St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. Don’t worry if you don’t have any plans yet (we don’t either). Here are eight ideas for how you can spend this St. Patrick’s Day:
Science with a Twist: Luck O’ the Science
The Arizona Science Center is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Science with a Twist, featuring smoking green beverages, green science demos, and a U2 music show complete with lasers and a look at the Irish band’s road to fame. Attendees must be 21 or over.
When: Friday March 16 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: 600 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ
Price: $12 for non-members. | Members receive 2 free tickets. Additional tickets are $10.
Fountain O’ Green Artisan Market
Visit the Fountain O’ Green Artisan Market, a free festival offering more than 100 fine arts and crafts exhibitors, local food vendors, and live entertainment. And in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the Fountain Hills’ signature fountain will turn green on March 17 at noon.
When: Friday March 16 to Sunday March 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 16872 E. Avenue of the Fountains, in Fountain Hills, Arizona
Price: Admission is free.
Pot of Gold Music Festival
The Pot of Gold Music Festival is an all-ages event at Rawhide featuring three days of performances from Russ, Dej Loaf, PNB Rock, Phil Lesh and the Terrapin Family Band, Cody Jinks, Rebelution, and many more, including local artists performing inside.
When: Friday March 16 to Sunday March 18 from Noon – Midnight
Where: 5700 W N. Loop Rd., Chandler, AZ 85226
Price: Tickets for one, two, or all three days start at $75. | VIP tickets start at $230.
Kiss Me I’m Irish Run
At the Kiss Me I’m Irish Run, you can start your St. Patrick’s Day celebration early with a Kilt Run on Friday, or choose a half marathon or an 8k or 4k walk/run on Saturday. Afterward, enjoy live Irish music, costume prizes for both people and pets, and a post-race party.
When: Saturday March 17 at 7:00 a.m. (The Kilt Run is on Friday March 16 at 6:00 p.m.)
Where: Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Arizona
Price: Registration fees vary and include finisher medals and Irish-themed prizes.
35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire
Come watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and enjoy marching bands, Irish dancers, and bag pipers. Following the parade, the fair will begin at the Irish Cultural Center with Irish music, step-dancing, and crafts, as well as food, beverages, and a VIP Pub with a DJ and craft beer tasting by Mother Bunch Brewing and Helio Basin Brewing.
When: Saturday March 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Margaret T. Hance Park at 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Price: General Admission: $12; Admission + VIP Pub (21+): $20
Children 12 and under are free.
Free parking located at the parking garage on 1850 North Central Avenue.
ShamRockFest
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the heart of downtown Chandler at the ShamRockFest. Alien Ant Farm will be headlining the festival, along with local artists. Experience traditional Irish food, bagpipes, a family friendly zone as well as adult games, and a beer-cocktail garden.
When: Saturday March 17 from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: Dr. AJ Chandler Park at 178 E. Commonwealth, Chandler, Arizona 85225
Price: Early Bird: $10; VIP (6 drinks, food, and more): $80; Children 12 and under free
St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt
OdySea in the Desert is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt where children can enjoy a four-leaf-clover themed search to find a pot of gold. This event is free and includes a giveaway.
When: Saturday March 17 from 1:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.
Where: OdySea in the Desert 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Price: This free event is in the OdySea Courtyard and doesn’t require an admission ticket.
Experience Ireland at the MIM
The Musical Instrument Museum is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Experience Ireland. Explore Irish music and culture with crafts, dancing, and entertainment. Activities include Irish Bouzouki Craft-Making, Toe-Tap Pianos, a Celtic Tones Performance, and a Maguire Academy of Irish Dance Performance. The museum café will also be honoring St. Patrick’s Day, so stop by to try bangers and mash or soda bread. Instruments, books, and CDs can be purchased at the museum.
When: Saturday March 17 to Sunday March 18 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050
Price: Included with paid museum admission. Free for members. General: $20; Teens age 13–19: $15; Children age 4–12: $10; Children 3 and under are free.