St. Patrick's Day - make that St. Patrick's Day Week, if not Month - has become quite the holiday in Baltimore. Irish or not, there are plenty of events of all kinds for everyone all over town.
***Please note, several of these events happen prior to March 17***
What: A raucous street celebration in Canton's O'Donnell Square
When: Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13, 2010
Cost: Free
Info: Although it's sponsored by Claddagh Pub, all the other bars lining O'Donnell Square get in on the fun as well. Rain or shine, people can enjoy a drink (or two) within the confines of the heated tents set up in O'Donnell St. (the street is closed to traffic). Musical acts playing the festival this year are:
Fed Hill Irish Stroll
What: A bar crawl through Baltimore's Federal Hill, featuring 13 bars.
When: Saturday, March 13, noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Register at the corner of S. Charles St. and W. Cross St.
Cost: $10 day of, $8 if you register in advance online.
Canton Irish Stroll
What: A bar crawl through Canton featuring a dozen bars
When: Saturday, March 6, 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Starts at Looney's Pub.
Cost: $10 at the door or $7 with two cans for the Maryland Food Bank. Tickets are $7 in advance online
O'Malley's March
What: Governor Martin O'Malley leads his Irish band in concert at the Recher Theatre in Towson.
When: Saturday, March 20, 2010, 8 p.m.
Where: Recher Theatre, 512 York Rd.
Cost: Tickets are $20
Shamrock 5k
What: Fun run and post-race party
When: Sunday, March 14, 2010
Where: Downtown and the Inner Harbor
Cost: UPDATE: Registration is now closed as the race has filled to its max capacity.
Info: The Shamrock 5k starts at Charles and Franklin streets and ends between Pratt and Lombard streets at Power Plant Live. After, there's a post-race party at which all runners 21 and over can enjoy beer and snacks at Power Plant Live.
What: Baltimore's official, traditional Irish parade, complete with bagpipes.
When: Sunday, March 14, 2100, 2 p.m.
Where: The parade begins at the Washington Monument and continues to Pratt Street and Market Place.
Cost: Free
Info: Charles F. Connolly is this year's grand marshal.
What: Live Irish music and specials on Irish beer at one of Baltimore's most authentic Irish pubs and restaurants.
When: Wednesday, March 17, 2009
Where: Slainte, 1702 Thames St., Fells Point
Cost: No cover