Finding the right way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Atlanta proves much easier than combing the grass for four-leaf clovers. No need to get your leprechaun pants in a bunch, as family-friendly festivities, beer-drenched rave-ups and traditional Irish grub all can be had. St. Patrick's Day 2017 is March 17.
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Raising of the Green
For the folks at Art Station performing arts center in Stone Mountain Village, St. Patrick’s Day means more than just a reason to wear green. That’s when they host their annual fundraiser. Raising of the Green invites guests to partake in samples from area restaurants and sip on gratis green beer. Peruse the live and silent auctions, which will offer theater tickets, restaurant gift certificates and more. Musicians will provide the live soundtrack. Feeling the luck of the Irish? Then you might take home the $1,000 raffle prize.
6-10 p.m. March 17. $20 advance; $25 at the door. Art Station, 5384 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105, artstation.org.
Luckyfest
Waves of green beer will crash throughout this annual outdoor soiree, with Piedmont Park and the Atlanta skyline serving as the backdrop. There will be live bands punctuated by DJs all day. You can save some green by buying tickets in advance. Music lineup will be announced soon. This year, in addition to the March 18, 2 p.m. Luckyfest, there’s Lucky Night on Friday, March 17 and Lucky Brunch from 11-1 p.m. on March 18. “Green kegs and eggs” y’all! Pace yourself.
2-11 p.m. March 18. $10-44 advance. Park Tavern, 500 10th St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-249-0001, spiralentertainment.com/events/luckyfest-2017.
MORE: See the green-dyed fountain as Smyrna readies for St. Patrick's Day fest
St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Block Party
Fadó Irish Pub in Buckhead doesn’t just throw a St. Paddy’s bash, they throw it in the street. Twice. Starting at noon on Saturday, March 11 and Friday, March 17, there will be live music outdoors, a beer garden, cocktail stations and you probably get the idea. Keep in mind it’s a 21-and-older event. Check back here for the music lineup.
Noon March 11 and 17. $20 each day, packages and deals available. Fadó Irish Pub, 273 Buckhead Ave., Atlanta. 404-841-0066, fadoirishpub.com.
Hops and barley continue to be the lifeblood of St. Paddy’s Day. Appropriately enough, this indulgence in brew takes place just two days after the holiday. Guests will converge on Town Center Park and sample more than 300 American craft beers. There’ll also be food from vendors: Think pizza, tacos, barbecue, lobster rolls and more. A cornhole tournament, giant Jenga and other games will keep competitive drinkers busy, and bands Rodeo Twister and Fulkinetic will play live.
1-5 p.m. March 18. Tickets range from $45 for early birds through $60 for day of show. VIP package: $110, $10 for designated driver tickets. Suwanee Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. suwaneebeerfest.com.
Shamrock the Station
Atlantic Station goes Irish the weekend before St. Paddy’s Day with Shamrock the Station. Live music will begin at 5 p.m. Judah and the Lion, Coin, and Bleaker, along with some local bands will keep you moving til 10 p.m. There will be a Kid Zone available for little leprechauns before the main event, 1-4 p.m. Food and drink and fun are on the menu at the Station’s many restaurants including Meehan’s Irish fare.
1-10 p.m. March 11. Free. 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta. 404-410-4010, atlanticstation.com.
Shamrockin’ for a Cure
Originally started nine years ago to help raise money to fight cystic fibrosis, Shamrockin’ for a Cure is an all-inclusive event that allows ticket holders unlimited libations and food from participating restaurants. The latter includes Hugo’s Oyster Bar, Peach & the Porkchop, Lucky’s Burger & Brew, Pure Taqueria and more. Musically, it’s back to the 1980s with sounds from the Breakfast Club Chicago. Consider shopping at the silent and live auctions. Proceeds from this 21+ event will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
7 p.m.-midnight. March 25. $95. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-325-6973, shamrockinforacure.com.
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Green Mile Midtown Block Party
More than 1,000 revelers are expected at this seventh annual multi-venue party. Tickets include admission to all participating bars. Some will be pouring themed drinks and shots, while others will offer discount food and drinks. Venues include Rí Rá Irish Pub, Front Page News, Flip Flops Atlanta, Tin Lizzy's Cantina, Sutra Lounge, CosmoLava, Fadó Irish Pub, Hudson Grille and Burger Fi. Registration is from 7 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. at Rí Rá. It also hosts the Irish Girl Costume Contest at midnight. The winner will walk away with a $250 cash prize. Those who aren't nursing a hangover the next day can attend the sister event Kegs and Eggs at venues in Virginia-Highland.
7 p.m. March 10. $12.99 early bird price, then $14.99. Rí Rá Irish Pub, 1080 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. atlantabartours.com/events/event/green-mile-midtown-block-party.
Last weekend:
Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Dating back to 1858, the Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the oldest of its kind in the country, featuring marching bands, dancers, bagpipes and drum corps, and emerald-hued floats. The Peachtree Street procession will begin at 15th Street and end at 5th Street. Organizers suggest guests arrive as early as 11 a.m. to score a good spot along the route. They also recommend bringing folding chairs and blankets.
Noon-1:30 p.m. March 11. Free. Corner of Peachtree Street and 15th Street, Atlanta. 404-504-6884, atlantastpats.com.
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