St. Patrick's Day Shennanigans in Denver, 2012

Parades, parties, music...we have it all in Denver around St. Patrick's Day. If you are still figuring out your St. Paddy's party plans here are some great ideas...and some great FREE and affordable ways to celebrate.
 
Gobs O'Phun Irish Concert at Swallow Hill Music Association, on Friday March 16 2012 8-10PM. Smooth as an 18-year-old whiskey, this show combines Irish music, storytelling songs and amusing banter. Daniels Hall, 71 East Yale Avenue (at S. Broadway), Denver. Tix are $16 advance - $18 at the door. More info here.

The 50th Annual "Golden Jubilee Celebration" Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held Saturday March 17 between Speer Boulevard, 20th Street, Wewatta Street and the alley between Market and Larimer Streets. FREE! Starts at 10AM. This is one of the few Denver parades that actually packs a huge crowd, so get there early and remember, wear green! Parade route here.

After the parade head back over by Coors Field to enjoy the Little Ireland Music Festival. There will be FREE food, beverages, and spirits plus a kids’ play area with baseball cages. Family friendly. The stage will light up with lots of great live Irish music and you can peruse the Irish Village, offering entertainment, arts and crafts, local charities and more. 2200 Blake Street. More info here.
 
The Irish Snug holds its sixth-annual "hooley" to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, one of the most fun events in Denver. An outdoor tent will be set up on the premises for both days. FREE admission. The Snug features Irish food, pipe and drum bands, Irish stepdancing and bar service for the hooley.10-4PM. Family friendly during the day, but things get too jiggy for kids after dark. 1201 E Colfax Ave. More info here.

Looking for a bit more sedate celebration? Denver songbird Marta Burton and her talented musician husband, Jeff Hooton will offer Irish folk music FREE on Saturday March 17 2-3PM. Denver Public Library, 10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy., in Schlessman Hall on the first level. More info here.

Party on St. Patrick’s Day in style, in the 1500 block of South Pearl St. on Saturday., March 17, 12-8PM. The 1500 block will host street food vendors, toe-tapping Irish bands Mulligan Stew and Indigent Row, Celtic step dancers, and your fill of Killian's Irish Red and Guinness Stout.

St.. Patrick’s Gay Cabaret – Harmony Chorale’s campy take on St. Patrick’s Day with music, appetizers, cocktails and more. $10 admission. 7PM-til? Messiah Community Church, 1750 Colorado Blvd., Denver.

Lancer Lounge is featuring corned beef and cabbage only $4 all day. 233 E. 7th Ave. at Grant, Denver, 303-831-8989