We're willing to wager a few pounds, boy-o, that your eyes, Irish or otherwise, will be smiling in the days leading up to this year's celebration of St. Patrick's Day and on the actual drinking holiday. Or, at the very least, they're going to be a wee bit bloodshot. Given that the occasion falls on Tuesday, March 17, the bars of the Valley will offer several days of Irish-inspired drinking and decadence during the weekend before, as well as some massive merriment on the big day. However, they aren't the only ones who've got big plans for St. Paddy's, as two major concert festivals will take place, in addition to the usual selection of traditional and cultural events. All of this is covered in our annual St. Patrick's Day guide, which includes parties and places where one can grab some green beer, dance a jig, or celebrate the Emerald Isle in style. All events take place on Tuesday, March 17, unless otherwise specified.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Arizona Event Center
1300 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa
Brews from the Emerald Isle will be the focus of the St. Patrick's Day Irish Craft Beer Festival, which will feature 15 different microbrew and craft creations, as well as five kinds of Irish whiskey, a corned beef and cabbage buffet, and live music from Celtic and cover bands. Noon to 8 p.m., $60 per person. Call 480-779-7716 or visit www.flaniganentertainment.com
Brides of March
www.facebook.com/bridesofmarch
Better raid your closet or swing by the neighborhood thrift shop for a secondhand wedding dress if you plan to join the urban pranksters of the Arizona Cacophony Society during this annual bar crawl on Saturday, March 14. The gonzo event, a mix of madcap fun and matrimonial shtick, involves both men and women sporting white frocks and finery as they drink their way through downtown and Central Phoenix with many stops along the light rail. The event starts at noon at Charlie's, 727 West Camelback Road. It's free to participate, but wedding-themed outfits are required.
Bud's Glass Joint
1021 N. 1st St.
Customers can get a 17 percent discount if they're wearing green. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 602-258-1500.
Fort McDowell Casino
10424 N. Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell
The rockers of Keltic Cowboys will get the energy going inside the Lucky 7 Saloon from 2 to 6 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day, followed by a set by country crooner Duane Moore and the musicians of Mogollon from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Call 800-843-3678.
Fountain Park
16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills
As is the tradition in Fountain Hills, the city's namesake 330-foot water attraction will be dyed green starting at 1 p.m. during the daylong St. Patrick's Festival taking place at the park on Sunday, March 15. This year's event will include arts and crafts, barbecues, vendors, an array of imported beers and wines, children's play areas, face painting, live music, and other all-ages attractions. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for those 21-and-over, free for everyone else. Call 602-319-9390.
Musical Instrument Museum
725 E. Mayo Blvd.
Get a taste of the Emerald Isle without leaving the Valley when the MIM hosts its annual two-day "Experience Ireland" extravaganza on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15. The program will explore Irish music, arts, and traditions with a variety of all-ages activities. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Entry to the event is free with $10 to $18 museum admission with separate fees for certain events and activities. Tickets are $32.50 to $42.50. Call 480-478-6000.
Tempe Beach Park
54 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
One of the biggest attractions during St. Patrick's Day season is the four-day Pot of Gold Music Festival, which will encompass Tempe Beach Park and serve up a blockbuster slate of bands, artists, and acts from a variety of genres. It kicks off on Friday, March 13, with performances by Bastille, Awolnation, Chromeo, Girl Talk, Bleachers, Future Islands, and Joywave. Gates open at 3 p.m. Day two, which starts at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, will be headlined by hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar and will feature Slightly Stoopid, Schoolboy Q, Dirty Heads, Kongos, The Expendables, Tribal Seeds, Grieves, and Aer. The weekend wraps up with music from Fall Out Boy, Rebelution, Milky Chance, New Politics, Echosmith, Big Data, and Knox Hamilton on Sunday, March 15. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. The final day of the festival on Tuesday, March 17, will be all about hard rock and metal, with Korn performing its self-titled debut album in its entirety with support from Godsmack, Chevelle, and Rite to Remain. Tickets are $49 each day. Visit www.potofgoldaz.com.
