5 Things – St. Patrick’s Day *UPDATED*

After combing through piles and piles of quality events happening in Richmond during and around St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve FINALLY pulled together a list of our top picks to celebrate the Emerald, beer-soaked holiday…

March 12, 2009; 11:10 PM • by Valerie Catrow

After combing through piles and piles of quality events happening in Richmond during and around St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve FINALLY pulled together a list of our top picks to celebrate the Emerald, beer-soaked holiday…

1. 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party at Siné

Ok, yes, we realize that this isn’t like some super-edgy way to spend your St. Patty’s Day weekend, and the place will be jam packed. BUT, seriously, you’re SUPPOSED to be around huge crowds of drunks on St. Patrick’s Day! What else will you talk about on Facebook and Twitter? And seriously, those Irish nachos that they have (which are decidedly NOT Irish or nachos) are so good. Friday, March 13th through Saturday, March 14th, 1327 E. Cary Street. The party starts Friday at 9pm and picks up again Saturday at noon. That’s right, TWO DAYS, folks. No cover charge before 1pm.

2. Shamrock the Block

Hailed as Richmond’s first outdoor festival of the season (and we all know how much Richmonders love their outdoor festivals!) Shamrock the Block promises lots of icy cold beverages and about 20,000 fellow party-goers who will surely help you come up with ways to embarrass yourself after consuming said beverages. Saturday, March 14th, 12pm to 6pm, 17th Street Farmer’s Market, FREE!

3. Penny Lane Pub

This relatively legit Irish pub is doing it up right with traditional Irish food (think lots of cabbage, corned beef, and fish and chips), Guinness, and bagpipes ringing in the festivities at 11am sharp on the big day. The celebration goes on until 2am, so you’ll have plenty of time to add this one to your St. Patty’s Day route. Tuesday, March 17th, 11am to 2am, 421 E. Franklin Street.

4. St. Patrick’s Day with Club Fondue at the Melting Pot

I HAD to include something the kids could enjoy – and we have to give them something other than face painting every once in a while! In case you’re not familiar, Club Fondue is a fancy schmancy, uh, club you can join at the Melting Pot that gets you into special events and what not. AND it’s free to join. They’re offering a special menu for the occasion: Emerald Isle Cheese Fondue (Swiss cheese blended with spinach and artichoke hearts), a Fields & Sea Entree (beef tenderloin, white shrimp, and teriyaki-marinated tenderloin or chicken, ahi tuna, and seasonal vegetables), and a Bailey’s Irish Cream Dream Chocolate Fondue Dessert. Sure to be fun for the whole fam, although you might want to keep the kids away from the Bailey’s. Or not. Whatevs. Tuesday, March 17th, 9704 Gayton Road, $35 per person. Go here to join Club Fondue and call 804-741-3120 to make reservations.

5. 24th Annual Church Hill Irish Festival

This two-day event kicks off at 10am on Saturday, Marc 21st with a walking parade including traditional Irish music and dancers. The activity lineup for the rest of the weekend includes: children’s games and crafts, Irish cuisine prepared by the ladies from St. Patrick’s Church and Poe’s Pub, and music from local bands. Proceeds will benefit the Church Hill Association, Church Hill Crime Watch, St. Pete’s Meal Program, and other local causes. Saturday, March 21st through Sunday, March 22nd, St. Patrick’s Church (North 25th Street between Broad and Franklin Streets), $2 donations accepted at the door.

**UPDATE**
We just found out that Shamrock the Block is being postponed due to bad weather. No new date yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as we do.

In lieu of this outdoor festival, we suggest you consider patronizing any of the establishments featured on our pub wheel. Or if you’re looking for something to do with the wee ones, try some of the activities Patience pointed out last week.

March 12, 2009 11:10 PM 0