9 places to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Toronto

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and there’s no tackier way to celebrate than drinking green beer. I mean it – just ask any true Irishman (or woman) who will tell you that there’s something not right about drinking green beer. For the faint of heart who indulge in regular beer – we have you covered too.

In the homeland, the Irish celebrate the day by spending time with family and friends. And yes, a few drinks.

That said, if green beer is on your must-do list for St. Patrick’s Day this year, you can do that.

That said, Toronto has some pretty swell pubs, so you could celebrate the day with a bit more class and try out one of these 9 places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Toronto this year.

Feeling lucky?

(For the record, St. Patrick’s Day is Thursday, March 17.)

PARADE

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

About a month ago, organizers of the parade were rounding up gingers from around Toronto for the first ever ginger-only float in the parade. I, for one, won’t want to miss that spectacle.

The parade happens on Sunday, March 13 this year. It starts at noon and runs from Bloor at St. George east to Yonge, then south to Queen, then back east toward its end point on Queen at University. For the route and more info, click here.

Makes a great post for Instagram too!

PARTIES

SPD

Why say the whole word when there’s now an acronym for one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parties? SPD is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, starting at 11 am (more info here). The madness happens at Polson Pier and features live music, DJs, over a dozen bars, eating and drinking contests, games, dancers and food, all inside heated tents.

St. Party’s Day

A pun was all it took to make this happen. Sponsored by Carlsberg, a conspicuoulsy non-Irish beer brand (it’s Danish), St. Party’s Day happens Saturday, March 12 at Brasaii, 461 King W. For info, click here.

Cheers!

PUBS

An Sibin Pub

Live music and drink specials are part of the annual festivities at An Sibin. The place will likely be packed the weekend before and after St. Patrick’s Day. More info on their website.

Stout Irish Pub

Strong drinks and cheap shots are part of the mayhem at Stout Irish Pub every St. Patrick’s Day, as is green beer. They do live music too. Learn more here.

Ceili Cottage

The Ceili celebrates St. Patrick’s Day for a week leading up to the big day, with live tunes and a DJ on the weekend. Get all the details here.

Steam Whistle Brewery

Always a good party, Steam Whistle is throwing the obligatory St. Paddy’s Day bash this year on Saturday, March 12 at 2 pm. There’s a cover charge, but proceeds support the Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5k run/walk. Live music, dancers, Irish grub and, of course, beer. Learn more.

PJ O’Brien

Live tunes all weekend, Irish dancers, a special menu and… beer! Stay up to date with the festivities on their website.

McVeigh’s

While live music is a pretty much everyday thing at McVeigh’s, they’ll step it up the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day (March 11-13) with Michael Darcy performing. Then on the 17th, there’s live entertainment all day, starting just afternoon. See the details.