St. Patrick’s Day is Sunday, March 17 and families in Ottawa who are looking to celebrate have a few great options in the city. These family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events will have you dancing and dressing in green, but we’ve also included a few options for parents to enjoy an Irish date night, just in case they’re able to get a babysitter.
The Ottawa Irish Festival
Don’t miss the Ottawa Irish Festival, happening from March 7-17, presented by the Ottawa Irish Society. The multi-day event offers different opportunities for families to celebrate and is host to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and other parties like the Beau’s St. Patrick’s Party on March 16th. This is a ticketed event ($29 plus service fees for adults, $5 plus service fees for those under 18). The St. Patrick’s Party is being held at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne beginning at 12 pm until 10 pm and features Irish music from the Mahones, The Beatdown and more themed music and dance. There’s also going to be Beau’s beer on tap and Irish-inspired bites of food to enjoy!
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Also on March 16th is the St. Patrick’s Day parade beginning at 11 am from City Hall, travelling down Laurier Avenue, to Bank Street and ending at Lansdowne to kick off the Beau’s St. Patrick’s Party. The Grand Marshal for the parade is Lewis Ward, kicker for the Ottawa RedBlacks.
St. Patrick’s Day Race
Sign up for the St. Patrick’s Day Race the morning of March 16th beginning at 10:30 am and finishing with a gathering at, you’ve guessed it, the Aberdeen Pavilion to join the rest of the St. Patrick’s Day party! The race is a 1 or 2-mile event and is kid and family friendly so you can sign up to run together. There are prizes for the top finishers and race kits are included. Of course, dressing up in green colours and costumes is highly encouraged! The race begins at City Hall and a shuttle will be available at Aberdeen to bring racers back if they aren’t staying for the party. More details can be found on their Facebook page, or to register, visit the Running Room.
Music & Shows
If you are looking for Irish music, plan to take the family to Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts on March 17. All day long they’re offering various performances of Irish music to meet everyone’s tastes. The events are also in the lower level where they actually have a pub! The entire family is invited to the various shows throughout the day, but families may be especially interested to know that Kieran Howes, from Monkey Rock, will be performing at 2:30 pm.
Hands-on Activity
While it’s not a part of the Ottawa Irish Festival, your family may be interested in getting into the spirit of things with a green slime making activity at your local Michael’s store. On Saturday, March 16, between 1 pm and 3 pm (after you’ve participated in the race or the St. Patrick’s Day Parade!), visit Michaels to make “a pinch of luck” slime, for free. Many stores recommend pre-registration to secure your spot so stop in or call ahead to check availability.
Tagged under: ottawa,St. Patrick's Day Events
Category: events
