and to make reservations in advance to guarantee a table.
Barrie
Beer is usually the focus for St. Patrick’s Day, but this event is for all foodies. The Rotaract Club of Barrie and Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Bash that includes a three course meal. The bash is at Liberty North and the meal is provided by the venue. Guests can make their way through the silent auction and enjoy a live auction, games, and live music. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Toronto
FreePlay video arcade is welcoming guests 19+ to enjoy games, trivia, and mingling this St. Patrick’s Day. Tickets include the entry fee, trivia (with prizes for winners), and unlimited gameplay from 3 – 6 p.m on Sunday, March 17. Players are encouraged to wear green, and can choose between arcade and video games, and enjoy food and drinks on site. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door depending on availability.
Waterloo
Celebrate early on Sunday with a St. Patrick’s Day ‘Darty’ (that’s a day party) hosted by 5th Year Parties Waterloo. Students 19+ are invited to Kentucky Bourbon and BBQ and Prohibition Warehouse in Waterloo for drinks and music from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ‘Darty’ attendees can enjoy green beer and whiskey, get photos taken by a professional photographer, and even win prizes for best dressed. Tickets can be bought online in advance on Eventbrite.
Mississauga
Parents of young children might like to head over to The Rec Room at Square One Mall on Sunday, March 17 for a St. Patrick’s Day magic show. The Lucky Magic Show is a comedic, shocking, and interactive show featuring Chris; a Second City graduate, regular Yuk Yuk’s performer, and magician whose performances earned him the title of ‘Best Magic Show in the GTA’ by Today’s Parent magazine. Chris will perform two magic shows, one at 1 p.m. and another at 3 p.m. Children and parents are encouraged to wear green and to buy tickets online in advance.
Windsor
For all the beer drinkers and snack lovers in the Windsor area, plans for St. Patrick’s Day could include heading over to Walkerville Brewery. The brewery, known for their multi-award winning beers, is hosting a St Patrick’s Day Bash from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m on Sunday, March 17. The celebration is free to enter and includes a festive snack menu, over 12 beers on tap, and special taproom features. It’s on a first come first serve basis so get there early to guarantee a table.
Kingston
If you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your kiddos but aren’t sure what’s kid-friendly, La Vida Bistrobar and Social in Kingston has you covered. While its usual audience is adults and a drinking crowd, the bar is open on Saturday, March 16 for a family St. Patrick’s Day dance and party. Families are welcome to visit La Vida Bistrobar and Social from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for music, crafts, food, and drinks. Children under four are free. All other attendees can purchase tickets online in advance.
Niagara Falls
Anyone can be Irish this St. Patrick’s Day at Niagara Brewing Company’s Eat Drink and Be Irish celebration. Once the clock hits 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15 the festivities will begin at the corner of Clifton Hill and Falls Avenue. The night will involve live music, prizes, giveaways, and the opportunity to try the beers brewed on site, including their Irish Red Ale. Entry and parking are free so make sure to reserve your table and kick off St. Paddy’s in style.
Kitchener
If you’re looking to start early on St. Patrick’s Day, head over to Malt and Barley for a day-long celebration. From 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, March 17 there will be three acts performing live music along with food and drink specials. Check out the menu online beforehand, and take a peek at their ‘March Munchies’ seasonal menu. It’s recommended you make a reservation by calling the pub ahead of time.
Do you have a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ontario? Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page. If you’re looking for none-St. Patrick’s Day things to do this week, check out our 10 things to do in Ontario for March Break post.
Photo credit: Laura Tancredi/Pexels
