Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all who celebrate!
The Irish holiday is observed on March 17 and this year the occasion falls on a Friday (perfect timing!).
The shamrock-coloured festivities are known for corned beef and cabbage dishes, Irish dancing and music, parades, green beer, and several (or more) sleeves of Guinness.
Whether your celebrations include eating green foods or drinking copious amounts of alcohol, there are many spots and events to do so in Vancouver.
Here's a guide to Saint Patrick's Day in the city:
Boat Parties
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Vancouver St Patricks Day Boat Party - March 18, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m on Abitibi (750 Pacific Blvd); $25
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St.Patrick's Day Boat Party Cruise - March 17, 8 p.m.-midnight on Burrard Queen (760 Pacific Blvd, Dock A); $68
St Paddy's Day Rave
Kumo (the company and DJ behind some of Vancouver's coolest parties) is bringing an Irish rave to Levels nightclub. With three stages, three genres (techno, house, and bass music), and 20 DJs performing, this will be a party like no other.
When: March 17, 10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: Levels Nightclub
Cost: Wave 1 (before 11 p.m. entry) $15; Wave 2 (all-night entry) $20; Wave 3 and Final Wave TBA
Luck Of The Irish
Gather your friends and have a fun evening of games, music, and drinks. Each ticket comes with a free drink to get the party going and there will be beer pong and flip cup games throughout the evening.
When: March 17, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: Hotel Belmont - 654 Nelson St
Cost: $12
50th St Patricks Day Festival
Vancouver's longest-standing Irish pub is hosting an all-day Irish brunch buffet featuring live bands, Celtic dancers, a piper, and DJ.
When: March 17, 9 a.m.- 3 a.m. (Brunch Buffet ends at 11 a.m.)
Where: The Blarney Stone - 216 Carrall St
Cost: Brunch Buffet (must enter before 11 a.m.) $27; before 2 p.m. entry $38;
Smith’s Irish Pub
This free Saint Patrick's Day celebration will go on all day long! There will be Irish dancers and live music, and on Saturday (March 18) you can customize your pint of Guinness with your own photo.
When: March 17, starting at 10 a.m.
Where: Smith's Irish Pub - 208 & 212 Carrall St
Cost: Free
St. Paddy's Day
Celebrate the Irish holiday, enjoy live entertainment, indulge in a special Saint Patrick's Day menu alongside classics like "Bangers & Mash" and corned beef hash, and enter to win a trip to Dublin.
When: March 17-19
Where: The Lamplighter Public House - 92 Water St
Cost: Varies on individual purchases
St. Patrick's Day Irish Fest
This celebration features a special menu (from Dublin Dogs to Irish coffee to a pint of Guinness and Irish whiskey for only $12), door and drink prizes, activities and competitions, and a hunt for a special gold coin.
When: March 17, noon-2 a.m.
Where: Six Acres Cafe - 203 Carrall St
Cost: Varies on individual purchases
St Portside: Irish For The Day
Expect good music and good Jameson Irish Whiskey at this late-night St. Patty's party.
When: March 17, 3 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: Portside Pub - 7 Alexander St
Cost: Before 8 p.m. entry ticket $12
St. Patrick's at The GPO Bar
You won't have to wait until the evening to start celebrating. Start with all-day drinks and food specials, including a pint of Guinness and some Irish stew, followed by live music starting in the evening. Come back the next day to watch the Ireland versus England Six Nations rugby final and UFC 286.
When: March 17, 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m.; March 18, 9:30 a.m.-3 a.m.
Where: The GPO Bar - 136 W Cordova St
Cost: Free all-day entry on March 17; $10 cover on March 18
