All year long, Donegal Square and McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar are the Lehigh Valley’s Celtic destination. At this time of year, we become St. Patrick’s Day headquarters! From Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17, we have an array of fun St. Patrick’s activities that you will not want to miss!
An Irish Wake
One traditional element of Irish culture is a wake celebrating the life of the deceased. On Thursday, March 14 at 7:30 PM, join us for Finnigan McCarthy’s Wake in the Great Room at McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar. Our unique take on the Irish wake will have you crying (with laughter) as the misdeeds and misadventures of Old Finnigan McCarthy are shared. Come and raise a pint to Finnigan’s life. Tell a story or joke. If you can get the “deceased” to crack a smile, you get a free pint! Details at www.redstagpub.com.
Bethlehem’s Own Trad Fest!
The second annual Failte Festival (Failte means “welcome” in the Irish language) takes place Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17 at the historic Charles A. Brown Ice House in Bethlehem. Three days, four shows encompassing the entire St. Patrick’s weekend; a proper Irish music “trad fest” right here in the Lehigh Valley! Local favorites O’Grady-Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance and world champion bagpiper Robert Watt will appear at all four shows. Headliners include artists seen and loved at Musikfest and Celtic Classic: Timlin and Kane (Friday, March 15); Seamus Kennedy (Saturday, March 16, 2 shows); and fiddler Alison Gillespie and harpist Joanna Mell, plus the Rogue Diplomats (Sunday, March 17). Tickets $15-$20, available at Donegal Square, 534 Main Street, Bethlehem PA or online at www.showit53015.wpengine.com.
Two Parades in One Day!
Join us at Donegal Square on Saturday, March 16 at 11:00 AM for the Celtic Doggie Parade! Parade your pooch, strut your mutt, all for a great cause! The $10 entry fee benefits the Center for Animal Health and Welfare. The winner of each category will receive a $25 gift card to Donegal Square. Categories include Best Dressed Pup, Best Dog/Owner Costume, and Wild Card. Register in-store at Donegal Square.
Immediately following the Celtic Doggie Parade, “sit…stay” for the Parade of Shamrocks. The parade, brought to us by Celtic Cultural Alliance (hosts of Celtic Classic), steps off at 1:00 PM and winds through Bethlehem’s historic North Side. The parade is back this year, better than ever! Visit www.celticfest.org for details.
There are so many ways to “Go Green” this St. Patrick’s weekend in Bethlehem. Whether you are Irish or not, get downtown and bring your family and friends to join in the fun!