St. Patrick's Day Parade & Faire
It wouldn't be a St. Patrick's Day in Phoenix without a staging of this popular parade, which will roll through midtown starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, from Third and Sheridan streets to Margaret T. Hance Park. As in previous years, both the park and the adjacent Irish Cultural Center will host an afternoon-long celebration of Celtic culture with music, dancing, arts and crafts, beers, barbecue, vendors, and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military members, and free for kids 12 and under. Call 602-280-9221.
Viva PHX 2015
Downtown Phoenix will be dominated by live music on Saturday, March 14, when the second annual Viva PHX festival takes over 20 venues. The walkable music event, which is very much in the spirit of South by Southwest, will star an ultra-diverse buffet of 90 bands, performers, and musicians running the gamut from indie rock and punk to electronica, hip-hop, and funk. Pop-rockers Best Coast will headline along with Andrew W.K., Twin Shadow, Coolio, Jim Adkins, Thee Oh Sees, and Unwritten Law. Others scheduled to perform include Fenix TX, Smallpools, Fishbone, Sir Sly, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Geographer, The Stone Foxes, Papa, Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band, Halsey, The Twilight Sad, Dads, Bogan Via, and Hey Marseilles. 6 p.m. Tickets are $22. See www.vivaphx.com for the schedule, lineup, and a full list of venues.
RESTAURANTS
Chop and Wok
10425 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
They'll be celebrating both St. Patrick's and the establishment's second anniversary at its current location with live music all day, $2.95 Guinness, $3.95 Jameson, $4.95 Irish car bombs, and more. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-483-1939.
Gallagher's Sports Grill
Five Valley locations
Food and drinks specials will be on tap during St. Patrick's Day at each Gallagher's. Happy hour prices will be available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with reverse happy hour going from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. You can also score $5.75 large Kiltlifter drafts, $6 large black and tan drafts, and $6.50 large Guinness drafts, as well as $7 Irish car bombs and Jäger bombs, $5 Bushmills and Irish Kiss cocktails, and $5.50 Jägermeister all day long. Corned beef and cabbage can also be had for $12.99. Call 602-997-0084 or 623-486-2118.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Six Valley locations
If you feel like indulging your sweet tooth, each Grimaldi's will serve Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake with an Oreo cookie crust for $5 a slice during the month of March. Call 480-994-1100 or 480-596-4070.
Hell's Half Acre
6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale
St. Patty's Day party with $4 car bombs, Guinness, and Murphy's tallboy cans, as well as $2 off all Jameson products. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 623-877-8447.
Jewel's Bakery & Cafe
4041 E. Thomas Road
Gluten-free corned beef and potato pasties, as well as St. Pat's cookies and cupcakes, will be available for purchase. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 602-714-5243.
Jorge's Chicken & Waffles
1212 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe
www.jorgeschickenandwaffles.com
The restaurant will host a St. Patty's Day blow out with live music, $2 green beer and well cocktails, $3 premium drinks, half-off appetizers, and happy hour prices all day. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 480-787-5370.
K O'Donnell's
14850 N Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale
www.kodonnells.com Outside the Line performs from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. while an Irish food menu, green beer, and Guinness will be served from open to close. 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Call 480-922-7200.
Miracle Mile Deli
1949 E. Camelback Road
In honor of the St. Pat's, this Central Phoenix delicatessen will dish out platters of corned beef and cabbage with such sides as traditional Irish potatoes daily, rye bread, and butter for $10.79 each. Guiness will also be available. 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 602-776-0992.
Paul Martin's American Grill
6186 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
www.paulmartinsamericangrill.com
Traditional corned beef and cabbage will be served with baby carrots and red potatoes for $15 per person at this Scottsdale restaurant. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and includes deals on select premium cocktail and $5 beers and glasses of wine. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 480-991-9342.
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
Five Valley locations
In addition to offering its "two for $25" menu all day long, each RA location will boast such drink deals as $2 green sake, $4 Jameson, and $5 Kirin and Kirin Light, as well as such St. Patrick's Day-inspired cocktails as a $5 Midori margarita, $6 Kuronama car bomb, and $14 emerald punch. 11 a.m. to midnight. Call 480-303-9800 or 480-990-9256.
Salut Kitchen Bar
1435 E. University Dr., Tempe
Salut will serve $5 pitchers of green beer and $5 glasses of green wine from open until close. Live music starts at 6 p.m. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call 480-625-3600.
Wedge & Bottle
4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix
Special Irish cheese plates featuring soda bread, Pistol Whipped Pastry, pub chutney, pickles, and five different Irish cheeses will be available at the shop on from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. Call 480-704-1255.
BARS, PUBS, & CLUBS
Blasted Barley Beer Co.
404 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
Partake in pints of the house-brewed chocolate peppermint stout, enjoy Irish cuisine selections, or watch lady leprechauns dance to the beats laid down by local DJs. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-967-5887.
Cactus Jack's
4747 E. Elliot Road
St. Paddy's party with Irish music from Booya starting at 5 p.m., a "Lucky Charms" jam session with the members of Xtra Ticket and The Noodles at 8:30 p.m., and plenty of drink specials and corned beef and cabbage. 5 p.m. Call 480-753-4733.
C.A.S.A.
5 E. 6th St., Tempe
Atlanta-born hip-hop artist ILoveMakonnen will headline a massive St. Patrick's Day block party that will take over Sixth Street in front of both C.A.S.A. SunBa and its lounge and feature countless revelers getting wild and "going up on a Tuesday." 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.; pre-sale tickets are $15, VIP access with express entry is $25, and the "#GOINGUP" package that includes a free bottle of champagne is $50. Free entry is available on a limited basis before 7 p.m. to those who RSVP online. Call 480-557-8226 or see www.relentlessbeats.com for more.
Casey Moore's
850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe
St. Paddy's Day revelry will take place inside and outside at Casey's from open until close with a vast selection of beers, liquor, and libations, as well as the requisite corned beef and cabbage and drink specials. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-968-9935.
Clancy's Pub
4432 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale
Clancy's is getting an early start to its St. Patrick's Day shenanigans with free green eggs and ham starting at 6 a.m. with the purchase of any beverage, followed by a day of live music and revelry inside its outdoor tent beginning at 11:30 a.m. Open until 2 a.m. Call 480-990-8797.
Devil's Advocate
955 E. University Dr., Tempe
Whiskey specials, green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and other fun await. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-921-2585.
The Dubliner
3841 E. Thunderbird Road
St. Patrick's Day celebration with music and entertainment from The Sullivans at noon, Trevor Jones at 3 p.m., Glendale Pipes and Drum at 4:30 p.m., the Michael Patrick Irish Stepdancers at 6 p.m., and Take Cover from 6 p.m. until close. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., $10. Call 602-867-0984.
Fat Tuesday
680 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
The entirety of Fat Tuesday and other neighboring Mill Avenue spots will be encompassed in the massive St. Patrick's Day Block Party, which will boast 15 straight hours of festivities, DJs on three stages starting at 7 p.m., and booze and green beer available via five different bars. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Presale tickets are $15 via www.millaveblockparty.com.
Fibber Magees
1989 W. Elliot Road, Chandler
St. Patrick's Block Party with an outdoor beer garden, Irish food favorites, prizes, giveaways, and more. Bands and musicians including Shay Veno and 30 Stone, The Sullivans, and Authority Zero's Jason DeVore are scheduled to perform. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; free before 3 p.m., $10 thereafter. Call 480-722-9434.
Four Peaks
1340 E. 8th St., Tempe
Seasonal and specialty beers, Irish whiskeys, and corned beef will be served all day while bagpipers perform. 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-303-9967.
Giligin's
4251 N. Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale
The bar's resident mischief-maker, Chuey the Rock 'n' Roll Midget, will don leprechaun apparel and serve both drinks and insults during Giligin's ribald and rowdy six-day St. Patrick's Day block party, from Thursday, March 12, to Tuesday, March 17. Live music, games, and drink specials are also promised. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-874-2264.
Harold's Cave Creek Corral
6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
This bar and restaurant will transform into "O'Harold's" on St. Patrick's and offer live music and libations all day and into the night. Bartenders will pour green beer pints, Bushmills, Guinness, and Irish Car Bombs while the kitchen serves such dinner specials as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, mulligan stew, fish and chips, and more. The schedule includes sets by The Shamrocks at 1:30 p.m., The Rakes at 5 p.m., and Acoustic Kings at 9 p.m. 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-488-1906.
The Harp Pub
1744 S. Val Vista Dr., Mesa
St. Patrick's Day party with Guinness, green beer, corned beef and cabbage, Irish food, live music, and giveaways. 11 a.m. to midnight. Call 480-507-7827.
Irish Wolfhound
16811 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise
Be sure to hit up the ATM before heading to this West Valley pub, as its indoor/outdoor St. Patrick's Day celebration (which will offer live music, multiple bars, and promo giveaways) will be a cash-only affair. A menu of shepherd's pie, Irish nachos, burgers, brats, and corned beef and cabbage is planned and bands scheduled to perform include Kilted Spirit, the Pete Cummings Band, Spirited Lads, and CheekTones. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., $5. Call 623-214-1004.
Marc's Sports Grill & Nightlife
4494 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
www.marcssportsgrillandnightlife.com
Feast on $7.50 corned beef sandwiches with fries or $9.25 platters of corned beef with cabbage and potatoes, both of which will be served at Marc's on St. Patrick's Day. Meanwhile, green beer, Guinness, and specialty Irish cocktails will be poured at the bar. Free Joker Poker and Texas Hold'em sessions are at 7 and 10 p.m., the Jim Glass Band performs in the main bar at 7:30 p.m., and karaoke starts at 9 p.m. in the lounge. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 623-842-1053.
Murphy's Law
58 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler
This Chandler pub and ale house will be a hubbub of activity throughout St. Patrick's Day as it opens at 9 a.m. for Irish breakfast selections and import beers. The annual party starts at 4 p.m. will feature performances by The Dickensons, Tick Tick Boom, Bracken School of Irish Dance, Arizona Fire Service Pipe Band, and others. 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., $5 after 5 p.m. Call 480-812-1588.
Nabers
825 N. 54th St., Chandler
Irish it up at this bar and eatery's St. Patrick's Day party with $5 Guinness, car bombs, and corned beef and cabbage all day and Emerald Isle trivia starting at 7 p.m. Opens at 11 a.m. Call 480-705-0288.
Padre Murphy's
4338 W. Bell Road, Glendale
A three-ring circus of entertainers, leprechauns, clowns, and other revelers will gather underneath a gigantic tent set up in the parking lot outside of Padre Murphy's during its enormous St. Patrick's Day party. Corned beef and cabbage will be dished out all day, green beer will be in abundance, and prizes and giveaways will be plentiful. Performances start at 1 p.m. with DJ Patrick, followed by the Michael Patrick Gallagher Dancers at 2 p.m., Sugahbeat at 3:15 p.m., J. David Sloan and Western Bred at 5:15 p.m., the Highland Legacy Pipe Band at 7:15 p.m., The Herndon Brothers at 7:15 p.m., and SuperHero at 9:30 p.m. Gates open at 11 a.m. Call 602-547-9406.
Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Road
The cowpokes of Valley Fever country music night will bring legendary crooner Billy Joe Shaver in for a special St. Patrick's Day show, which also will include The Easy Leaves, and Jeremy Manley and Crazy Arms. 8 p.m.; $25 in advance, $28 at the door. Call 602-265-4842.
Rips Ales & Cocktails
3045 N. 16th St.
The monthly Obscura dance night will get into the spirit of the season on Saturday, March 14, with its Pinch! Party, which will include live sets by L.A. indie rock bands Nightmare Air, Flamingos, and Futurekind, as well as spin sessions from DJs Tristan/Iseult and Matty. 8:30 p.m.; free before 9 p.m., $5 thereafter. Call 602-266-0015.
