Celebrate St. Paddy's Day, Colorado Style

If you are looking to find the luck of the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day, look no further. Break out the green food coloring and your favorite craft lager. From brewery bashes, to Irish pubs, to a 7K run/walk, there are numerous ways to get your green on this year. 

  • Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Downtown

The city’s famed parade will start at 9:30 a.m. March 11 in downtown Denver. However, it is suggested you show up much earlier to get a great spot among the leprechauns. Each year about 200,000 people show up for sometimes-crazy event. The route starts at 19th Street and Wynkoop Street and ends at 28th and Blake Street. Admission is free and the best viewing spot is reported to be in the 20th and Blake area. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the biggest annual parade in Denver and has been known for being the largest parade for this holiday on this side of the Mississippi River. 

  • Runnin’ of the Green

The 7K run/walk has raised money for charity for 28 years. Organizers invite people to also attend the post-race block party on Wazee Street between 17th and 19th Streets. There will be live music, corned beef and bagels, and Reed Irish Dancers. Proceeds from the event will go to Volunteers of America. The event is on March 12 and the race starts at 10:15 a.m.

  • Boulder Beer

Boulder Beer released its Irish Blessing recently, which is a dark stout with many chocolate flavors. Brewers collaborated with OZO Coffee Company to come up with the perfect blend. Boulder Beer reports: “We then age Irish Blessing on Jameson Irish Whiskey soaked in oak, imparting the finishing touches of whiskey and wood. Slainte!”  The brewery is also hosting a Kegs and Cabbage event from 6-9 p.m. on March 17 at the Boulder Theater. Performers include Lady & The Gentleman, Cycles and Moontang. Drink specials are shake bombs (car bombs using Boulder Shake Porter), new beer release Hola Maria, which is a Mexican-style light beer, and Jameson Whiskey.

  • Colorado Plus Brewpub

Colorado Plus Brewpub will host its “Big Party” event March 16-18 at the Wheat Ridge taproom. The party willfeature Irish reds and dry stouts made in house. Other specials at the event include Colorado Car Bombs (house stout and whiskey), corned beef and Colorado lamb shepherd's pie. 

  • Lone Tree Brewing Co.

Lone Tree Brewing Co. likes to feature its Acres O’ Green brew, named after the neighborhood they are located in. This beer is an Irish red ale with notes of toffee, caramel, and chocolate with a light hop finish. It’s perfect during St. Patty’s Day celebrations. You can try it in the taproom and it’s available in some liquor stores. 

  • Under The Sun

Under The Sun Eatery & Pizzeria in Boulder will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the restaurant featuring The Matt Flaherty Band. The band will begin playing at 9 p.m. and drink specials will be occurring all day long. 

  • Nallen’s Irish Pub

On 3/17 Nallen’s Pub will throw a party from 8 a.m. March 17 until 2 a.m. March 18. Expect Irish dancers, bag pipers, an outdoor tent and corned beef sandwiches. 

  • Kegs and Eggs by 93.3

For the12th year, Channel 93.3 will host its Kegs and Eggs event March 17. It will be at the Blake Street Tavern in LoDo, beginning at  7 a.m. Look for green beer, whiskey and live rock music from American Authors, Bishop Briggs and Bryce Fox.

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  • Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub

Scruffy Murphy’s will open the doors at 7 a.m. on March for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebration. At the pub, they will have dancers, live bands and a heated patio with cover. And yes, expect to find great corned beef and whiskey. 

  • Irish Rover Pub

Irish Rover Pub is hosting its St. Patrick’s Day event from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. March 17 and 18. They will serve corned beef and cabbage and have plenty of Guinness and Jameson for specials on car bombs and other drinks. They will have bagpipes and dancers in the pub and will have their rooftop bar open.

- Compiled by Jamie Mills