If you happen to have a vacation day to burn, it's most definitely gonna come in handy during St. Patrick's weekend. That's because the annual Irish holiday happens to fall on a Sunday this year, which might ordinarily throw a kink into your plans to engage in a massive Celtic-style craic. Those who have free pass from clocking in come Monday morning, however, can sip Guinness while supping on corned beef and cabbage to their hearts content. And there are plenty of places to do so around the Valley, starting on Friday, March 15, until Sunday, March 17, and we've got a list of the best places to get your fill of green beer.
Special Events
Arizona Vapor Lounge
4230 W. Dunlap Road
If getting in some green on St. Paddy's involves substances more of the leafy and skunky variety, the annual Smoke Phatties Day concert and block party will take place on Saturday, March 16, at this West Phoenix establishment. Rock and rap will be on tap via performances from such acts as Property Six, Lucky D., Kan9ne, and S.P.A.D.E. 8 p.m., $13. See www.econcertlive.com.
Brides of March
Cue up Billy Idol's 1982 chart-topper "White Wedding," hit up local thrift stores for a secondhand bridal frock, and rest up your liver for plenty of alcohol. There, you're all prepared for the annual madness of the Brides of March, a nuptial-themed bar crawl through downtown Phoenix on Saturday, March 16. Both men and women will don wedding dresses and gather at Kobalt, 3110 North Central Avenue, before departing on an afternoon-long journey to nearby drinking establishments along the light rail, all while engaging in goofy antics and downing a surfeit of spirits. The bizarre bridal show begins at noon. Participation is free.
The Comedy Spot
7117 E. 3rd Ave., Scottsdale
Joke-slinging Irishman and stand-up comic Butch Bradley visits the Scottsdale comedy den for a three-night set starting during St. Patrick's weekend. Performances are at 8 and 10 p.m. on Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16; and at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 17. Admission is $12. Call 480-945-4422.
Fountain Park
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills
The yearly Fountain Hills St. Paddy's Day Festival will take place on Sunday, March 17, and offer feature arts and crafts, barbecues, vendors, children's play areas, and more. As always, the park's eponymous 330-foot fountain will be turned green, erupting at noon, and music will be provided by the local rock bands and Irish artists. 10 a.m., free. Call 480-816-5151.
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Faire will once again fete the Emerald Isle via a day of traditional Celtic fun and festivities that takes place on Saturday, March 16. As always, the event kicks off at 10 a.m. with the parade, which will depart from Third and Sheridan streets and wind its way to Margaret T. Hance Park. The faire itself will feature three stages of Irish-oriented live entertainment, food and drink, vendors and craft booths, and a variety of other activities. Meanwhile, the public can also peruse the ongoing "Fighting Irishmen" exhibition being hosted inside the ICC's new McClelland Library. 10 a.m.; $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, free for kids 12 and under. Call 602-258-0109.
Musical Instrument Museum
725 E. Mayo Blvd.
Get a taste of the Emerald Isle without leaving the Valley when the MIM hosts its two-day “Experience Ireland” extravaganza of Celtic culture on Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17. Workshops on how to make authentic bodhrán drum and Irish badges will be held, as will a céilí and step-dancing demonstrations, and a special talk by curatorial assistant Clint Spell on traditional instruments and music. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, free with $10-$18 museum admission. Meanwhile, the Irish folk musicians of Altan will perform at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday in the theatre. Tickets are $32.50-$42.50. Call 480-478-6000.
Scottsdale's Ultimate Block Party
4219 E. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
www.scottsdalesultimateblockparty.com
Hard rocker James Durbin and '90s alternative radio hitmakers Lit will headline this year's edition of Craftsman Court's annual outdoor St. Patrick's extravaganza on Saturday, March 16. Local DJs and Valley bands like The Black Moods, Good with Grenades, The Wednesday Machine, Black Bottom Lighters, and Grain of Truth will provide support on two different stages. Patrons will also have access to three bars (Dos Gringos, Rockbar, and Blitz), various food and beer vendors, and plenty of St. Pat's swag. Gates open at 3 p.m., $10. Call 480-423-3800.
