Get those kilts ready. From parades to concerts to parties at clubs, there’s lots of celebrating going on in the Lehigh Valley heading up to and on St. Patrick’s Day, which is Saturday. Here’s your guide:
PARADES
Molly’s SouthSide St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration: March 17. Begins at 1 p.m. at the ArtsQuest at SteelStacks and travels down First and Second streets to the Banana Factory.
After-party includes party at Color Me Mine including shamrock paper craft for kids, Leprechaun Coloring Contest, Pot O’ Gold Bean Bag Toss Game and photo booth (noon-5 p.m.), photo booth pictures with bagpiper (2-3 p.m.), family concert with Lolly (3-4 p.m.). Irish food and drink specials and performances by the O’Grady Quinlan Dancers and bagpipers at Molly’s Irish Grille. Also, performance by Irish Stars Parker School of Irish Dance. Info: facebook.com/southsideartsdistrict.
Perkasie: 11 a.m. March 17. The 4th annual parade and Celtic Festival is sponsored by Pennridge Chamber of Commerce and the Sellersville Borough. Begins at Pennridge South Middle School, Fifth Street, Perkasie, and proceeds to Sellersville Fire Company grove behind firehouse. Festivities in the park noon-4 p.m. include Celtic Rebels Band, Celtic Kids Corner with crafts and games, Soda Bread Bake Off, kilt contest, Irish dancing, food, vendors and beer tent. www.pennridge.com.
Stroudsburg/East Stroudsburg, Pocono Irish American Club parade: 1:30 p.m. March 18. Begins at Stroudsburg High School and ends at the Eastburg Borough Building on Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg.
Allentown: 1:30 p.m. March 18. Begins at the Allentown Fairgrounds, travels through the West End, west on Liberty, north on 19th, west on Tilghman, south on 25th Street and east on Liberty Street, back to fairgrounds. The parade will include 2018 King and Queen Brian and Kate Johnson riding in a white coach pulled by a team of Belgian horses followed by parade divisions each led by a pipe band. A massed bands exhibition will take place at 1 p.m. On North 19th Street between Tilghman and Liberty. Pipe bands will perform in unison under the direction of Drum Major Jason Litz. www.allentownstpatricksparade.com.
ALLENTOWN PARADE EVENTS:
Food Drive to Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley: Donations will be taken at the Coronation Celebration, Irish Cultural Community Day and at the parade.
Pub Crawl: 5 p.m. March 10, Jack Callaghan’s Ale House, Tavern on Liberty Street, The Roost of Allentown, Volpe’s Sports Bar, Shanty on 19th, Fairgrounds Hotel, Sleepy Cat Urban Winery, and Greg’s West End Saloon. $15 benefits the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade, includes 61st commemorative T-shirt. 10th annual Best Legs in a Kilt Contest for men and women at 5 p.m. at Jack Callaghan’s, 2027 W. Tilghman St.
Coronation Celebration: 7:30-10 p.m. March 16, Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds. Crowning of the 2018 King and Queen Brian and Kate Johnson, entertainment, bagpipers, step dancers, food for sale, beer and soda provided; BYOB. $15, advance; $20, door. allentownstpatricksparade.com/tickets.
Allentown Flag-Raising Ceremony: 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. March 16, City Hall Plaza, 435 Hamilton St. Features bagpipe music, Irish step dancers.
Allentown Parade Breakfast: 10 a.m.-noon, March 18, Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds, $10, advance only, allentownstpatricksparade.com/tickets.
West End 5K:12:15 p.m. March 18. On the parade route, beginning and ending at Muhlenberg College, Memorial Hall. Registration $30 in advance. Benefits West End Alliance. www.westendpats5k.com.
5th Annual Irish Cultural Community Day: noon-4 p.m. Saturday, March 17. Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds. Free, family-friendly event features demonstrations in Irish dancing, hurling, Celtic games, art, bagpipe, fiddle and ceili.
House Decorating/Porch Party Contest: Prizes will be awarded to “best porch party” and “best decorated house” along the parade route.
