St. Paddy's Day In The Berkshires
Saint Patrick’s Day is technically a day to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and to acknowledge the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. At least, that is the origin of this holiday, but not many people I know choose to spend the day deep in thought about Saints or the state of religion in Ireland. Instead, the mention of St. Paddy’s Day usually conjures up connotations of green beer, mischievous leprechauns, and corned beef and cabbage. It is a day when anyone can wear shirts that say Kiss Me, I’m Irish, for it is typically a day full of celebrations and good cheer. Here in the Berkshires, there is a great sense of community as people come together to revel in anything Irish.
Below are the top things to do to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in the Berkshires.
March 9th: Balderdash Performance at Balderdash Cellars. The Scoil Rince Bréifne Ó Ruairc dancers will be joined by the Gaellica members for an exciting afternoon of dance and music.
March 14th: JP Murphy Band will be playing at Porches in North Adams. This will be a show you won’t want to miss as a special Irish dance troupe will be joining the band for an added performance.
March 15th: The one, the only Albany St Patrick's Day Parade! Scoil Rince Bréifne Ó Ruairc will be marching with the Pittsfield Irish Sister City Committee and the Moffatt school (visiting from County Mayo, Ireland)! Make sure to wave as they dance by!
March 15th: Irish American Club St Patrick's Day Dinner. Come for the food, stay for the live Irish music and dancing!
March 15th: Come hear American Celtic music at Kevin McKrell’s Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Egg in Albany. McKrell will play his classics that will have the crowd singing along!
March 16th: Bousquet Ski Resort isn’t just for skiing. Check out their St. Paddy's Day party with live music, and Irish themed food and drinks. For those interested in hitting the slopes as well, there will even be green snow for an added festive touch!
March 17th: It wouldn’t be St. Paddy’s Day without green beer, so head to Patrick’s Pub in Pittsfield for its St Patrick's Day Pub Tour.
March 22nd: 48th Annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race! More than just a race, it is a block party of epic proportions!
March 23rd: 72nd Annual St. Patrick's Parade- the best and biggest one around this area to celebrate Irish traditions.