Celebrating St. Patrick's Day is easy to do. All you need is a group of your friends and beer (and something green).
But if you're looking to step outside of the box and enjoy St. Patrick's Day in a different way, there is plenty to do in the Atlanta-area. And, don't worry, most of them still involve food and beer.
From family friendly events at Atlantic Station and Avalon to classic Celtic music, here are five ways to celebrate over the next two weekends:
Shamrock and Shenanigans
Meehan's Public House in Sandy Springs is holding a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick's Foundation the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. The folks at Meehan's and St. Baldrick's encourage you to get your head shaved as a way to raise money for research on childhood cancer. The goal this time around is for 100 heads!
All Meehan’s locations will be hosting all day parties on St. Patrick’s Day. The menu will be tweaked a bit to favor the Irish side of things.
If You Go: St. Baldrick's: Noon-4 p.m. March 11 at Meehan's Public House, Sandy Springs Place, Atlanta. St. Patrick's Day: 11 a.m.-close at all Meehan's locations. meehanspublichouse.com.
Shamrock the Station Festival
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.
If You Go: 1-10 p.m. March 11. Free. 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta. 404-410-4010, atlanticstation.com.
» RELATED: How to celebrate St. Patrick’s in metro Atlanta
Luck of Avalon
Avalon’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities will have activities for children and adults. Starting with face painting for children, and a photo booth, The Plaza will host live music throughout the day. Get ready to green up and throw down.
If You Go: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. March 17 at Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta. Cost: free (admission). Experienceavalon.com.
St. Paddy’s on Perry
McCray’s Tavern, Local Republic and the city of Lawrenceville are rolling out the green carpet. Beer, food and music from Southside of the Tracks are on the menu. They’re promising fun things to do for the whole family. Explore the Square.
If You Go: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. March 17 at McCray's Tavern and beyond, 100 N Perry Street, Lawrenceville. Cost: free (admission). mccraystavern.com/mccrays-tavern-lawrenceville.
» RELATED: 7 beginner-friendly hikes around Atlanta
Cherish the Ladies
There’s no law that says the only way to celebrate St. Patrick’s is with green beer. Instead, hear classic Irish folk music with one of the great Celtic bands. Cherish the Ladies has been bringing the green all over the world for more than thirty years. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will be doing their part too.
If You Go: 8:00 p.m. March 17 and 18. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta. Cost: $20 - $65. www.atlantasymphony.org.