15th annual AOH Girardville St. Patrick’s Day Parade: noon March 24. Hosted by Girardville’s Jack Kehoe Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Daughters of Erin Division 18, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. Mass, 10 a.m., St. Vincent’s Worship Center, Second Street and Mahanoy Ave. girardvilleirishparade.com
EVENTS
Dublin Irish Dance: 7:30 p.m. March 9, State Theatre, 453 Northampton St., Easton. Champion Irish step dancers with an eight-member traditional Irish band and vocalist tell story of immigrants who came to America. $35; $45. 610-252-3132, www.statetheatre.org.
St. Paddy’s Day Crawl with Crawl Daddy: March 10, Bethlehem. Kickoff at Molly’s Irish Grille (1-2:15 p.m.), Tally Ho (2:20-3:20 p.m.), Broadway Social (3:30-4:30 p.m.), Southside 313 (4:40-5:50 p.m.), after-party at Wooden Match and Artisan Wine Bar with Peter Johann Band (7-9 p.m.) and Trouble City Allstars (10 p.m.-1 a.m.). Benefits Center for Animal Health and Welfare. Tickets: $10.
Irish Fest 2018: March 11, Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Drive, New Hope. Irish food, music by Hobnail (1-5 p.m.) and Manifested (9 p.m.; $5), Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dancers (5:30 p.m.), Feats of Strength Competitions, kids activities (noon-6 p.m.) including balloon art, magic, face painting, balloon drop (3 p.m.), more. 215-862-8300, www.triumphbrewing.com.
Bally Hotel Irish Wake: The 44th annual event runs March 15-17. Wake at 10 p.m. each day; open at 7 a.m. St. Patrick’s Day. Three stages of entertainment. Lunch and dinner. No Family Fun Day or Coffin Races this year. Music by Hoppin’ Boxcars (7-11 p.m., March 15) and Whiskeyhickon Boys (7-11 p.m. March 16), entertainment March 17 includes Red Hill Ramblers (7-11 a.m.), Middle Glass (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), Mike Greer & Company (3-7 p.m.), Chestnut Grove (7-11 p.m.). The hotel is at 669 Main St. Info: 610-845-0100, theballyhotel.com/the-irish-wake.
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub: March 15: Guinness Toast (3:17 p.m.), O’Grady Quinlan Irish Dancers (4:20 p.m.); March 16: Guinness Glass Engraving (3-5 p.m.), Finnigans Wake in The Great Room (7 p.m.), Diarmuid McSweeney (9-11 p.m.); March 17: Best Legs in a Kilt (3:30 p.m.; at Donegal Square), The Celtic United Pipe Band (3:30-5:30 p.m., on Main Street and at downtown businesses), O’Grady Quinlan Irish Dancers (4:30 p.m.); Seamus Kelleher (10 p.m.-1 a.m.); March 18: Sunday Carvery (11a.m.-2 p.m.),Terry Kane and Steve Stanislaw (7 a.m.-1 p.m.), Trivia with Bryon (7-9 p.m.), 534 Main St., Bethlehem. 610-861-7631, www.redstagpub.com.
Failte Festival: A St. Patrick’s Celebration: 6:30-10:30 p.m. March 15, Ice House, Sand Island, Bethlehem. An evening of culture, live music and entertainment and good craic. Programs begins at 7:30 p.m. With Timlin & Kane, O’Grady Quinlan Dancers, Bud Burroughs, Patrick Carroll, Mary Malone and Den Vykopal. Beer, wine, soda, light snacks available for purchase. Program begins at 7:30 p.m. $15, adv.; $20 door. Presented by Donegal Square, McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, Historic Hotel Bethlehem and the Downtown Bethlehem Association. Redstagpub.com.
7th annual Beth-lum Go Bragh, Pot O’ Gold Scavenger Hunt: March 15-17. Sponsored by the Downtown Bethlehem Association, the hunt follows clues as limericks relating to downtown Bethlehem businesses. Participants complete a passport with gold-coin stamps given by the businesses, where participants must recite the correct limerick to staff at matching business to get a stamp. Each stamp equals a chance to win the Pot O’ Gold. Complete scavenger hunt March 15-17 (regular business hours); winners announced noon March 17. facebook.com/events/1495340783918427
Irish Dancers presented by Gallagher School of Irish Dance: 6-8 p.m. March 16, The Pourhouse Neighborhood Bar & Grille, 1014 Route 390, Mountainhome. Irish dinner specials and Irish-inspired desserts for weekend. 570-595-3900, www.pourhousepa.com.
