Looking for ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Albany this year? It is your lucky day! Scroll on for virtual events and takeout specials to enjoy throughout the month of March. It may be a different type of celebration this year, but this St. Patrick's Day will still feature traditional Irish fare, sham-rocking tunes and plenty of cheer!
Virtual Irish Sweat-er Run
Go the extra mile this March with the virtual Irish Sweat-er Run in support of the Irish American Heritage Museum! Embrace the healthy spirit of St. Patrick and complete a 5K or 10K anytime between Tuesday, March 8 to Sunday, March 14. After registering, participants will receive access to a confirmation page to download a virtual race bib, report results and upload a photo for the event gallery.
Virtual St. Patrick's Day Parade
The City of Albany and St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee have reimagined the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade as a virtual parade for 2021! Tune in on Saturday, March 13 at this link for a variety of virtual activities and performances. The virtual fun will kick off at 10:00 AM with a traditional mass at Blessed Sacrament Church. Even though you are enjoying the festivities from home, don't forget to get in on the fun by breaking out your brightest green attire (or sweatpants)!
Irish Heritage Celebration for Families
Albany Public Library and the Irish American Heritage Museum have teamed up for a virtual Irish Heritage Celebration for Families! On Saturday, March 13 learn about the many ways immigrants from Ireland have contributed to our region’s unique cultural development. Executive Director of the Irish American Heritage Museum Dr. Elizabeth Stack, a native of Ireland, will dive into the history of Irish immigrants in our region and across the state. This virtual event is recommended for families, with kids ages 5+.
Celtic Dreams…How Can I Keep from Singing?
Music lovers won't want to miss "Celtic Dreams...How Can I Keep from Singing?", a virtual performance of traditional Celtic and American music from Albany Pro Musica and the Musicians of Ma'alwyck. Listen in to the free performance featuring beloved folk music on Sunday, March 14 at 4:00 PM on WMHT TV, Channel 17 or online at this link. The musical performance will be followed by a panel of regional experts discussing the artistic and cultural influence of the Irish on the Capital Region!
Irish American Heritage Museum Virtual Events
The Irish American Heritage Museum has a robust calendar of virtual events throughout the month of March. On Wednesday, March 10, tune in on Facebook Live for a Soda Bread Baking Demo with chef Harold Qualters and Pat Hale. Enjoy favorite Irish songs with a free concert from Don Kelly on Friday, March 12 or tune in for eclectic Stories, Songs and Shenanigans with Aindrias de Staic on Sunday, March 14. To celebrate Women's History Month, the museum is hosting a virtual lecture with Dr. Tara McCarthy on Irish American women's activism during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and a virtual lecture with Dr. McAuliffe on the political & private lives of Irish revolutionary female couples. For even more virtual events, visit the Irish American Heritage Museum's events calendar.
Honest Weight Food Co-op
Treat yourself to a St. Patrick's Day Meal from Honest Weight Food Co-op! For $26.99 per person, enjoy a Corned Beef Brisket meal with corned beef brisket braised in Brown's Brewing Company Oatmeal Stout, roasted organic carrots, braised green cabbage and parslied baby red potatoes. For $15.99 per person, savor the Vegan Shepherd’s Pie made with rich Brown’s Brewing Company Oatmeal Stout gravy, mushrooms, carrots, celery and onions with creamy mashed potatoes. Top off the meal by adding on Irish Soda Bread (vegan or gluten-free available) or chocolate Stout Cake (vegan available). Pickup is available from Wednesday, March 17 to Sunday, March 21. Call 518-482-2667 x254 to place an order.
Cider Belly Doughnuts
Downtown Albany staple Cider Belly Doughnuts is accepting pre-orders for St. Patrick's Day six packs! For $19, the "Boozy St Paddy’s Six" features a variety of festive doughnuts such as "Boiler Marker", a chocolate Guinness doughnut with Baileys frosting and Jameson whiskey. For $11, the "Kid Friendly Six" features six doughnut specials from "Get Lucky", a vanilla doughnut with vanilla frosting and topped with Luck Charms, to "Sprinkle of Sprinkles", an apple cider doughnut with vanilla frosting and St. Patrick's Day sprinkles. These specials are available from Thursday, March 11 to Sunday, March 21. Follow the doughnut shop on Instagram for more specials including gluten-free and vegan options. Call 518-253-4640 to reserve your six pack.
What's Poppin
Albany's gourmet popcorn shop, What's Poppin, has St. Patrick's Day sweet treats covered. Fans of mint will adore "Feelin Lucky," mint popcorn covered in chocolate and Lucky Charms, or "Shamrock Shake," mint popcorn drizzled in vanilla creme with green M&Ms. Indulge in "Double Boozy Chocolate," chocolate popcorn blended with a Guiness and Jameson reduction, or "Irish Coffee," the Double Boozy Chocolate popcorn covered in white chocolate and Brewtus coffee. The flavors are limited, so pick up the festive flavors at the popcorn shop in Colonie today!
The Century House
Savor a traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner from The Century House on Wednesday, March 17! The dinner special, available as an entree or family meal, features corned beef, cabbage, carrots, red skin potatoes and soda bread. Enjoy the Irish fare for takeout or while dining in from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on St. Patrick's Day. If you are planning on dining in at the family-owned restaurant, your meal will be accented by live music from The Paddy's Boys from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Reservations and takeout pre-orders are available online today.
McGeary's Irish Pub
Celebrate the spirit of the Irish by dining in or ordering takeout from McGeary's Irish Pub all month the long. The cozy Irish pub is a locally-owned downtown Albany favorite serving up burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and more. Searching for a dish with a touch of Irish flair? Order the Reuben for grilled corned beef on rye with swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing with shoestring fries on the side. Keep an eye out on the pub's Instagram for daily specials!