As we approach St. Paddy’s Day, local businesses, concert promoters and the arts have offered a pot of golden opportunities at the end of the rainbow with many ways to enjoy the Irish-themed holiday and culture of the Emerald Isle.
1
Shamrockin’ In Ghent
What began 32 years ago as the Greening of Ghent by the Ghent Business Association has become a revised tradition presented by Hope House Foundation as a street party on Colley Avenue in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
This year’s event happens Friday, March 8 and runs from 6 PM to 10 PM with live music from the Fighting Jamesons and Tidewater Pipe & Drum.
The event is a fundraiser for Hope House.
“Shamrockin’ is one of our biggest fundraisers outside of the Stockey Gardens Arts Festivals. It is a community event that encourages inclusion and brings people of all backgrounds together, which is always the goal of our events,” said Hope House Foundation’s Laura DeVore.
Said Development Director Elena Montello: “Sometimes it is hard to get people hooked to our mission and with Shamrockin’ we are able to reach a younger crowd who, we hope, will eventually helps us move our mission forward whether its through volunteering, possible employment and advocacy for people with disabilities.”
Attention to beer details is highly important for event organizers.
“We always have Guinness, Smithwicks, and Harp at the Irish beer truck, and then a variety of craft beers at the other beer truck,” LeVore shared.
Elena Montello: “We are partnering with Mane Event and he will be making some Jamesons cocktails– including an Irish Coffee this year.”
DeVore insists traditional bagpipes are an event highlight.
“The Tidewater Pipes and Drums always kicks off the event at 6 PM, and it really sets the festive tone for the night. It is such a big part of Irish culture and we love having them to make Shamrockin’ feel more authentic as a cultural event.”
2
Norfolk Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The 57th annual parade will be held Saturday, March 16 in the Ocean View section of Norfolk. The parade route begins at Northside Middle School and heads north on Granby Street. Wear your green, watch the floats, marching bands, and other unique sights. Sheriff Joe Baron is the 2024 Grand Marshall.
3
Flogging Molly Concert
Get your St. Paddy’s off to an early start by experiencing Irish-theme punk rockers Flogging Molly at The NorVa on February 20.
4
Dropkick Murphys Concert
The Boston-based punk rock legends wear their shamrock on their sleeves as they bring the extended St Patrick’s Day Tour 2024 to ODU’s Chartway Arena on March 7.
5
Young Dubliners Concert
The edgy Irish rock band weaves tradition and modern electricity to their unique brand of music. Catch them live at Elevation 27 on March 24 for a post-St Patrick’s celebration.
6
Celtic Woman Concert
Touring on their 20th Anniversary, the enchanting quartet of voices brings Ireland’s mystical beauty to light March 19 at the Sandler Center.
7
Celtic Angels Ireland Concert
This glorious musical journey captivates audiences with more than 30 Irish traditional and contemporary tunes, masterfully intertwined and performed live by The Trinity Band Ensemble of Dublin, and also features The Celtic Knight Dancers, who seem to defy gravity as they command the stage with their powerful, percussive presence. March 17 at Ferguson Center.
8
Traditional St. Patrick’s Celtic Celebration Concert
Acclaimed Celtic harpist and composer Maeve Gilchrist will perform her very own Celtic Harp Concerto, and Irish folk singer-songwriter legend Karan Casey will showcase her soulful interpretations of Irish traditional singing. With expressive ballads, rousing reels, and familiar tunes like “Londonderry Air “and “The Irish Washerwoman” and backed by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, this March 17 concert at Sandler Center will be memorable.
9
Tommy & Saundra O’Sullivan Concert
An intimate house concert at Victorian Station, in Phoebus, with Tommy & Saundra O’Sullivan from Dingle, Ireland on February 20. Many folks in our local area have become friends and fans with this talented couple through their legendary music venue, The Courthouse Pub, in Dingle.
10
Fighting Jamesons Concert
Cap off St. Patrick Day — March 17 — with an electrified concert by Hampton Roads’ Irish-themed punk rock band at Elevation 27 in Virginia Beach.
11
Fiddler’s Green Concert at The Vanguard
“Irish music in the pub tradition” is the motto of Fiddler’s Green. Sold us right there. Expect sing-along ditties like “Whiskey in the Jar” and moving ballads such as “Danny Boy.” Happening March 17 at 7 PM at The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery in Hampton.
12
Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub
This downtown Norfolk establishment is literally a Guinness-built pub by craftsmen from the Emerald Isle. From March 12 through 17, lively live music will be supplied by Glasgow Kiss w/Val Little & Don Bunch.
13
After-Parade-Party at COVA Brewing Company
Following the St. Patrick’s Parade in Ocean View, head down to COVA brewing Company for a pint of Parade Route Stout and music by Clan McCool Band & Kaboombox. Noon to 9 PM on March 16.
14
Billsburg Brewery
Green beer will flow as promised along with green everything else — slushes and cocktails. Prepare for a rockin’ party with the Fighting Jamesons making an onstage appearance. It all starts at 11 AM.
15
Tir na nÓg Irish Music Fest
Get an early start to your St. Pat’s celebration on February 24 at Commonwealth Brewing Company. Live music by Fighting Jamesons along with an Irish market and the release of Irish Tir na nÓg Imperial Stout (13% ABV). You may be seeing Leprechauns after two of these stoutish of stouts.
16
Feast of St. Paddy’s
Elation Brewing will host a two-day celebration on March 16 and 17 with live music, Irish foods, and fundraising — St. Baldrick’s Shave to Raise (11-3 on Saturday). “The Elated Kitchen will be serving up traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage, Stout Braised Beef & Veggie Stew, Colcannon with Stout Gravy, all complimented by a new Irish Soda Bread,” says the brewery.
17
“A Dramatic Land: Photographs of Ireland by Glen McClure”
Legendary landscape and portrait photographer Glen McClure has focused much of his lens to the people and places found on Ireland’s rugged west coast. This exhibition runs through March 30 at Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center in Hampton.
18
Pint at Murphy’s Irish Pub
When all else fails, go have a pint of Guinness and order some fish ’n’ chips at this famed oceanfront pub on Pacific Avenue.
19
Bold Mariner Post Parade Party
The Bold Mariner Brewing Company will be in party mode March 16 following the Norfolk Saint Patrick’s Day Parade celebration. Live music, food, beer, and fun times.
20
Faerie Folk of the Emerald Isle
Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads will present a fun storytelling play about Irish culture and those wee creatures known as Leprechauns. Two performance March 2 at Zeiders American Dream Theater.
