Whether you're venturing out to an Irish pub, making your own corned beef, going to mass or heading to a live music performance, we have everything you need to know for a great St. Patrick's Day in Cleveland, including parade routes and local parties.
Aside from the parade, there are plenty of other things to do this weekend. Here are a few ways to enjoy the day.
Where to Find Live Irish Music
A variety of artists and bands will be performing at local bars and venues this St. Patrick’s Day. Be sure to check out these spots for your annual dose of Celtic covers and dance (or jig) the day away.
Boys from County Hell — Cleveland's premier Pogues cover band — are playing a special St. Patrick's Day concert at Music Box Supper Club (1148 Main Ave., Cleveland) on Saturday, March 15 at 8 p.m.
The Kilroys, which offer traditional Irish music, play Great Lakes Brewing Co. (2516 Market Ave., Cleveland) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will also be preforming at Music Box Supper Club (1148 Main Ave., Cleveland) on Sunday, March 16 for Irish brunch at noon.
Irish duo The New Barleycorn will be at Collision Bend Brewing Company (1250 Old River Road, Cleveland) from 4-8 p.m. ($20). Reservations are required.
Donal O'Shaughnessy, an Irish entertainer renowned for his engaging blended performances of music, storytelling and humor, will be performing at Flat iron Cafe 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Clash of the Tartans, the all-female traditional Irish band, will be playing at three different locations this St. Patrick’s Day. They will be at The Basement (480 W Aurora Road, Northfield) 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Terrestrial Brewing Co. (7524 Father Frascati, Cleveland) 3-6 p.m., as well as McGinty’s Pub (13751 Madison Ave, Lakewood) starting at 9 p.m.
Enjoy an Irish-Themed Bar Crawl
Can’t decide where to go on one of the biggest drinking days of the year? Good news is you don’t have to. Bar Crawl Live is hosting a curated, 2-day St. Paddy’s Day event in Cleveland's Warehouse District. Tickets include up to 50% off drinks at select bars, free cover into venues, and specialty themed drinks. Participating bars include IVY, Barley House, Rumor Nightclub, Dive Bar and Lost Social Club. Those who purchase a ticket receive an email with the link to the official "Digital Bar List" page with each bar’s hours, deals and more. $25, March 14, 6 p.m. - 1:30 a.m., West Sixth Street, Cleveland; March 15, 2 - 9 p.m., barcrawllive.com
Hit the Road with the 46th Annual St. Malachi Church Run/Walk
If the pub isn’t your vibe for this Celtic celebration, St. Malachi Church is hosting its 46th annual St. Patrick's Day run. No need to train; participants can register to run or walk either the two-mile route or take it a step further with the five-mile option. This year’s event brings plenty of Irish spirit, with Fox 8's Kenny Crumpton and DJ Steph Floss pumping up the crowd, plus live bagpipes, Irish dancers and traditional music along the route. After crossing the finish line, celebrate at the post-race party, where participants can enjoy a complimentary craft beer and enjoy the festivities. All proceeds directly support St. Malachi Parish, a cornerstone of Cleveland for over 150 years, dedicated to serving those in need. A pre-race Mass will be held at 8 a.m., welcoming all runners, walkers and supporters, regardless of denomination or faith. $35 - $100, March 15, 9 a.m., 2459 Washington Ave., Cleveland, runsignup.com/Cleveland/StMalachiChurchRun
Snag One of Cleveland's Best Corned Beef Sandwiches
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Clevelanders across the region experience that special craving for mountains of corned beef, thick-sliced rye bread and a hearty helping of sauerkraut — of course, we’re talking about Reubens. As you gear up for the holiday, here are some of the tastiest places to snag the signature sandwich around town.
The Harp
Why we love it: This Irish pub and restaurant prides itself on delicious ingredients and the time and care taken to produce the meals. "We get a high-quality product and ensure we take care of it all the way through,"
says chef Joseph Nagy. "There are different sides available. It would come with house-cut potato chips, but if you didn't want that, you could also get fries, onion rings, tater tots, or coleslaw." $14.50, Tuesday - Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Thursday - Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., 4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-939-0200, the-harp.com
Joe’s Deli
Why we love it: It doesn't get much more original than Joe's Classic Reuben. This family-run company has been serving Rocky River on St. Patrick’s Day since 1994. In addition to the classic corned beef sandwiches served daily, an exclusive menu will be available for dine-in or carry-out for the holiday. $17.25, Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., 19215 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, 440-333-7890, myjoesdeli.com
Express Deli
Why we love it: With four different options to choose from, Express Deli switches it up for Clevelanders in need of their sandwich fix. Customers can choose between corned beef, pastrami, turkey, or veggie as
their reuben base. Pro-tip: Skip the Downtown crowds on St. Paddy's Day and try this unconventional take at this convenience store, which opened in 1998. $10 - $20, Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., 5185 Smith Road, Brook Park, 216-267-7878, express-deli.com
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about Slyman’s. Head to our separate guide detailing three ways to secure Slyman’s corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day at clevelandmagazine.com.