Celebrate the Green: March 16-18, Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope. Irish-inspired food events, music and Irish dancers, shopping, more. 267-362-5136, ww.peddlersvillage.com.
St. Patrick ‘s Weekend Celebration: noon-6 p.m. March 17-18, Crossing Vineyards and Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Newtown. Seasonal food and wine pairings, craft beers, music. $18, adv.e; $20, door, 215-493-6500 www.crossingvineyards.com.
Best Legs in Kilt Contest: 3:30-5 p.m. March 17. Cheer the kilted laddies as they show off their shapely legs and compete for bragging rights and the title of “Best Legs in a Kilt.” The Celtic United Pipe Band kicks off festivities. Registration fee: $10. Register at donegalsquare.com.
St. Patrick’s Day Fun: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 17, Let’s Play Books Bookstore, 244 Main St., Emmaus. Coloring activities for children. 610-928-8600, letsplaybooks.com.
Cops ‘n’ Kids Reading Room: Happy St. Patrick’s Day: 10 a.m.-noon, March 17, Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third St., Bethlehem. Wear your green and learn to make Irish soda scones and shortbread cookies with Louise McCafferty Kelchner and dance steps with Dawn Parker School of Irish Dance. Registration recommended. Free. 610-861-5526.
St. Patrick’s Day for Preemies: 5-10 p.m. March 17. Family-friendly, semi-formal event includes kids crafts, photo booth, silent auction, cocktails (5 p.m.), program, dinner and dancing. Benefits Lily’s Hope Foundation. Hotel Bethlehem, 437 Main St. 267-776-HOPE www.lilyshopefoundation.org.
Emmaus Run Inn Corned Beef & Cabbage: 9 a.m. March 17, Camp Olympic, 3120 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Lower Macungie. 3.4-mile run to benefit the Angel 34 Foundation. Refreshments at the end of event, including corned beef and cabbage, and craft beer from Funk Brewing Co. Costumes welcome. Rain or shine. Entry fee $40. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Emmaus/CornBeefandCabbage5KRun.
Shamrock Shuffle: Wine & Beer Walk: noon-4 p.m. March 17, Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope. Activities, promotions, deals, and games. $30-$35. 267-362-5136, www.peddlersvillage.com.
Family Festival: St Patrick’s Day: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 17, Please Touch Museum, 210 N. 21st St., Philadelphia, Explore Ireland, step-dancing, folklore and why green is the color for St. Patrick’s Day. $19, www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.
O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance performance: 6-6:30 p.m. March 17, The Outlets at Sands Bethlehem, 77 Sands Blvd., free.
The Shanty on 19th St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: March 17-18, 613 N. 19th St., Allentown. Food and drink specials, music by New Constitution (9 p.m.-midnight). March 18: St. Patrick’s Day Parade with Irish Breakfast Buffet (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), Irish food and drink specials, after-parade bagpipe band. 610-841-0150, shantyon19th.com.
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities at Hotel Bethlehem: March 17, 437 Main St.. Menu and drink specials with entertainment by Craig Thatcher and Nyke Van Wyk (2-5 p.m.) and Banna Lach (8:30-10:30 p.m.). Reservations required. St. Patrick’s Day Brunch 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 18, with Irish step dancers and Celtic music. 610-625-5000.
Irish Comedy Tour: 7:30 p.m. March 18, Musikfest Cafe, ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Inspired by the party atmosphere of an Irish pub, the show features boisterous band of hooligans whose ancestors hail from the Emerald Isle — Derek Richards, Mike McCarthy and Damon Leibert and Dublin native Derrick Keane. $24, $29. 610-297-7100, www.steelstacks.com.
National Dance Company of Ireland: Rhythm of the Dance: 7:30-9:30 p.m. March 28, Kutztown University, Schaeffer Auditorium. Dancers relive the journey of the Irish Celts throughout history with traditional dance and music. Includes a live band, three tenors and 22 dancers. $25. 610-683-4092, www.KutztownPresents.org.
