The popular Gaelic slogan “Erin go Bragh” translates as “Ireland forever.” For the most part, however, people confine their celebrations of Ireland to March 17, or possibly longer if St. Patrick’s Day falls on a weekend.
From home, you can revel in Ireland’s contributions to the arts by reading poet Seamus Heaney, listening to music by The Chieftans or watching films such as the animated “Secret of the Kells.” But if you’d rather socialize for the wearing of the green, Atlanta offers a diversity of gatherings that should have no shortage of green beer. (Just drink responsibly.)
Enjoy "St. Patrick's Eve" with this Friday night bar crawl in Midtown, organized by Atlanta Bar Tours. Sixteen participating bars and restaurants offer free admission and comp shots or other food or drink discounts, such as the "3/2/1 drink specials" that provide the option of a $3 well, $2 beer or $1 shot with wristband. Taking part are Fado Irish Pub, Rí Rá Irish Pub, Hudson Grille, Einstein's, My Sister's Room, The Daiquiri Factory, Ribalta Pizza, BurgerFi and others. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. March 16. $19.50, two for $35.50. Register at Rí Rá Atlanta, 1080 Peachtree St. or at www.facebook.com/events/1806132526346532/
For a festive nighttime alternative to the bar scene, Aurora Theatre's "St. Paddy's Comedy Spectacular" serves an evening of standup comedy at Lawrenceville's popular playhouse. New York-based headliner Mike Albanese is an Atlanta native and produces the local Red Clay Comedy Festival. Other comedians on the line-up are Chelsie Rice and Greg Behrens, with Katie Causey hosting the evening. 7:15 and 9:15 p.m., March 16-17. $18. Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. www.auroratheatre.com
The seventh annual Kegs & Eggs Pub Crawl Brunch Bash caters to those who prefer their revelry in daylight hours. Also organized by Atlanta Bar Tours, the Virginia-Highland event includes such participants as Dark Horse Tavern, Moe's & Joe's and host Atkins Park. The bars and restaurants will provide such Irish-themed specials as shamrock shots, green fruit cup, green beer, green deviled eggs, Irish hash and bangers, as well as mimosas and Bloody Marys. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. March 17. $19.50, two for $35.50. Register at Neighbor's Pub, 752 N. Highland Ave. or www.facebook.com/events/1616148831798009/
Started in 1858 by the city's Hibernian Benevolent Society, the Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade has evolved from modest beginnings to an expansive display of Irish culture. Beginning at 15th Street and marching down Peachtree Street to 5th Street, the parade features the Bagpipe Drum & Corps as well as floats, clowns, bands, drill teams and traditional Irish dancers. The organizers estimate that the parade draws 80,000 spectators each year. Noon,March 17. Free. Begins at Peachtree and 15th Streets. 404-504-6884. www.atlantastpats.com
The 4th annual Shamrock 'N Roll Road Race features a 5K, 10K and 1K Kids Fun Run, with all proceeds supporting the Junior League of Atlanta. An official AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier, the race starts at 17th Street and loops around Atlantic Station. Following the race, the event offers a Healthy Lifestyle Festival at Atlantic Station's Central Park, with performers from Burke Connolly Academy of Irish Dance. Prizes will be awarded for top finishers, best team, best costumes and more. A Shamrock Family Zone lasts from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 5K, 10K start at 8 a.m., Kids Fun Run starts at 10 a.m.March 17. $40 for timed individual registration for the 5K or 10K; $35 for untimed registration; $15 for kid's 1K. Atlantic Station, 1371 Market St. www.shamrocknroll.org
An annual all-ages party that puts the "rock" in Shamrock featuring Los Angeles-based indie band The Wrecks, cosmic rock trio Dreamers, Ontario rockers The Glorious Sons and Denmark's New Politics. 4 p.m. March 17. Doors open 2 p.m. $15. Atlantic Station, 1371 Market St. www.facebook.com/events/179267879505721/
Looking out over Piedmont Park at the Atlanta Beltline, Park Tavern hosts its annual St. Patrick's Party, which features live music and DJs, as well as frosty drinks, costumes and green fortune cookies. Doors open at 1 p.m. March 17. $14 and up. 500 10th St. 404-249-0001. www.parktavern.com
Virginia-Highland's venerable Irish pub Limerick Junction celebrates its 30th birthday with a St. Patrick's Day block party behind the venue. Musicians include Barry Nelson, Wes Yoakum, Kevin Lewis, Luna Searles, Leslie Conner and the Van Morrison tribute band Street Choir. Starts at 2 p.m. March 17. $10. Limerick Junction, 822 N. Highland Ave. 404-874-7147. www.limerickjunction.com
