The Visitor’s Guide to Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown Bethlehem
March 11th, 2019 | Blog
Bethlehem is the Christmas City, but on St. Patrick’s Day we “go green” with fun activities for everyone! Get downtown March 14th – March 17th to celebrate (whether you are Irish or not).
On March 14th at 7:30 PM, check out Finnigan McCarthy’s Wake at McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar. This unique take on the Irish wake will have you crying (with laughter) at the misdeeds and misadventures of Finnigan’s life. Raise a glass to Finnegan; if you can get the “deceased” to crack a smile, you get a free pint!
The Failte Festival is March 15th – March 17th at the Ice House in Bethlehem. Three days, four shows; an Irish music “trad fest” in Bethlehem! O’Grady-Quinlan Irish Dancers and world champion bagpiper Robert Watt will appear at all four shows, with headlining artists Timlin and Kane (Friday, March 15th); Seamus Kennedy (Saturday, March 16th, 2 shows); and fiddler Alison Gillespie and harpist Joanna Mell, plus the Rogue Diplomats (Sunday, March 17th). Tickets cost $15 – $20 and are available at Donegal Square, 534 Main Street, Bethlehem PA and online.
On March 16 at 1:00 PM, the Celtic Cultural Alliance hosts the 8th Annual Celtic Classic Parade of Shamrocks! After a year off, the parade is back and features local school bands, community groups, pipe bands, and dancing groups. Come early to secure a good viewing spot and stay after the parade to enjoy the great restaurants and shops Bethlehem has to offer!
Waiting for the Parade of Shamrocks to start? Go to Bethlehem Brew Works for “Green Eggs and Kegs” on March 16th from 9 AM – 11 AM. Don’t miss out on a buffet breakfast (including green eggs), beer, a surprise guest, and fun giveaways! What better way to start your Saturday? Tickets cost $20 and are available online.
If beer for breakfast isn’t your thing (we won’t judge), head over to Donegal Square for their Celtic Doggie Parade on March 16th at 11 AM. The $10 entry fee benefits the Center for Animal Health and Welfare. The winner of each category (Best Dressed Pup, Best Dog/Owner Costume, Wild Card) will receive a $25 gift card. Register in-store at Donegal Square.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem, one of the jewels of Bethlehem’s Main Street, is going green all St. Patrick’s weekend. From the prime viewing area for the Parade of Shamrocks, live music all weekend, and their famous Sunday brunch, the Hotel Bethlehem is the place to “B”. Book a room for a great “staycation”! Visit their “St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at Hotel Bethlehem” Facebook page for details of music and events.
On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 from 6-9 PM, The Melting Pot is having its annual Saint Patrick’s Day Beer Dinner. Partnered with Free Will Brewing Company, this unique four-course dinner includes five 4-oz. pairings of beer. The cost is $59.95 per person.
This St. Patrick’s weekend there are so many ways to “go green” in Bethlehem. Bring your family and friends, get downtown, and join in the fun!
