Saturday’s parade was just the beginning for the season o’ the green

By Harlee Hunt

Despite Denver and other cities hosting St. Patrick’s Day parades over the weekend, the big day is yet to come. All over the state, celebrations of all things Irish are happening all week, even beyond the actual holiday on Friday.

Of course, many Colorado breweries and taprooms are serving Irish stouts and green beers, and restaurants are pouring Irish whiskey and serving corned beef. But here are some of the other interesting events of the week.

St. Patrick’s Week

Lucky Joe’s, an Irish pub in Fort Collins, is celebrating all week. The party started over the weekend and runs through Saturday, March 18. Each day brings a new promotion and deal. Be warned: None of the deals include green beer, and bartenders reserve the right to mock anyone who orders it.

TEAL is the New Green

Clay Venues in Colorado Springs hosts a night of dancing, games and food from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 16. TEAL is the New Green is a party benefiting Sue’s Gift, a gynecological cancer support organization. The event includes a teal-themed costume contest, raffle, dinner from Luchals Soulful Seafood, and beer and wine donated by Weber Street Liquor. Tickets cost $50.

Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl

Also in Colorado Springs, the 6th annual Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day crawl runs for two full nights, from 4 p.m. Friday, March 17, through 12 a.m. Sunday, March 19. Individual tickets cost $25, and group discounts are available. Or earn a free ticket by sharing the event on social media. Tickets include cover charges at all venues, custom crawl cups, exclusive drink and food specials and more. Check-in begins at Bar K.

“Lucky” Sip n’ Paint

Enjoy a drink and paint a lucky four-leaf clover on Friday at Sipping N’ Painting Highland in North Denver. An instructor will walk participants through step-by-step instructions on the painting, so no experience is necessary. Tickets cost $35 dollars, and the event runs from 7 to 9 p.m.

St. Pat’s No Booze Ash-Bash

The Woodmoor Barn Community Center in Monument hosts a family-friendly, alcohol-free event from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, with live music, food and drink. The Comfortably Done food truck will be on site. Tickets cost $12, with free entry for children three and under.

St. Patrick’s Day Cooking Class

Front Range Christian School in Littleton hosts an Irish cooking class from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday. For $75, guests will learn to make Irish soda bread scones, mixed green salad, shepherd’s pie and Irish apple cake with a vanilla custard sauce. The class is alcohol-free, 18-plus, and 15 percent of proceeds go back to the school.

Gaming extravaganza

Game Train USA in Highlands Ranch hosts a St. Patrick’s Day event from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday with Irish food and drink, Irish step dancing lessons and board games. The $7 cover charge includes the dancing class and games.

2023 Luck of the Irish 5K

Runners can boost their fitness and their luck any time in March by running the virtual Luck of the Irish 5K. Registration costs $20, including a medal and bib, and the race can be completed any time before March 31. At least 15 percent of every registration will be donated to the National Hemophilia Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for inheritable bleeding disorders. Participants pick their own time and course, with finishing times reported to Virtual Run Events.

Harlee Hunt attends Wartburg College in Iowa, and is an intern for Thirst Colorado. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and escaping to other worlds by reading.