CONCERTS
Scythian, 7:30 p.m. March 10. Celtic rock band with opening act Mountain Duo, Musikfest Cafe, ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, $18-$28. 610-297-7100, steelstacks.org
The Tartan Terrors, 8 p.m. March 10. Celtic band combines music, comedy and dance. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. $30. www.mcohjt.com
Red Hot Chilli Pipers, 7:30 p.m. March 15. Eight-piece ensemble of pipes, guitarists, keyboard players and drummers, play rollicking “bagrock.” Special guest Liberty High Grenadier bagpipers. State Theatre, 453 Northampton St., Easton. $37. www.statetheatre.org. 800-999-STATE.
Glengarry Boys with House Of Hamill, 8 p.m. March 15. Celtic stompers perform in a fundraiser for Celtic Cultural Alliance. Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave. $25; $35. 215-257-5808, st94.com.
Irish Music Festival,Music by The Galway Girls: Songs of Ireland (8 p.m. March 16; $25) and The River Drivers (8 p.m. March 17; $25). Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope. 215-862-2121, bcptheater.org.
Ireland: A History in Music with Larry Kirwin, 7:30-9:30 p.m. March 16, Bucks County Community College, Zlock Performing Arts Center, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown. $30VIP; $20; $15, students, seniors; free, Bucks students, 215-968-8087.
St. Patty’s Day Down on The Farm, March 16, Irish dinner show with Killen Clark & The King Brothers (8 p.m.), $4; $6; March 17, music by Red-I (8:30 p.m.), drink specials, more, $5; March 18, Irish brunch with Belfast Connection (12:30 p.m.), Irish cuisine and Bloody Marys, $3. The Other Farm Brewing Company, 128 E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown. 484-415-0741, theotherfarmbrewingcompany.com.
Blackwater, 8 p.m. March 16. Lehigh Valley area band blends Celtic, folk, classical and contemporary music. Godfrey Daniels, 7 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem. Tickets: $18.50, advance; $23.50, door. 610-867-2390, godfreydaniels.org.
Coracree, 7:30 p.m. March 17. Celtic, old-time, European and original music. Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse, 320 W. Chestnut St. $12; $10, seniors; $6, 13 and over; free, ages 12 and under. perkmenno.net/coffeehouse
The Celtic Martins, 7 p.m. March 17. High energy family band. Tamaqua Arts Center, 125 Pine St. $15. 570-668-1192, www.tamaquaarts.org.
The Kilmaine Saints, 8 p.m. March 17. High energy rockin’ Irish band. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe, $15. www.mcohjt.com
Emmet Cahill, 7:30 p.m. March 20. Irish classics, Broadway standards, nostalgic favorites and hymns by Irish tenor and lead singer of the Irish music show Celtic Thunder. First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center St. $30; $45 with reception (6 p.m.). emmetcahilltours.ticketleap.com/emmet-cahill-live-in-bethlehem.
Lunasa, 8 p.m. March 24. Irish acoustic group. Centenary College, Sitnik Theatre, Lackland Performing Arts Center, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown, N.J. $30, advance; $35, door. 908-979-0900, centenarystageco.org.
CLUB PARTIES
Rivals Sports Bar and Restaurant, 7-10 p.m. March 16. Music by Rogue Diplomats. 5 Lehns Court, Easton. Rivalsesaton.com
Tri-Boro Sportsmen, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. March 16. Music by Jay-T (7-9 p.m.) and The Aardvarks (9 p.m.-midnight), giveaways and $4 Guinness. 21st and Canal streets, Northampton. 610-262-8151.
Strange Brew Tavern, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. March 17. Music by Babyface Finster, 1996 S. Fifth St., Allentown. 610-841-3610, strangebrewtavern.co.
Fossil’s Last Stand, 5 p.m.-midnight March 17. Music by Alias, corned beef and cabbage. 429 Race St., Catasauqua. 610-443-0812
Dewey Fire Company, 6-11 p.m. March 17. Steel Creek plays country/rock favorites, Irish menu, drink specials, more. $15 cover includes beer and soda. 502 Durham St., Hellertown. 610-838-9072.
Triple Sun Spirits Co., 7 p.m. March 17. Music by Owen and The Alien, special cocktails and giveaways. 518 Bank St., Emmaus. 610-904-8082, www.triplesunspirits.com.
