What's the craic? 10 St. Patrick's Day and Celtic events happening in Vancouver
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Grab your finest greenery and hit the town for some fun!
Here is a handy checklist of 10 St. Patrick’s Day and Celtic events to check out around Vancouver this month. Celticfest Vancouver, BC Beer & Beverage Festival, and more.
And for more fun things happening around town be sure to check out our Listed section.
CelticFest Vancouver 2023
CelticFest Vancouver/Facebook
What: Western Canada’s largest annual Celtic celebration takes place on March 17 and 18 and features live performances on two stages, a curated marketplace, a family zone, a photo booth, food trucks, a beer tent, and more.
Celtic entertainment lined up for the free two-day event includes Jas Minh, the Irish Dancing Drag Queen, Eire Born Irish Dancers, The Whiskeydicks, Fight Outside featuring Brian O’Brien and Paul Caldwell, Lavengro, a pop-indie band from Derry, Ireland, and rising singer-songwriter Shane Beirne from Carrick on Shannon in Roscommon, Ireland.
When: March 17 to 18, 2023
Time: 4 to 9 pm (Friday), 10 to 9 pm (Saturday)
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square north of the Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: Free
Brews with Views: St. Patrick’s Day at Sea to Sky Gondola
What: Sea to Sky Gondola’s Brews with Views returns this St. Patrick’s Day with a special mountaintop event. Guests will sip, savour and sample beers from local breweries, as well as tasty Irish-inspired food. There will also be live music served up by The Whiskydicks.
When: March 17, 2023
Time: 2:30 to 5 pm
Where: Summit Lodge at Sea to Sky Gondola – 36800 Highway 99, Squamish
Cost: $45, purchase online
St Paddy’s Day with Paddy Waggin’
What: Vancouver-based Irish Canadian folk-rock band Paddy Waggin’ and special guest Greg Kelly celebrate St. Patrick’s day with an evening concert at LanaLou’s. Irish cuisine and drink specials will also be featured on the menu.
When: March 17, 2023
Time: Doors 8 m, show 9 pm
Where: LanaLou’s – 362 Powell Street, Vancouver
Cost: $20, purchase online
BC Beer & Beverage Festival
Five Alarm Funk (TRADEX/Facebook)
What: Headlining the first BC Beer & Beverage Festival are a pair of acclaimed Vancouver-based bands. Juno nominees Five Alarm Funk are an eight-piece band known for their catchy rhythms, horns, and gang-chant vocals.
World-renowned fusion group Delhi 2 Dublin is also bringing “Subcontinental Pop” to the party. The group has performed in front of tens of thousands on concert stages throughout the world, from Glastonbury to Burning Man.
When: March 17, 2023
Time: 4 to 5 pm (VIP Tasting Hour), 5 to 8 pm (General Tastings)
Where: TRADEX Trade and Exhibition Centre – 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
Tickets: $29.99 to $59.99 in advance, purchase online
ICCCVan 2023 St Patrick’s Business Breakfast at Terminal City Club
What: Ireland – Canada Chamber of Commerce Vancouver, a not-for-profit that represents, supports, and encourages the city’s Irish business community, hosts a St. Patrick’s Day business breakfast at Terminal City Club. The in-person reception and breakfast features special guest Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and Minister for Justice.
When: March 16, 2023
Time: 7 to 9:30 am
Where: Terminal City Club – 837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost: $65-$90. Register online
Nights at the Aquarium
What: One of the city’s most unique date experiences is back in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
Nights at the Aquarium, the exclusive dining experience at the Vancouver Aquarium, is happening on Friday, March 17. Enjoy a three-course meal paired with beer sponsored by Stanley Park Brewing. And yes, solo diners are welcome to join the fun.
When: March 17, 2023
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: From $150 per person ($120 for members), purchase online
Freehouse Collective – St. Paddy’s Weekend Party
Freehouse Collective/Submitted
What: Freehouse Collective is throwing a massive St. Paddy’s Weekend Party at six of its popular Vancouver locations from Friday, March 17, to Sunday, March 19.
Guests will enjoy a delicious menu of special food and drinks at all locations throughout the month. And until March 19, you can enter to win an amazing trip for two to Dublin, Ireland.
When: March 17 to 19, 2023
Where: Brass Fish, Butcher & Bullock, Cinema, Sing Sing, The Lamplighter, and Three Brits
Tickets: Free, RSVP online
The Blarney Stone’s St Patrick’s Day Festival
What: The Blarney Stone is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their iconic St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This indoor and outdoor festival features Celtic Dancers, live music, a DJ, a piper, and more. There is also a tasty brunch buffet starting at 9 am.
When: March 17, 2023
Time: 9 am to late
Where: The Blarney Stone – 216 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Cost: $27 for entry before 11 am for brunch buffet, $38 for entry before 2 pm. Minors are allowed before 5 pm with their legal guardian. If online tickets sell out after 2 pm, tickets will be sold at the door while supplies last. Purchase online.
Jika Jika presents St. Patrick’s Day – Cailín & Marcus O’Laoire
What: Vancouver’s Jika Jika is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day shindig at Hollywood Theatre. Get ready to dance the night away with Ireland’s undisputed Queen of Techno, Cailín along with Marcus O’Laoire. Local star Mossy will be opening up and getting the crowd ready to party.
When: March 17, 2023
Time: 10 pm to 2 am
Where: Hollywood Theatre – 3123 W Broadway Vancouver
Cost: $39.50 plus fees, purchase online
What’s the Craic? A Night of Irish Devilry
Clare Voyeur/Instagram
What: Clare Voyeur presents a Paddy’s Day kickoff as part of 2023 Celtic Fest’s programming. Guests of the annual variety show will enjoy burlesque, comedy, live music, games and more while learning about the spirit and lore of the Emerald Isle.
When: March 16, 2023
Time: Doors 6 pm, show 7 pm
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: $30 online, $40 at the door. Purchase online