Bagpipes, green bagels, and pinching those not clad in green, this year St. Patrick’s Day just won’t be the same without these traditions. Although we all have to make some sacrifices as we persevere through what remains of this pandemic, St. Patrick’s Day is definitely not canceled on Meetup!
Meetup groups across the country (and the globe!) are planning socially distant alternatives to parades and pub crawls. Check out the events being hosted by our group organizers helping their communities celebrate a unique St. Patrick’s Day, and be sure to explore the St. Patrick’s Day Meetup events in your area.
Pub Songs and Folksy Dance Parties
Music groups around the world are banding together this St. Patrick’s Day to sing, dance, and honor the music of Ireland. Those lucky enough to be local to Woody Point, Australia can attend this St. Patrick’s Day celebration put on by the North Lakes and Redcliffe Socials. It will feature a sing-a-long with the folk band Blarney Stone who will be playing well known pub sing-a-long music, as well as folk music from the 70’s and 80’s. For those looking for the feeling of a pub without leaving the comfort and safety of their homes, instead attend this Pub Songs Sing Along hosted on zoom by the Round Rock Pub Songs group.
Meetup Group Ladies Loving Life is also hosting an online event featuring a group of Irish Heritage singers from the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago. It will include traditional Irish pieces, choral settings of Irish poetry—as well as all your favorite singalongs. Irish in Europe is joining together to watch a special concert put on by the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance as well as the University of Limerick that will feature Grammy-award winner Rhiannon Giddens as a special guest.
If you’re looking for something a bit less traditional but still from the comfort of your home, consider attending this St. Patrick’s Day themed Ukulele session hosted online by the Melbourne Ukulele Community or this virtual dance along with the members of Dancing without Borders at their very special St. Patrick’s Day Lively Folk Dance Party.
Folklore, Fairies, and a bit o’ History
For those interested in the mystical and historical, here are some groups that will be exploring old myths, legends, and Irish traditions. In Chicago, The Witches’ Conclave is hosting an event on Leprechauns in which they will dig into the magical lore of these whimsical creatures and even provide an opportunity to apply a bit of real life magic.
Those that can’t magically transport to the windy city have plenty of online events to attend. Dublin Local History is hosting an exciting event on the Myths and Legends of Irish Plants. At this free event, they’ll share magical myths and legends surrounding Irish plants, explore which plant is the ‘real shamrock’, meet the nobles of the wood, and learn about fairies in the forests. Back stateside, Profs and Pints DC is hosting an event on how St. Patrick’s older legacy as an inspiration for both Irish and African rebels in early America. If you want to get philosophical this St. Patrick’s Day, look no further than Lehigh Valley Humanists’ event What is Luck where members are invited to bring their favorite stories about luck and explore its true meaning.
Hikes, Paddles, and Other Adventures at the End of the Rainbow
Plenty of people are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year by chasing adventure in the great outdoors. Those in Houston, Texas can attend this St. Patrick’s Day Paddle at Mud Lake in Clear Creek Park. The Bayside Adventure Sports club is hosting a similar Emerald Isle Paddle on Lake Natoma.
If dry land is more your comfort zone, plenty of groups around the country are hosting St. Patrick’s Day themed hikes. The Sea and Mountain Hiking group of Petaluma, California is trekking into the Green Forest at North Slope Regional Park to see if they can spot a leprechaun, whereas farther down the coast the South Bay Walking & Hiking Group will wear green on this sunset hike around Terranea. Both Las Vegas Dauntless Hikers and Hike and Scramble Las Vegas will also wear green for their local hikes in Las Vegas. Finally, Long Island Active Adults are hoping Irish eyes will be smiling and luck will prevail for good weather for their own St. Patrick’s Day hike.
If you’re looking for something a little less intense, Chicago Explorers will be hosting a walking tour of Chicago’s Irish History and the Coil Coalition of Columbus, Ohio will be doing their own walking tour in Dublin, Ohio.
Magically Delicious Food Events
Expand your St. Patrick’s Day palate past food dyed green and lucky charms with these tasty and festive events. Ever wonder what a shamrock tastes like? Dublin’s own Wild Food Events is here to answer that question with their event Have You Ever Eaten A Shamrock? Attendees will discover the main types of “shamrocks,” which ones are edible, what they taste like, and how you can use them in delicious foods and drinks. Come along and find out all about the humble little shamrock‘s food and folklore traditions! For something a little more conventional, Busting Boredom in the Burbs will be making Irish Soda Bread & Homemade Guinness Butter.
The Bay Area and Seattle Chapters of Women Who Whiskey will learn how to make a genuine Irish Coffee with global award-winning Teeling Irish Whiskey at their event. Experience a virtual walkthrough Ireland’s best visitor experience on a guided distillery tour while sipping on your homemade drams!
Coming together this St. Patrick’s Day and beyond
Maintaining a sense of community and togetherness is as important today as it has ever been. Although St. Patrick’s Day may not feel so lucky this year as we continue to social distance rather than cheer at parades or grab a green pint at the bar, we can still continue its rich traditions while staying safe. Meetup has thousands of fun events to help you celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day in a special way, and make new friends while you’re at it. Find a Meetup group for the 17th, and for the future.
Last modified on June 23, 2021