Tempe Beach Park
54 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
Dave King, Bridget Regan, and the rest of Flogging Molly once again will pack up their pipe whistles and make a jaunt to Tempe on Sunday, March 17, for a St. Patrick's Day outdoor concert as a part of their annual Green 17 Tour. Leading up to their gig will be an afternoon of music from such openers as reggae-rockers Pepper, the punks of Anti-Flag, and German-born hardcore band The Donots, as well as Valley natives The Wiley One and Jared and the Mill. Gates open at 1 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the event. Call 480-829-0707 or visit www.luckymanonline.com.
Bars, Pubs, & Clubs
The Blooze Bar
12014 N. 32nd St.
A trip aboard the Crazy Train followed by a chaser of Black Sunshine during the Pre-Patty's Party on Saturday, March 16, as both Ozzy Osbourne tribute band I Don't Know and Rob Zombie tribute act Astrocreep 2000 will perform. 9 p.m., $5. Call 602-788-4574.
Casey Moore's Oyster House
850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe
The ultra-popular neighborhood bar in Tempe will once again be putting on a grand Saint Patty’s Day party on Sunday, March 17, that will take place both inside the historic establishment and outside on the patio and extended premesis. Corned beef and cabbage specials will be available all day, as will shot and beer specials as well. Opens at 11 a.m. Call 480-968-9935.
Cave Creek Smokehouse & Pour House Patio
6245 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
Plenty of Irish Car Bombs, Jameson, and Guinness specials, and "enough corned beef and cabbage to plug up a cow" can be found at this eatery/drinkery on St. Patrick's Day. Opens at 10 a.m. Call 480-488-3317.
CK's Tavern & Grill
4142 E. Chandler Blvd.
St. Paddy's party will take place on Saturday, March 16, with live music from The Dickensons, drink specials, giveaways, and more. 9:30 p.m. Call 480-706-5564.
Connolly's Sports Grill
2605 W. Carefree Highway
Get an early start to your St. Patrick's with a kegs and eggs breakfast starting 9 a.m., followed by a day of Celtic-style carousing that will include Irish eats, a Lucky Charms-eating contest, a bikini competition and crowning of the first-ever "Connolly's Clover," a photo booth, giveaways, green beer, and more. DJ Soulman and Bobby B. from Kottonmouth Kings will also be in the mix. 9 a.m.; $5 before 2 p.m., $10 afterwards. Call 623-879-5997.
Coyote Alley
16846 W. Bell Road, Surprise
St. Patrick's Day promises shot specials aplenty, green beer, free corned beef and cabbage, and music from DJ James. All-day drink deals include $5 Irish Car Bombs and $3.50 pints of Smithwick's, Killians, and Guinness Black, while happy hour from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. features $2 domestic longnecks and $3 Three Olives cocktails. Opens at 11 a.m. Call 623-546-9222.
Dicks Cabaret
3432 E. Illini St.
Giveaways, prizes, drink specials, and plenty of hunky strippers will be a part of the St. Patrick's Day festivities. 7 p.m.-4 a.m., $20 (which includes a free drink). Call 602-274-3425.
Draft House at the Reef
393 W. Warner Rd., Chandler
Classic rock bands will perform in the afternoon and both corned beef and cabbage and drink specials will be offered all day on Saint Pat's. Opens at 10 a.m. Call 480-963-5520.
Dubliner Irish Pub
3841 E. Thunderbird Road
The pub's proprietors will offer Irish food and libations, promos and giveaways, and live music all weekend long starting on Friday, March 15. Celtic rockers The Biffos will perform all three days, while Trevor Jones and The Chancers from Ireland will also be featured on Saturday, March 16. The main event takes place on Sunday, March 17, when the Glendale Pipe and Drum Band, the Michael Patrick Gallagher School of Irish Dance, The Sea Merchants, and The Sullivans will also perform. 10 a.m.-2 a.m. each day; $10 cover on Sunday after noon. Call 602-867-0984.
Fat Tuesday
680 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
The St. Patties Day Block Party will encompass this Mill Avenue drinkery, as well as Canteen and Handlebar. A quartet of DJs will drop Top 40 and dance hits and libations will be in abundance. 11 a.m., $5. Call 480-967-3917 or see www.millaveblockparty.com.
Fibber Magees
1989 W. Elliot Road, Chandler
St. Patrick's Day block party and concert featuring music from Keltic Cowboys, The Brazen Heads, and The Scones, as well as promos and giveaways, Irish food, and more. 8 a.m.; $10 after noon. Call 480-722-9434.
Four Peaks
1340 E. 8th St., Tempe
The St. Pat's festivities at Four Peaks kick off at 7 a.m. with a brunch buffet before a day filled with live music, drink and shot specials, plenty of potent brews, and free commemorative shirt for the first 100 patrons through the door. Call 480-303-9967.
Harold's Corral
6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
There's gonna be no shortage of things to eat and drink during Harold's Saint Patrick's Day fete, including a wealth of food and alcohol specials. The repast will feature$12.99 sheppard's pie, as well as $13.99 Mulligan's stew, fish and chips, or corned beef and cabbage. Adult beverage options include $3.50 green beer, $6 Irish Car Bombs, and $5 Bushmill's, Smithwick's, and Guinness. Local bands Weathergrass, The Rakes, and the GC Roadshow will perform throughout the day. Opens at 11 a.m. Call 480-488-1906.
Irish Wolfhound Pub
16811 N. Litchfield Rd., Surprise
Live music and St. Patrick's fun will take place all day at this Surprise pub's party commencing at 10 a.m. with Emmit McElhinney, followed by The Big Fellahs at 1:30 p.m., The CheekTones at 6 p.m., and both Loudhouse and Spin Cycle at 9:30 p.m. Call 623-214-1004.
Johnny Fox's
16100 Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr., Peoria
Much like its sister location in Tempe, this Peoria pub will the site of rampant revelry during the Saint Patrick's festivities on Sunday, March 17. The parking lot will be fenced off as local bands perform, beer trucks will dispense potent brews, bagpipers and step-dancers will provide traditional entertainment, and Irish Car Bomb stations will keep folks feeling happy. Call 623-878-2660.
La Perla
5912 W Glendale Road, Glendale
Saint Patty's Day Party with DJs, green beer, drink specials, and more. 8 p.m. Call 623-939-7561.
Marc's Sports Grill & Nightlife
4494 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
www.marcssportsgrillandnightlife.com
A St. Patrick's repast of $7 corned beef sandwiches with fries and $8.75 platters of corned beef and cabbage with potatoes will be available all day. Wash 'em down with $2 pints and $3.25 super mugs of green beer, $4.50 Guinness and Irish Car Bombs, or $5.25 B-52s. Shot deals include $5.25 Bushmills, $4.50 Jameson, and $3 Bailey's. Happy hour specials run from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and from 11 p.m. until close, Texas Hold'em takes place at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., a billiards tournament begins at 9 p.m. ($10 entry fee), and while karaoke fun ensues in the lounge. 11 a.m. Call 623-842-1053.
Padre Murphy's
4338 W. Bell Rd., Glendale
A day filled libations, live music, and lively fun will take place underneath a big top tent at Padre Murphy's enormous annual Saint Pat's affair, which offers food and drink vendors, promos, and other distractions. Entertainment will be provided by the Michael Patrick Gallager Dancers, blues musician Hans Olson, the Highland Legacy Bagpipers, J. David Sloan and Western Bred, Colleen Callahan, Boy Wonder Blues Band, Summer Dawn and Envy, and others. 10 a.m.; free before 2 p.m., $10 until 6 p.m., $15 until close. Call 602-547-9406.
O'Kelley's
2120 W. Guadalupe Rd., Mesa
The sweet science will be showcased in grand fashion during the St. Patrick's festivities as bouts for the 10-Count Boxing championship will take place in the midst of O'Kelley's parking lot party starting at 1 p.m. Other distractions planned for the daylong affair include drinking games, bagpipers, giveaways, appearances by both the Bud Girls and Guinness Girls, psychic readings, and green beer (natch). Live music starts at 12:30 p.m. with performances by Rhythm Edition, The Dickensons, Rock Addix, and Krutch. 6 a.m. Call 480-756-6069 for cover.
O'Shays Pub
70 W. Warner Road, Chandler
Live music from Young Country, $5 Irish Car Bombs and other drink specials, prizes, giveaways, and more. Call 480-353-8035
Pranksters Too
7919 E. Thomas Rd., Scottsdale
Irish food will be served all day while a volleyball tournament and cornhole games take place, local musicians and bands perform, and the bartenders offer Irish Car Bombs and Guinness specials. 11 a.m. Call 480-990-1114.
Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Road
Beatles tribute Marmalade Skies will perform. 6 p.m., $15. Call 602-265-4842.
Rockbar
4245 N. Craftsman Ct., Scottsdale
The Sh%! Show Sundays will showcase local talents all day on Sunday, March 17, while the bar pours Irish favorites at happy hour prices from open until close. The lineup includes Jake Dean, Kyle Phelan, Justin Stewart, DJ Michael Hagen, Proper Villain, and more. 6 a.m. Call 480-331-9190.
Rose & Crown Pub
628 E. Adams St.
There will be plenty of room to party at the 15,000-square-foot Saint Patrick's Day block party surrounding this English pub on Sunday, March 17, which will include a beer garden, food vendors, contests, giveaways, bands, DJs, and more. 1 p.m., free. Call 602-256-0223.
Rosie McCaffrey's
906 E. Camelback Road
Better stock up on energy drink if you hope to make it through the three straight days of Saint Patrick's merriment scheduled to transpire at Rosie's. Keltic Cowboys will perform starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16, and there's no cover either night. The biggest bash of the weekend, however, takes place on Sunday, March 17, which will benefit local charities and be hosted by the on-air personalities of 98.7 The Peak and gets going at 6 a.m. Corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwiches, Irish lamb stew and pulled-pork sandwiches can be purchased all day, and bagpipers will perform beginning at 2 p.m. Live music starts at 11 a.m. with The Brazen Heads, followed by The Ron Hoyos Band at 3 p.m., and Keltic Cowboys from 8 p.m. until close. $10 cover on Sunday (which includes admission to Seamus McCaffrey's and The Turf). Call 602-241-1916.
Robbie Fox's
640 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
This Tempe public house is planning to go all out with its St. Patrick's Bash on Sunday, March 17. A variety of local bands and musicians will provide the music, beer trucks will pour the brews, Irish Car Bomb stations will serve the intoxicating concoction, and the kitchen staff will supply an authentic repast. 8 a.m., $10. Call 480-642-6442.
R.T. O'Sullivan's
6646 E. Superstition Springs Blvd., Mesa
1610 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa
5830 W. Bell Rd., Glendale
Partake in $5 monster green beers on Saturday, March 16, while watching MMA fighters duke it out when UFC 158 is show at all three R.T. O'Sullivan's. The pay-per-view starts at 7 p.m. The following morning, each location will be populated by a mix of bagpipe and drum corps, fiddlers, local bands, and hundreds of partiers during Saint Patrick's Day parking lot events held on Sunday, March 17. Games, giveaways, promos, authentic Irish cuisine like fish and chips, $5 monster green beers, and other unique distractions will also be available. 10 a.m., $10 after 3 p.m. Call 480-396-9933 or 480-398-3340.
Rula Bula
401 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
Back-to-back St. Patrick's parties are planned, each featuring live music and plenty of revelry. Things kickoff on Saturday, March 16, with Irish folkster Trevor Jones taking the stage at 5 p.m., followed by The Sea Merchants from 10 p.m. until last call. Come back on Sunday, March 17, for bagpipers, giveaways, the Bracken School's Irish Step Dancers at 3 p.m., The Sullivans at 4 p.m., and JJ's Band at 8 p.m., as well as promos by Guinness, Jameson and Bailey's all day. Opens at 11 a.m. both days, $5-$10. Call 480-929-9500.