Rose & Crown
628 E. Adams St.
A massive block party will encompass the pub on St. Patrick's Day and feature a beer garden, prize giveaways, live music from bands like Cockswain, DJs, and more. The menu will include Guinness stew, corned beef and cabbage, and fish and chips. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-256-0223.
Rosie McCaffrey's
906 E. Camelback Road
The festivities at Rosie's will commence at 8 a.m. and run all the way until last call with plenty of eating, drinking, and carousing happening in between. Live bands will include Keltic Cowboys, The Brazen Heads, The Travellers, Fiochan Band, and the Arizona Police and Fire Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. Drink specials are planned, as a menu with corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and both pulled pork and Reuben sandwiches. 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., $10 after noon. Call 602-241-1916.
R.T. O'Sullivan's Sports Grill
6646 Superstition Springs Blvd., Mesa
1610 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa
Both R.T. O'Sullivan's locations will host St. Patrick's Day bashes with $5 monster-size green beers, games, giveaways, prizes, and live entertainment from bagpipers, step-dancers, drum corps, and Irish musicians. Eats will include such options as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, Reuben sandwiches, and fish and chips. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-396-9933 or 480-398-3340.
Rula Bula
401 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
St. Patrick's Day is (naturally) a big deal at this Mill Ave pub and this year's festivities will include entertainment from Bracken School of Irish Dance and local Irish bagpipers, as well as musicians like Trevor Jones, Mike Mercier, and the Jeff Hunt Band. Food and drink special will be on tap all day. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-929-9500.
Sandbar
21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
7200 W. Ray Road, Chandler
Both the Chandler and Desert Ridge versions of Sandbar will offer $3 green beer, $5 shamrock-a-ritas, and $6 Irish car bombs, as well as corned beef and hash tacos, live bands and DJs starting at 5 p.m., and more. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-961-1700 or 480-585-5900.
Seamus McCaffrey's
18 W. Monroe St.
The street outside of this landmark pub will be fenced off for its annual St. Paddy's Day extravaganza, which promises traditional Irish eats and a beer garden boasting Guinness, Harp, Kiltlifter, Smithwicks, Bud Light, and other import and domestic brews. Live music and entertainment takes place all day and will include such bands as Seanachie, Kilted Spirit and the Sea Merchants, as well as various step dancers and bag pipers. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-253-6081 for cover.
Shady's
2701 E. Indian School Road
Partake in any of Shady's wealth of Irish booze, all of which will be on special during St. Patrick's Day, or spin up some of the gems on its excellent jukebox. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-956-8998.
The Shout! House
6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale
Toast St. Pat's Day with $2 green beers, $3 baby Guinness shots, $4 Jameson at this Westgate piano bar. Live music starts at 8 p.m. via the dueling pianos. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 623-772-1500.
Skeptical Chymist
15689 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
St. Patrick's Day block party with live music from 1 p.m. until close, outdoor bars and food stations, and more. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., $10 after 3 p.m. Call 480-609-8677.
Swizzle Inn
5835 N. 16th St.
Want to drink on the cheap on St. Patrick's Day? Swizzle Inn has an offer you can't refuse. A total of 17 different beers will be available for 17 cents each for 17 minutes starting at 5 p.m. (a.k.a. 17:00 hours). Call 602-277-7775.
Thirsty Lion Pub
7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
The Valley's two Thirsty Lion locations will each offer Irish menu specials, specialty beer flights, and Celtic-themed cocktails from Friday, March 13, through Tuesday, March 17. Live music is also on tap during St. Patrick's Day in Tempe. 11 a.m. to midnight. Call 480-284-7292 or 480-968-2920.
Tilted Kilt
2 E. Jefferson St.
660 W. Warner Road, Tempe
Green beer and various drink specials will be available daily from Saturday, March 14, until Tuesday, March 17, at either Tilted Kilt. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-293-3888 or 480-592-0102.
TT Roadhouse
2915 N. 68th St., Scottsdale
If any of the more than 20 whiskeys available behind TT's bar aren't enough to whet your whistle on St. Pat's, there will also be specials on Irish booze all day long. 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-947-8723.
