Festivals and Events
Downtown Events
Previous events
March 2008
9th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party
Friday-Saturday, March 14-15
Sine Irish Pub (1327 East Cary Street) in Shockoe Slip
Friday: 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. and Saturday: noon – 2 a.m. No cover charge before 6 p.m.
Friday night the party kicks off early with live music by the U2 cover band, Even Better Than The Real Thing, to get you in a green mood. Then come back when the pub opens on Saturday for more live music with Uisce Beatha, US, Naughty Little Monkey and Broken Monday to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all weekend long! You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy this party. Sip ice cold beverages and taste delicious pub food, like fish ‘n chips, and corned beef and cabbage. On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, more Irish food, fun and live music by Jim Guy from Uisce Beatha as you raise a few with your friend’s to the patron saint of Ireland! For more information visit www.sineirishpub.com or call (804) 649-7767.
5th Annual Shamrock the Block
Saturday, March 15
18th Street in Shockoe Bottom
Noon – 6 p.m., Free admission
It’s that time of the year and spring fever is kicking in! What better way to kick off the season then hanging out with your friends on St. Patrick’s Day weekend as we put the “Rock” back in Shamrock. This event will feature live music from classic rock favorites, The Georgia Satellites and new rock newcomers, Louis XIV. There will be a children’s area, vendors, great food and plenty of cold beverages. In addition, Shamrock the Block is going “green” and will feature environmentally friendly initiatives including a new recycling program from Waste Management – “How to make your home more ‘Green.’” Plus, the generators used on site will be powered by Bio-Diesel. Thanks to our sponsors: Bud Light, Waste Management, 96.5 The Planet and Y101. Proceeds from Shamrock the Block benefit Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). For more information visit www.shamrocktheblock.com or call (804) 304-6870.
6th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Monday, March 17
Capital Ale House Downtown (623 East Main Street)
5 p.m., Free admission
Over the years, the 6th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration has grown to become one of the biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Virginia! Capital Ale House will offer more than 10 different Irish and Scottish ales on tap, and at least 10 more in the bottle. Menu items will include traditional Irish fare such as Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, and whisky steak and potatoes, along with the regular menu. Entertainment will be provided in the popular music hall by Edsall Road, Tinkers Dam and Greater Richmond Pipes & Drums. For more information visit www.capitalalehouse.com.
23rd Annual Church Hill Irish Festival
Saturday-Sunday, March 29-30
Church Hill (in front of St. Patrick’s Church on North 25th Street between Broad and Franklin streets)
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., $2 donation
The festival kicks off with a walking parade to traditional Irish music and dancing and continues with a street festival where traditional Irish musicians, bagpipers and dancers will perform throughout the weekend. This year’s entertainment lineup includes Uisce Beatha; the Janet Martin Band; Andy, Cindy and Then Some; Page Wilson; Gary Gerloff; Tinkers Damn; Bart Chucker Band; Kelly Kennedy; Susan Greenbaum and many other local favorites. In addition to great music there will be plenty of family fun, including children’s games, face painting and Irish-themed crafts. Food and refreshments will also be available. Enjoy wonderful Irish Lasagna prepared by the Ladies of St. Patrick’s, Fish and Chips by the great chefs at Holy Rosary, and other favorites provided by Poe’s Irish Pub and Rare Olde Times. Proceeds benefit the St. Baldrick’s Society, Church Hill Association, Church Hill Crime Watch, Richmond Hill, Child Saver’s Clinic of Richmond, St. Peter’s Meals Program and the historic preservation of St. Patrick’s Church, a “little church with a big heart.” We kindly ask that you leave all pets at home. Sponsored in part by Harp and Guinness. For more information visit www.saintpatrickchurchhill.org or call (804) 356-1093.