On St. Patrick’s Day in Toronto seemingly everyone’s suddenly Irish.
The annual celebration falls on a Friday this year offering the perfect excuse to kickstart the weekend and get your good cheer on a little early.
Here’s where to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in Toronto.
Amsterdam BrewHouse
Spend St. Paddy’s day at this 14,000 square foot facility on Toronto’s lakeside where festivities include live bands, video DJ battles, a fiddle, a free pancake breakfast in the morning, Irish entertainers, BBQ, pizzas, and more. Tickets are on sale now from $25.
When: March 18, 11 am
Where: 245 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Big Rock
This St. Party’s Day beer crawl meets up for a few beers in Liberty Village before loading up a bus and heading west to GLB and then Big Rock Brewery in Etobicoke.
When: March 17, 6 pm
Where: Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery, 42 Liberty Street, Toronto
Brazen Head
Start pretending your Irish early with practice days in advance of St. Paddy’s Day proper. Shots of Bushmills, Baileys, and pints of Guinness will be on special the week of St. Patrick’s day, culminating in a three-level bash on the Friday. Over weekend, return to recover with brunch and a customizable caesar bar.
When: March 14 to 19
Where: 165 East Liberty Street, Toronto
The Citizen
Start your weekend off early at the biggest St. Paddy’s Day party on King West which kicks off in the afternoon. Tickets ($10 to $15) are on sale now for festivities featuring live music and DJs, flip cup + beer pong, and special food menu. Dressing in green is encouraged.
When: Friday, March 17, 2 pm to 9 pm
Where: 522 King Street West, Toronto
The Craft Brasserie & Grille
This St. Patrick’s Day, special guests Robbie & Matthew will provide the Irish-style entertainment to accompany the expansive selection of draft beers at this Liberty Village beer bar.
When: Friday, March 17, live music from 8 pm
Where: 107 Atlantic Avenue, Toronto
The Cloak Bar
Toronto bartender, Aaron Male has crafted a Jameson and tea-spiked take on his grandmother’s favourite, cream sherry, to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day this year. Order one up at the bar to celebrate the Irish tradition with whisky mixed with sweet and nutty Irish flavours.
When: March 17 to March 19
Where: 488 Wellington Street West, Toronto
Dominion Pub & Kitchen
Fortify yourself before the big day with “Practice Days” at this Corktown bar where Bushmills, Baileys and Guinness pints will be on special in the days before St. Paddy’s. On March 17, live music gets the party started at 5 pm, then return over the weekend for brunch and a build-your-own-caesar bar to aide in the inevitable recovery.
When: March 14 to 19
Where: 500 Queen Street East, Toronto
Dublin Calling
St. Paddy’s Day pancakes for the first 100 people through the door and then look forward to a full day of Irish Party Favours, live bands, snacks, dancing, and DJs at this downtown bar.
When: March 17, from 11 am
Where: 250 Adelaide Street West, Toronto
East of Brunswick
Go Full Irish at this newly opened pub and kitchen where a week’s worth of festivities includes drink specials from March 14 to 16; a big St. Paddy’s Day party complete with live music DJs, retro pinball machines and shuffleboard; finally, brunch complete with a Caesar bar on the weekend.
When: March 14 to 19
Where: 720 Spadina Avenue, Toronto
Firefly Pub
This decidedly queer take on St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will take over The 519 for a bash complete with live music, Irish-style pub fare, a games room, and more.
When: March 17, 4 pm to 11 pm
Where: 519 Church Street, Toronto
Grace O’Malley’s
Expect plenty of Guinness and Bushmills pouring all day as live bands grace the stage from noon onwards at this local inviting anyone and everyone to pretend to be Irish for the day.
When: March 17, from 11 am
Where: 14 Duncan Street, Toronto
Madison Avenue Pub
This massive pub in The Annex is expected to overflow with drink deals, live music, DJs, and dancing on all nine floors.
When: Friday, March 17
Where: 14 Madison Avenue, Toronto
Mill Street Brew Pub
Tickets ($69.99) are on sale now for this annual St. Patrick’s Day Brewmasters Dinner hosted by Mill Street’s own Head Brewmaster Joel Manning. On the menu, a 5-course feast with beer pairings and live music.
When: March 16, 6:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: 21 Tank House Lane, Toronto
Murphy’s Law Pub and Kitchen
Get a head start on St. Paddy’s Day at “Practice Days” held between March 14 and 16 look forward to drink specials on Bushmills, Baileys and pints of Guinness as St. Patrick’s Day approaches. On the big day, look forward to live performances, followed by a build-your-own-caesar bar and brunch offered throughout the weekend.
When: March 14 to 19
Where: 1702 Queen Street East, Toronto
Pogue Mahone Pub & Kitchen
Also hosting “Practice Days” between March 14 and 16, this Bay Street public house will offer $4 Bushmills or Baileys as well as $7.50 Guinness Pints in the lead up to the big day. On St. Patrick’s Day proper, expect live music and DJs from 4 pm, followed by a “Recovery Weekend” featuring build-your-own-caesar bar on March 18 and 19.
When: March 14 to 19
Where: 777 Bay Street, Toronto
Pour House
This pub on Dupont will be pouring shots of Bushmills, Baileys, and pints of Guinness on special before the big day. On St. Patrick’s Day, the party starts at 4 pm with live musical guests, while the “Recovery Weekend” promises brunch and build-your-own-caesars.
When: March 14 to 19
Where: 182 Dupont Street, Toronto
Rebel
Taking over this 45,000 square foot venue on Toronto’s waterfront, Guinness SPD Toronto will host this sprawling party for 5,000 people featuring live performances by Irish fiddler Lennan Delaney, Jamie Gutfreund’s 6-piece cover band In Living Cover, authentic Irish dancers, and top Toronto DJs.On the menu for the occasion, Guinness draught and Irish whisky, and free flapjacks on offer until 1:30 pm.
When: Saturday, March 18, 11 am to 9 pm
Where: 11 Polson Street, Toronto
Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon
Get lucky at this rowdy Shamrock Shaker celebrating the Irish holiday with a little country-style twang. Green beers, shamrock shooters, bull rides and dancing are on the agenda. Tickets are available now or for sale ($14) at the door.
When: Friday, March 17, 7 pm to 2 am
Where: 250 Adelaide Street West, Toronto
Steam Whistle
Tickets are on sale now ($20 in advance, of $25 at the door) for this annual St. Patrick’s Day party at Steam Whistle Brewing. Get lucky here with brewery-fresh Pilsner, eats from the Irish Embassy, Irish dancers and foot-stomping, and more.
When: Friday, March 17, 4 pm
Where: 255 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto