St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, typically it's known to be one of the biggest drinking events for college students, but it is still very much so a cultural and religious holiday with all types of events.
A Day Off the Duties of Lent
Before we get to the fun, let's talk about the religious aspects of the holiday for Catholics. This year the holiday coincides with the religious observance of Lent and local archdioceses are making adjustments.
Archbishop Nelson J. Perez of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced a dispensation from the Friday obligation to abstain from eating meat on March 17 and instead observe Lent in other ways that day. Bishop David M. O'Connell of the Diocese of Trenton did the same thing .
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Here's what's happening in our area on March 17, 2023 and the days leading up to and after St. Patrick's Day:
The Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade
The tradition continues. SInce 1771, a St. Patrick's Day parade has been held in Philadelphia most years. From marching bands, dance groups, youth groups and Irish associations more than 20,000 people are expected to participate in this year's parade, making it the signature St. Patrick's Day parade in the region.
The Scene
When: March 12, 2023
Where: Parade will travel along West JFK Blvd and East Market Street.
How much? It's free to attend.
St. Paddy's unWINEd Weekends
Shadybrook Farms is celebrating the luck o' the Irish with two family-friendly weekends of live Irish music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in their heated barn and party tent.
When: March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18
Where: 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA 19067
How much? Tickets are $12 online and $17 at the door for all days except March 17 when tickets will cost $15 online and $25 at the door
Let's Go to Ireland
The Free Library of Philadelphia will be hosting a family friendly geography lesson all about Ireland with The Geography Lady.
When: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 - 4 p.m.
Where: Northeast Regional Library - 2228 Cottman Avenue Philadelphia, Pa 19149
How much? Free
St. Paddy's at McGillin's
Center City's historic ale house will be serving up Irish specials all month including chocolate leprechaun martini's, Irish lamb stew, Shamrock hot chocolate and green beer.
When: All March
Where:1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Bucks County St. Patrick's Day Parade
Celebrate through the streets of Fairless Hills as the Bucks County St. Patrick's Day Parade heads down New Falls Road.
When: March 11, 2023
Where: Starts at Conwell Egan Catholic High School - 611 Wistar Rd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030
St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl Philadelphia and Erin Express
This year, two of Philadelphia's biggest St. Patrick's Day bar crawls are partnering to make the event even bigger. St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl Philadelphia and Erin Express have partnered to get bar crawl participants into over 20 bars and pubs including Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse, Paddy Whacks and Tradesman's.
When: March 11, 2023 12 p.m. through 8 p.m.
Where: Various Locations
How much? Tickets can be purchased online for $20
