St. Patrick's Day falls on a Tuesday in 2009, and the city has festivities planned throughout the weeks leading up to the holiday. St. Patrick's Day draws more than 500,000 visitors to Boston--a city with a long-standing Irish tradition. Boston held America's first St. Patrick's Day celebration in 1737, and the city still boasts one of the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day parades. Here's a sampling of some scheduled St. Patrick's Day events:
Irish Humor
Irish comedian Ardal O'Hanlon, best known for playing Dougal on the TV series Father Ted, comes to town for one show at the Somerville Theatre in Somerville on March 5.
Beer and Irish Rock and Roll
Head to the Harpoon Brewery in Boston for the Harpoon St. Patrick's Festival March 6-7 featuring food vendors selling corned beef and more, a cash bar (you'll want to try the Celtic Ale) and live Irish and Rock and Roll bands from the Boston area.
Gaelic Gourmet Gala
Boston's fourth annual Gaelic Gourmet Gala featuring top chefs from Ireland and Boston takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, at the Seaport Hotel Boston. Tickets are $125 per person for this evening featuring a cocktail hour, a four-course dinner and a performance by Celtic Thunder. For reservations, call 617-385-5662. Gala proceeds benefit Fisher House Boston, a non-profit organization that provides housing for wounded veterans and their families. The event is part of the March 11-19 Gaelic Gourmet Week sponsored by the Boston Irish Tourism Association.
The Chieftains
On Friday, March 13, traditional Irish musicians Paddy Moloney and the Chieftains with special guests Alyth McCormack and Jeff White play Boston's Symphony Hall at 8 p.m. For tickets, call CelebrityCharge at 617-482-6661.
Irish Bands at House Of Blues Boston
Boston's new House of Blues has several Irish acts on its March calendar including Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys and The Pogues.
A Little Bit of Ireland
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Reagle Players as they present A Little Bit of Ireland on March 13, 14 and 15 at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham. For tickets, call 781-891-5600.
Irish Cultural Centre Open House
On Saturday, March 14, head to the Irish Cultural Centre for an Open House featuring Irish music, dancing, crafts and fun for all ages. The ICC Pub will serve Corned Beef Dinner and other food throughout the day. There is an admission fee. For more information, call 781-821-8291.
Get Your Irish On
From March 14-17, dress in your Irish best and head to 75 Chestnut on Beacon Hill for corned beef and cabbage, plus Irish beef stew, green beer, Guinness, specialty martinis, music and prizes (if you have the luck of the Irish!). For reservations or more information, call 617-227-2175.
St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston
Join the estimated 600,000 people who'll turn out for this year's 108th St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2009 beginning at the Broadway MBTA station and ending in Andrew Square. Your best bet for viewing the parade is to stake out a spot anywhere along Broadway--get there early. The three-hour parade features floats and dozens of marching bands and pipe bands from Ireland and across the United States. For more information, call 617-268-7955.
Other Parades in Massachusetts
St. Patrick's Day parades are also held in the Massachusetts towns of Abington (March 22), Scituate (March 15), Worcester (March 8), Holyoke (March 22) and Lawrence (March 8), as well as in Yarmouth on Cape Cod (March 7). The Boston Irish Tourism Association has details.
Did You Know...
Boston has its own 20-site Irish Heritage Trail. It was first described in a book titled Guide to the New England Irish by Michael P. Quinlin, Colette Minogue Quinlin and Colene M. Minogue (Compare Prices). That book is now out of print, but the Trail is also described in Michael Quinlin's Irish Boston: A Lively Look at Boston's Colorful Irish History (Compare Prices). Maps are available at the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau's Boston Common Visitor Center and at the Prudential Center Visitor Information Center.
St. Patrick's Day at the JFK Library and Museum
John F. Kennedy, 35th president, may well be the most famous Irish American. March is a perfect time to visit the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two special exhibits are currently on view: The Making of a President, which runs through September 1, 2009, and Poetry and Power - The Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy, which runs through January 30, 2010. On Saturday, March 14, the Kieran Jordan Dancers, accompanied by the Matt and Shannon Heaton Band, will perform at the Presidential Library at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 617-514-1600 or toll free, 866-JFK-1960.
So you wanna know where you can find corned beef and cabbage in Boston?
Durgin Park near Faneuil Hall is known for its traditional New England Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinners. Call 617-227-2038 for a serving schedule.
Keep in mind that St. Patrick's Day also coincides with Boston Restaurant Week this year, so you'll be able to enjoy great dining deals, as well, if you're visiting the city.
Cook Up Your Own Irish Feast
If you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day at home, I've compiled a great collection of Irish recipes from New England.
The Boston Irish Tourism Association has a round-up of more Irish Exhibits and Events in Massachusetts throughout the month of March. And while you're driving around in Boston, tune in WROL Irish Hit Parade Radio at 950 AM on your dial.
Need a hotel room in Boston? Compare Boston hotel rates at kayak.com.
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