Events

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2019 in Vancouver

By Yulia Mostova /

Who said St. Patrick’s Day is only about beer, shamrocks and green costumes? This year’s celebration options are so diverse you’ll have a hard time choosing where to go.

CelticFest

Until March 20

Comprising various events around the city, Western Canada’s biggest annual Celtic festival has something for everyone. The free St. Patrick’s Day Family Celebration on March 17, for example, will excite both adults and tots with its arts and crafts workshops, open-music sessions and Gaelic sport competitions, while the Ceilidh Mor showcase on March 16—featuring Vancouver’s best Celtic performers—offers an opportunity to learn some Irish dance.

Where: Various locations
When: Until Wednesday, March 20
Cost: Some events are free, others from $20
More Info: celticfestvancouver.com

St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run

March 16

Every year, hundreds of people dressed in green run a five-kilometre race to celebrate St. Paddy’s while raising funds for Diabetes Canada. And the fun doesn’t stop at that: an after-party will allow tired runners and their friends to enjoy Irish stew, live tunes and, of course, green beer.

When: Saturday, March 16, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Stanley Park Pavilion
Cost: $40
More Info: stpatricks5k.com

Shamrocks and Shenanigans

March 17

For a laugh-out-loud St. Paddy’s, check out Vancouver Theatre Sports League‘s Irish-themed improv show. While you can never be sure what you’re going to get in improv, we’ve been told custom limericks (and plenty of Irish accents) are on the menu. Stop by the bar for Guinness specials, shots of Jameson’s whiskey or an obligatory green beer to enjoy pre- or post-show.

When: Sunday, March 17, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre
Cost: $15.75
More Info: vtsl.com/show/st-paddy

The Blarney Stone’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival

March 16–17

Brave enough for an all-day (or all-weekend) celebration? Reserve your ticket for the St. Patrick’s shindig at Vancouver’s longest running Irish pub. Depending on what day you attend, the event includes an Irish brunch buffet, with plenty happening both indoors and out. Think live bands, DJs, Celtic dancers, stilt walker, games… Yes, it’s called the city’s biggest St. Paddy’s Day party for a reason.

When: Saturday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 am, and Sunday, March 17, from 9 a.m. until late
Where: The Blarney Stone
Cost: $40
More Info: blarneystone.ca/calendar

Saint Patrick’s Day Boat Party

March 16

There are many ways you can enjoy a mug of green beer, but knocking one back while on a boat’s deck—while cruising through False Creek and past English Bay and the Vancouver Harbour—is hard to beat. A live DJ, spectacular views and Irish-themed beverages will put you in the right mood for partying.

When: Saturday, March 16, from 9 p.m. until late
Where: MV Abitibi (boarding at Plaza of Nations)
Cost: From $30
More Info: brownpapertickets.com/event/VBP/4107950

The Vancouver Market at Wise Hall

March 17

The newly established Vancouver Market is hosting its first shopping event in East Van on St. Patrick’s Day, which is a good alternative for those who don’t feel like partying all night long. More than 35 vendors will be selling vintage clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, knickknacks and homemade goods at this family-friendly affair. Expect cool tunes, St. Paddy’s–themed foods and maybe a leprechaun or two.

When: Sunday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Wise Hall
Cost: $2
More Info: facebook.com/events/763745013993713