Yergey Brewing, 7-9:30 p.m. March 17. Woodside Avenue, 518 Bank S., Emmaus. 484-232-7055, www.yergeybrewing.com.
Boulder View Tavern, March 17. Traditional Irish dinner buffet (6-8 p.m., reservations recommended), music by Counting Stars (7-11 p.m.). 123 Lake Harmony Road, Lake Harmony. 570-722-9696.
Saucony Creek Brewery and Gastropub, 1-8 p.m. March 17. St. Patrick’s Day Rock Out with Whiskey Kreek and The Daggered Hearts, beer and food specials. 15032 Kutztown Road, Kutztown. 610-683-3128, www.SauconyBeer.com.
St. Patrick’s Day at The Hamilton Kitchen, March 17. Food and drink specials, music by Steve Johnson (3:30-6:30 p.m.), The Groove Shamrock (8:30-11:30 p.m.). 645 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. 610-433-3535, thehamiltonkitchen.com/events.
Slopeside Pub & Grill, 6-9 p.m. March 17. Road to Killarney. 1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton. 610-824-1557, skibluemt.com.
The Proper Brewing Company, 9 p.m.-midnight March 17. St. Patrick’s Day Bash with Gracys√ Trip. 117 W. Broad St., Quakertown. 267-490-5168, www.theproperbrewing.com
Rising Sun Inn, March 17. Irish fare, Fitzpatrick Irish Dancers (9:30 p.m.), Si Senorita (7-11 p.m.; $10), Jameson drink specials, doors open at 6 p.m. 898 Allentown Road, Telford. 215-721-6350, www.risingsuninn.net.
Sunset Grille, March 17. Irish food specials include corned beef and cabbage empanadas, drink specials, DJ Troy Laughlin (8:30 p.m.). 6751 Ruppsville Road, Upper Macungie Township. 610-395-9622, www.sunset-grille.com.
St. Patrick’s Day at Hop Hill, noon-10 p.m. March 17. Irish music by Fig For A kiss (7 p.m.), more. 1988 Blair Ave., Bethlehem. 484-893-0767.
Vigilance Hose Company, 9 p.m. March 17. St. Patrick’s Day party with Connie and Her Lucky Charms. 48 S. Cedar St., Nazareth. 610-759-7978.
Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill, 2-11 p.m. March 17. Irish music by Fig for a Kiss (2-4:30 p.m,.), dancers from McElligot√ School of Irish Dance (7:30 p.m), food and drink specials. 111 N. First St., Lehighton. 610-377-0777, bonnieandclydepubandgrill.com.
Stahley’s, 6:30-10 p.m. March 17. Music by Nick of Time, corned beef and cabbage. 1826 Hanover Ave, Allentown. 610-433-2468.
Mahoney’s Irish Pub, March 17. Corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, green beer, music by Shep (7 p.m.). 609 Hanover Ave., Allentown. 610-433-6170.
Molten Lounge, March 17. Fisher & Maher Irish / Jason Dumm Band, (5:30 and 9:45 p.m.) 77 Sands Blvd, Bethlehem, 877-726-3777, pasands.com/nightlife/molten
Tilted Kilt Pub, March 17. Irish Hooley menu, $3 Miller Lite drafts and Jameson Shorty shots, $4 Guinness and Guinness Blonde drafts, Guiness Girls (4-7 p.m.), music by Punkabilly’s (2-7 p.m.). 2835 Lehigh St., Allentown. 610-791-2100.
Rivals Sports Bar, noon-midnight March 17. Sixth annual bash includes entertainment by Leah Fuls Trio, Strange Coincidence, Brian Kidd, Andrew Mark Schaffer, Mateis Band, Young Guns, Tim & Zach. 5 Lehns Court, Easton. 610-392-2932, rivalseaston.com.
The Gin Mill and Grille, March 16-17. Happy hour, 5-7 p.m. $1.50 green beer, $4 Jamison shots and mini car bombs, music by Trick Stacy (9 p.m. March 16) and Social Call (9 p.m. March 17), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 17, all-you-can-eat breakfast with green eggs and ham and green kegs ($5). 1750 Main St., Northampton. ginmillandgrille.com
— Debra Schnecker
