Where to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2015 in Portland

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here in Portland, and there are plenty of events happening around town at local taphouses and Irish bars for anyone and everyone who wants to get a little bit Irish. While Drink Portland loves to celebrate the holiday as much as anyone, we also want to remind readers to imbibe with care, especially on drinking holidays like St. Paddy’s. Take cabs and Trimet instead of driving, or appoint a sober friend to drive.

Here are a few of the major events happening on St. Patrick’s Day, 2015.

The whiskey is 92 proof, made from floor-malted Maris Otter barley malt and aged five years in used Syrah port barrels from McMenamins’ wineries. It’s delicate on the nose and front, almost brandy-like, but robust on the finish, with notes of vanilla, butterscotch, almonds and light citrus. While not technically Irish, it definitely shares a lot of characteristics with a high-quality Irish whiskey and is worth tracking down this St. Paddy’s day.

For availability and information about other musical or celebratory happenings going on at McMenamins locations this St. Patrick’s Day, click here.

Paddy’s
Portland’s most beautiful Irish bar is hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a tented street party, complete with Irish bands and Irish Dancers, bagpipers, Corned Beef and Hash, Tullamore DEW Irish whiskey and, of course, plenty of Guinness. The tent opens at 11 AM and is open to all ages until 9:30 PM. Tickets for the event are only $10.

The event is more than just wanton celebration—it also benefits a great cause. For the fifth year in a row, Paddy’s is joining with the Children’s Cancer Association. A portion of the proceeds from their weekend long event (which also serves participants of the sold-out Shamrock Run) will go directly to fighting children’s cancer. (65 SW Yamhill St.; 503-224-5626)

Kells
Portland’s most famous Irish bar, Kells, is hosting music events all weekend, culminating with a massive live music show on St. Patrick’s Day. A large tent is being set up outside to make room for the numerous bands being hosted, as well as the space inside.

This is Kells’ biggest event of the year, with Irish folk bands, rock music, Irish dancing, bagpipes and a Timbers game airing on Sunday, March 15 at 4 PM. Tickets are only $25 for a weekend of fun, so get yours here before they sell out. (112 SW 2nd Ave.; 503-227-4057)

EastBurn
It’s not an Irish bar, but that isn’t stopping EastBurn from enjoying the festivities. The bar will be serving the chef’s famous Corned Beef and Colcannon (a traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes and greens, usually kale or cabbage), and pints will be only $2.50 the whole day. At 8 PM, enjoy a show by Aarun Carter, the National Fiddle champion. (1800 E Burnside St.; 503-236-2876)

Beermongers
The friendly Division Street taphouse and bottle shop will be hosting an open house for St. Patrick’s day this year, complete with a tap list full of Irish beers and free Irish food, including corned beef, cabbage, and Guinness chocolate cake. The Lew Jones Trio will be playing, and stay tuned for the announcement of other specials guests as well. The open house begins at 4 PM. (1125 SE Division St.; 503-234-6012)

Photo by Alexander Frane