Pay tribute to the Irish at St. Patrick’s Day parties around the Tri-Cities this weekend.
The Feast of Saint Patrick — the patron saint of Ireland — is traditionally marked by wearing green and toasting the cultural occasion with a pint or two of green suds.
Here’s a taste of what’s going on around the region:
March 16
VAMPIRE RUN
Sue Round and Club Fat Ass are organizing the second annual Vampire Run near Heritage Woods Secondary in Port Moody (1300 David Ave.). The spring equinox event starts at sunset on March 16 at 7:19 p.m. and finishes at sunrise at 7:19 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, with green beer, coffee and croissants for participants.
More: Facebook.com
IRISH DANCING
No reservations are needed to take part in the St. Patrick’s Day weekend fun at the Tri-Cities’ only Irish-themed pub: St. James Well (248 Newport Dr., Port Moody). Whiskey, Guinness and green beer will be flowing at the eatery, and a special Irish brunch will be served on March 16 and 17. Catch the Irish dancers perform.
More: facebook.com
DRINK SPECIALS
The crew at Charlie Hamiltons Pub (1031-1163 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) officially kicked off its weekend-long St. Patrick’s party on Friday night. The venue has drink specials, including green beer. Green attire is encouraged.
More: facebook.com
THE PIDS
The Pids light up The Arms (3261 Coast Meridian Rd., Port Coquitlam) for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
More: armspub.ca / 604-941-4711
LIVE MUSIC
There will be dinner and drink specials to celebrate St. Patrick — plus live music starting at 8 p.m. — at the Gillnetter Pub (1864 Argue St., Port Coquitlam).
Reserve: gillnetterpub.com / 604-941-5599
GREEN BASH
It’s green beer and giveaways all weekend for the Green Bash at The Taphouse (2-405 North Rd., Coquitlam). On March 16, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., DJs will be providing the sounds and prizes will be given away for the best green outfits. And on March 17, green beer will be served during the all-day happy hour.
Reserve: thetaphouse.ca / 604-492-4055
March 17
SLAINTE
Raise a glass to St. Patrick at the John B Pub (1000 Austin Ave., Coquitlam), where there’s happy hour all day to salute the Irish saint.
More: johnbpub.com
LEGION JAM
Slip on your dancing shoes as DJ St. Pat spins the tunes at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 119 in Port Moody (2544 Spring St.) starting at 2:30 p.m. Irish dancers will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. Guinness and Irish fare will be available beginning at noon. Kids are welcome.
Reserve: 604-492-1840
HOLI MOLY
Harmeet Singh headlines Comedy with Colors, the first Hindi–English standup show with Tri-City performers, to celebrate Holi Festival and St. Patrick’s Day. Singh is the first Asian–Canadian to be selected for Just For Laughs in the U.S. The March 17 show is in the Inlet Theatre in Port Moody (100 Newport Dr.).
Tickets: Eventbrite.ca
BE BRAVE
Save a buck on your first beer at Brave Brewing (2617 Murray St., Port Moody) by wearing green for St. Patrick’s Day. From noon to 5, Mister G’s Back Road BBQ food truck will be on site. And don’t forget to play Minute to Win It games from 4 to 6 p.m.
More: brave.beer
NEW BEER
A craft brew will be unveiled by Taylight Brewing (402-1485 Coast Meridian Rd., Port Coquitlam) on St. Patrick’s Day. The team has a day filled with festive fun, including green beer.
More: taylightbrewing.com / 604-283-1944
Meanwhile, if you’re planning to drink alcohol for St. Patrick’s Day, don’t drive home.
BC Highway Patrol will target impaired drivers this weekend, with road blocks set up around the province.
You're urged to call police if you see:
- a person was drinking and is getting into a driver’s seat of a vehicle
- someone needs help trying to prevent an impaired person from driving
- a vehicle is swerving across road lines, running red lights, is almost causing collisions or you otherwise suspect the driver may be impaired
“Impaired driving penalties range from significant fines and being prohibited from driving to being charged criminally. The impound fees alone can reach thousands of dollars,” said Cpl. Melissa Jongema, spokesperson for BC Highway Patrol, in a news release.
“Safe rides save lives, so plan for a safe ride home if you are planning on consuming liquor this weekend.”