The Sail Inn
26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with live music from the Noodles, The Sugar Thieves, and Mergence while partaking in plenty of corned beef. 2 p.m. Call 480-966-9565.
Seamus McCaffery's
18 W. Monroe St.
The proprietors will fence off a section of Monroe Street to contain the huge crowd Sunday, March 17. A menu filled with corned beef and cabbage and Irish stew will be served, and Celtic tunes from bands like The Sea Merchants and Kilted Spirit are planned. 8 a.m., $10 (which also includes admission to Rosie McCaffery's and The Turf). Call 602-253-6081.
Skeptical Chymist
15689 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
An indoor/outdoor Celtic craic is scheduled for Sunday, March 17, and will boast breakfast at 8 a.m., promos, traditional fare, and more. The all-day music lineup starts at 11 a.m. and includes Shirley's Temple, The Scones, and The Brazen Heads. Runs until 2 a.m.; $10 after noon. Call 480-609-8677.
Swizzle Inn
5835 N. 16th St.
Any and every beer will be available for just 17 cents for only 17 minutes starting at 5 p.m. (a.k.a.17:00 hours) on Sunday, March 17. If you can’t drink fast enough, however, don’t fret as Jameson and Guinness can be had for $3.50 all day long. Call 602-277-7775.
Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill
2000 E. Rio Salado Prkwy., Tempe
Things kick off on Friday, March 15, with music from Sassy and the Sneak Attack at 9 p.m. The Saint Baldrick's head-shaving event and fundraiser for Children's Cancer Research takes place on Saturday, March 16. CooBeeCoo also performs at 9 p.m. The finale is Sunday, March 17, with music from Ryan Sims at 1 p.m., Steve Ayotte at 4 p.m., and Easton Ashe at 7 p.m. Call 480-968-2920.
Tilted Kilt
2 E. Jefferson St.
1910 S. Gilbert Rd., Mesa
660 W. Warner Rd., Tempe
All Tilted Kilt locations will offer three days of Irish-style revelry from Friday, March 15, to Saturday, March 17, including live bands, DJs, drink specials, giveaways, and more. 10 a.m. Call 602-293-3888 or 480-592-0102.
Tim Finnegan's
9201 N. 29th Ave.
Live music from That Irish Guy on Friday, March 15; while Jason DeVore presents a solo show on Saturday, March 16. The daylong Saint Patrick's party takes place on Sunday, March 17, with an 8 a.m. breakfast, outdoor beer garden, prizes, bagpipers, stepdancers, and such bands as Celtic Dawn, Contradiktion, The Sea Merchants, and others on two stages. Call 602-997-2323.
The Turf
705 N. 1st St.
St. Paddy's Party on Sunday, March 17, which will feature live music throughout the day and night, endless pints of import beers, a surfeit of single-malt scotches, and a full menu of Irish food. 8 a.m., $10 (which also includes admission to Rosie McCaffery's and Seamus McCaffery's). Call 602-296-5043 .
World of Beer
526 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
A combination St. Patty's Day fiesta and Flogging Molly after-party will feature music from Authority Zero's Jason DeVore and access to more than 600 beers. Hope you're thirsty. Opens at noon. Call 480-638-2337.
Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
The punks of BroLoaf will put on a St. Patty's Day pre-game show on Saturday, March 16, with help from Scorpion vs. Tarantula, The Plainfield Butchers, and DJ Johnny Volume. Raffles for such prizes as Flogging Molly tickets are also promised. 9 p.m. Call 480-967-4777.
Zipps Sports Grill
11 Valley Locations
During St. Patrick's Day, each of the Zipps locations dotting Metro Phoenix will offer $3 sweet tea lemonades, $4 Three Olives and Stoli Bloody Marys, $4 flavored Zipparitas, and $12 buckets of four Mexican beers or five domestic longnecks. If you're hungry to boot, food deals like $6.50 specialty burgers $10 18-inch pizzas will also be served.
Zoan
4301 N. 7th Ave.
Zoan's staff will be dancing on the bar on St. Pat's, as well as pouring pints of green beer, servicing plates of free corned beef and cabbage all night. 5 p.m. Call 602-430-7759.
