Those mail-in DNA tests will tell you a lot about your ancestry (maybe more than you wanted to know!) but the truth is that on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is a little Irish for a day — if not in body then certainly in spirit.
March 17 marks the day St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, died. Contrary to popular belief, St. Patrick wasn’t Irish by birth; there is evidence that he was actually a Roman born in England. He also didn’t chase the snakes out of Ireland — odds are there were no snakes on the island in the first place. Nevertheless, no one should let facts get in the way of a good story.
In Indianapolis, the Greening of the Canal will be on Thurs., March 15 at 5 p.m. at Ohio and West streets. St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts with a block party Fri., March 16 at 10 a.m. on Vermont St., and the parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. at North and Pennsylvania (ends at Meridian and Vermont). The east side’s own Black Hat Society witches will be in the parade with their signature moves, plus bagpipers, bands, and much more.
Manley’s Irish Mutt, 7041 E. 10th St., is the place on the east side for two days of Irish music, food, and more. Doors will open Friday March 16 at 11 a.m., and the tent opens at 3 p.m. for entertainment, including the Murat Highlander Bagpipers, Blue Collar Bluegrass, and Full Moon Dogs. On Saturday, the hours are the same, and music includes the Murat Bagpipers along with Copykatz and Dog Bite Mike. The menu will be limited to Irish specialties, and for these two days only, the Mutt is cash only. This is a 21 and older event.
The newly revamped Butler Inn, 5221 E. Washington, will be hosting live music and bagpipers all day long — from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 17. They are featuring an Irish Breakfast, then beef and cabbage, and select libations.
The oldest Irish pub in Indianapolis, McGinely’s Golden Ace, 2533 E. Washington St., will hold a two day celebration with authentic Irish music from Flat Out, Patrick Grant, the Dooley Brothers, the Narrowbacks, Bronx Boys, and the presentation of the Irish Citizen of the Year Award in the tent at 2:30 p.m. March 17. The fun begins in the tent at noon both days.
Si Greene’s Pub, 5109 E. 10th St. will start the fun at 4 p.m. on Friday, and pick up again Saturday at 4 p.m. Look for drink specials, Irish food, plus music from the Murat Highlanders at 4 p.m., and the Why Store at 7 p.m. DJ Marshall will be on hand to spin discs both days.
The Tick Tock Lounge, 2602 E. 10th St., will be hosting two days of St. Patrick’s Day festivities on Friday and Saturday, opening at 9 a.m. and closing at midnight. There will be free live music from Acoustic Flashback and Yellow Kites, as well as the Woozy Brothers on Saturday. They will also be serving Irish Stew.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, please be responsible and have a designated driver or call a service to take you home if you’ve had a wee dram too many.
