Weekends during March are a great time to celebrate the Philadelphia region's rich Irish American heritage, proclaimed as "Irish Month" by the City of Philadelphia. But the action just doesn't take place on the weekends. There's plenty to do all week including the 1st Annual Philly Beer Week.
One thing you shouldn't miss is the big St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 9, 2008.
Events
Concerts, parties and parades are planned throughout the month, making March a great time to discover Philadelphia and the Irish in all of us.- Friday March 7, 2008
Phil Coulter & The Irish Pops Orchestra
Phil Coulter, composer/producer/pianist and the reigning king of contemporary Celtic music, comes to the Philadelphia area. Get your tickets to hear the best-selling Irish artist of his generation. At the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA. 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, March 7 - Sunday, March 16, 2008
Philly Beer Week 2008
Join in a toast of our city's unique beer culture with a spectacular, unprecedented 10 straight days of festivals, dinners, special events, tours and meet-and-greets at dozens of area restaurants, taverns and other venues. More than 100 separate events including tutored tastings, a cask ale festival, beer dinners and nightly events at area restaurants.
- Friday, March 7, 2008
Saint Patrick's Kickoff Celebration - Irish Beef & Beer Party featuring music by local favorites Celtic Spirit
Doors open 6:30pm for happy hour & browsing the art galleries. Music starts at 8:00 p.m. Saint Patricks Day starts early this year with Terry Algier, Jim Oldham & Jack Rickenbach playing Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and Wales along with some favorite American pub songs. Entrance donation of $20 includes hot beef sandwiches, corned beef & cabbage, potato salad & free Guinness. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the website. At the Arts Scene in West Chester, PA.
- Saturday March 8, 2008 and Saturday March 15, 2008
Erin Express 2008
Erin Express is a bar crawl of some of Philadelphia's finest Irish establishments. It was started by William Pawliczek of Cavanaugh's and Paul Ryan, Sr. of Smokey Joe's over 30 years ago. There is no cost, no tickets, no reservations, no bracelets and no cover charge while busses are running! There are 8 busses that run from 12:30 PM until 5:30 PM on March 8 and March 15. They run in a continuous loop so there is no starting point and no ending point. So show up to any particpating bar, get a beverage and when you're ready to move on, go outside and a bus should arrive every 15-20 minutes to take you to the next bar. 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 9, 2008
56th Annual St. Patrick' Day Parade
There's nothing like a parade to get revelers into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. The 56th Annual St. Patrick' Day Parade features Irish music and dance along with a variety of floats. The parade steps off at Broad Street and Washington Avenue andvends at 22nd and the Parkway. This year's theme is "St. Patrick, Bless All Those Serving the People Of God." 12:00 noon
- Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Irish Rovers
These beloved ambassadors of Irish music have charmed and entertained people around the world, and continue to delight audiences with their Gaelic charm and rousing yet lyrical songs. Over forty years, thirty albums, and many international tours, The Irish Rovers have never lost their timeless ability to deliver rollicking performances of traditional tunes. At the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, DE. 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, March 14 through Monday, March 17
Belles of Dublin, An Evening of Irish Theatre and Music
Belles of Dublin weaves Irish songs and the mesmerizing strains of the Irish harp with bittersweet, often comic tales of coming of age, illicit love affairs gone wrong, an unforgettable plan for revenge, and its aftermath. The Irish Edition called Belles of Dublin a "beautiful sequenced show" performed by a "talented trio", which "under MacIntyre's direction worked splendidly" and was "warmly received by a festive audience" at its revival The Red Room at The Society Hill Playhouse in 2007 after premiering in 2006. At the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia, PA. times vary
- Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Leahy
The Chicago Sun-Times calls Leahy “ferocious and extremely energetic.” Indeed, the eight members of the Leahy family are astonishingly talented musicians and dancers; their stage show captures the joy they get out of performing. Their Celtic-flavored music, drawn from their Ontario, Canada roots, is both traditional and contemporary, and always entertaining. Not only do they play exceedingly well, they also step dance. At the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, DE. 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, March 9, 2008
Celtic Women and Friends Family Concert
A Carmel favorite, Celtic Women and Friends will usher in the St. Patrick’s holiday with their toe-tapping blend of whistle, pipes, strings, voice and drums. Bring the family and friends for an enjoyable afternoon. At the Carmel Presbyterian Church in Glenside, PA. 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 15, 2008
2008 Leprechaun 5 Mile Run And 2 Mile Fun Walk
The starting point will be on West River Drive at the Art Museum. The 5 Mile Run will start at 9:00 a.m. The 2 Mile Walk will begin at 9:05 AM. Walkers are asked to keep clear of the starting area until the 5-mile race has begun. All proceeds from the Leprechaun Run/Walk benefit the Special Olympics in the Philadelphia area.
- Monday, March 17, 2008
Bill Monaghan & Celtic Pride
It's a Saint Patrick's Day Party with the rustic, energetic & light-hearted Celtic Pride. They'll perform traditional and modern Irish tunes in the flavor of the Clancy Brothers, Irish Rovers & U2. Fronted by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist/composer Bill Monaghan, this high spirited band is also capable of poignant, touching ballads. At the Sellersville Theater 1894. 7:30 p.m.
- Monday, March 17, 2008
St. Patrick’s Day at McGillin's Olde Ale House
Green beer will be flowing. Irish music will be thumping. Deejay from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Watch for shamrocks, leprechauns and more. Doors open at 11 a.m. & don't close until 2 a.m. $2 cover.