7 Festive Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale
Though Dublin, Ireland, might be the best place in the world to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — we’re pretty convinced that celebrating right here, in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a close second!
Whether you’re looking for live Irish music, bar games, or a pint of green beer and a hearty plate of corned beef and cabbage to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day — you can find all that (and more!) at the festive events and Irish venues across Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix. Keep reading to discover some of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale.
Events & Attractions
If you’re looking for a fun, organized festival or event to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — look no further than this list of bar crawls, parades, and fairs organized in Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix.
1. St. Patrick’s Day Block Party & Pub Crawl
The St. Patrick’s Day Block Party & Pub Crawl is a two-day event in Scottsdale that takes place on the Friday and Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day — you can purchase tickets for the day that fits your schedule best (or both days, if you’re feeling ambitious!).
During the pub crawl, you can secure deals and discounts on green beer and drinks at popular bars and nightlife venues in Old Town Scottsdale and Tempe, including Wasted Grain, Gilgin’s Bar, and Social Tap. Check out the event’s website for more details on this year’s event.
2. St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire is a family-friendly parade and festival in Downtown Phoenix that has celebrated the St. Patrick’s Day holiday in Phoenix for over four decades.
The 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 16th, 2024, at 10 a.m. and will follow a designated route down 3rd Street from Oak Street to Margaret T. Hance Park. The parade features various performers, entertainers, marching bands, dancers, bagpipers, and floats.
Afterward, head down to Margaret T. Hance Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., where you can listen to live Irish music and bagpipers, watch Irish step dancing, and eat traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage at the St. Patrick’s Day Faire. There are also bars throughout the faire serving Irish whiskey and beer. Admission to the parade is free, but general admission to the faire is $12 for adults. Children aged 12 and under can attend for free.
3. Irish Cultural Center
If you want to dive into Irish history, culture, and customs, the Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library is a fabulous place to spend St. Patrick’s Day.
On St. Patrick’s Day from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Irish Cultural Center offers a book sale in the McClelland Library — a library featuring over 8,000 books from Irish authors and poets — as well as family story hour, full campus tours, free admission to the exhibits on the campus, and the opportunity to learn more about your Irish heritage at the Genealogy Center.
Another fun event to enjoy at the Irish Cultural Center every third Friday of the month at 6 p.m. is an Irish “Ceili,” where participants can learn traditional, family-oriented Irish dances, including “The Walls of Limerick” and “The Siege of Ennis.” You don’t have prior knowledge or experience to participate, and all ages are welcome. Ticket prices include dance lessons, live Irish music, and access to drinks at the bar.
Restaurants & Bars
If grabbing a green beer with corned beef and cabbage while listening to live Irish music sounds like the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll want to check out the events at these bars and Irish pubs across Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix.
4. Clancy’s Pub
Clancy’s Pub in Scottsdale, Arizona, is an Irish pub and a fun place to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day all day long! This popular establishment opens for Irish coffee and breakfast at 6 a.m. and stays open until 2 a.m. with live music on the main outdoor stage. For lunch or dinner, you can enjoy festive dishes from the specialty menu, including corned beef, cabbage, and green beer.
5. Seamus McCaffrey’s
Seamus McCaffrey’s is an Irish pub in Downtown Phoenix that is not only a popular place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — it’s also a nightlife staple in the Valley of the Sun. Some of the traditional Irish fare on the menu includes corned beef and cabbage, fish ‘n’ chips, and beef stew. Seamus McCaffrey’s also serves dozens of Irish whiskeys and Irish draft beer, including Guinness, Kilkenny, and Magner’s Irish Cider.
6. K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill
K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill is one of the most popular sports bars in Scottsdale, Arizona, and it’s also an excellent place for locals and visitors alike to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Though it’s not an Irish establishment, this award-winning sports bar is a popular place to catch live music while enjoying delicious food and drinks. It’s also well-known for fun events, like off-track betting, weekly trivia nights, and happy hour.
7. Padre Murphy’s
Padre Murphy’s in Glendale, Arizona, hosts one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day events in the Valley that attracts more than 5,000 patrons annually. This party — dubbed the “Party Under the Big Top” — is an all-day Irish celebration under a giant tent pitched in the bar’s parking lot.
If you visit Padre Murphy’s on St. Patrick’s Day, you can expect lots of green beer, corned beef and cabbage, live music, and bar games. If green beer isn’t your thing, Padre Murphy’s also offers 50+ draft beers on tap, including Guinness, and hosts giveaways for prizes during the parking lot party.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale with Stay With Style Scottsdale
If you’re planning to be in Scottsdale during St. Patrick’s Day — you’re in for a treat! Not only is Scottsdale a great place to celebrate this fun holiday, but it’s also one of the best places to visit in the country in March. You can also enjoy beautiful, sunny weather for hiking and biking, spring training games, and other fun activities while you’re in town!
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your visit to Scottsdale in March, we would love to host you in one of our luxurious vacation rentals, complete with designer interiors, comfortable furniture, and resort-style backyards. Browse our properties to see what is available during your vacation — and book quickly to secure your rental during this popular travel season!