Read More: 7 Delicious Reuben Sandwiches in The Land
Have a Pint of Guinness at These 8 Irish Bars And Pubs In Cleveland
There are plenty of Irish bars in Northeast Ohio, but here's what gives a few of our favorite pubs an authentic vibe.
Flannery’s Pub
Renowned for serving the perfect pint, great comfort food, and the friendliest staff in Cleveland, Flannery's is called home by all who visit. It’s practically a city landmark, having been
around for nearly 25 years. With offerings such as Irish stew ($6 cup or $9 bowl) or corned beef and cabbage ($20), Flannery’s is as Irish as its name suggests.
323 Prospect Ave E., Cleveland, 216-781-7782, flanneryscle.com
Flat Iron Cafe
This homey pub in the Flats has hosted more than 100 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations since it opened in 1910 — often joined by the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums. This year,
Donal O’Shaughnessy will be playing live Irish music starting at 11 a.m., but if you really want to get the party started early, doors will open at 7 a.m. for “Kegs and Eggs”. The historic building, once established
as a four story hotel, served tradesmen, iron workers and pipe fitters for decades until the current owners remodeled the space in 1988, maintaining the old charm of the restaurant. 1114 Center St., Cleveland, 216-696-6968,
flatironcafe.com
The Harp
For nearly 25 years, this Detroit Avenue Pub with a gorgeous view of the lake has been a go-to for families on St. Patrick’s Day. The bar is offering plenty of Irish favorites like Shepherd's pie ($18.50), corned beef sandwich ($14), and fish & chips ($20.50). 4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-939-0200,
the-harp.com
Mullarkey's Irish Pub
Established in 1996, Mullarkey's features “Gold Certified” Guinness, Harp, Smithwick's and Magner's on tap, and the “half & half”, an Irish favorite that includes
both Harp and Guinness. Dan McCoy will perform a St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza with 8 hours of traditional music starting at noon. Grab some friends, listen to the bagpipes, throw some darts and celebrate in the true Irish
fashion. 4110 Erie St., Willoughby, 440-946-7181, mullarkeys.com
The Old Angle Tavern
A staple for local soccer and rugby fans, this Ohio City tavern opened on St. Patrick’s Day nearly 25 years ago in the place of a burned-down former hardware store. You can help celebrate its birthday
by dining-in or getting carryout from its Irish menu. Menu items include Irish favorites such as shepherds pie and lamb stew — all of which pair well with a wide selection of Irish whiskeys. 1848 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-861-5643,
oldangle.com
Parnell's Irish Pub
Established in 1997, Parnell’s works hard to support small and local breweries. The Cleveland Heights location will open bright and early at 7 a.m., and the Playhouse Square location will
open at 10 a.m. to kick off the celebration. With craft cocktails, mocktails and plenty of whiskey, there’s a drink everyone can enjoy. 12425 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-3469; 1415 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-862-8953,
parnells.pub
PJ McIntyre's Irish Pub
This West Park bar is committed to offering a lively St. Patrick's Day celebration with bagpipers, Irish dancers and the Celtic rock band Marys Lane set to perform. Opening at 7 a.m., the first
100 people will get a free T-shirt, and the band starts at 2 p.m. Located in place of an old appliance store in the heart of Kamm’s Corners Entertainment District, this is one of Cleveland’s most authentic and traditional
Irish pubs. 17119 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216- 941-9311, pjmcintyres.com
Stone Mad Pub
Fit for an Irish castle, features such as the hand-blown glass chandeliers, intricate woodwork and a stone patio make this Gordon Square Pub a scenic place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. 1306 W. 65th St., Cleveland, 216-281-6500, stonemadpub.com
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Live Music & Irish Eats at My Corner Bar
Kicking off at 10 a.m., My Corner Bar is hosting an all-day party. With special guests DJ Paul from PMTV preforming 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Grunge DNA 2 - 5 p.m., Big Johnson 6 - 10 p.m. and Cleveland's own Jesse Tucker will play Irish songs on his bagpipe between 6 - 6:30 p.m. Grab a bite to eat with specialty menu items including sauerkraut balls served with thousand island dressing, corned beef sandwiches and more. Free party favors are provided. Free, 6211 W 130th St, Parma Heights, 216-267-4447, facebook.com/MyCornerBarParmaHts/
Suggested St. Paddy's Day Reading:
1959: Snowstorm Delays But Doesn't Stop Cleveland's St. Patrick's Day Parade
The show must go on, and it did — but not until one week later. Read More >>
A Day in the Life: St. Patrick's Day at the Harp
The luck of the Irish, and a lot of planning, gets the Detroit Avenue pub through busy St. Patrick's Days. Read More >>
St. Patrick's Day Doesn't Have to Start at the Bar
St. Colman Church has been celebrating the holiday with morning mass since it was built in 1918. Read More >>
20 Historic Photos of Cleveland on St. Patrick's Day
Black and white photos can't hide the green in these vintage and recent photos from Cleveland's favorite holiday. Read More >>
Flanagan's Wake Producer Shares Passion Behind one of Cleveland's Longest-Running Productions
Flanagan's Wake producer Sean Lackey shares the history and improvisational process that has gone into the decades-long production at Playhouse Square.
Read more >>
3 Tips for Securing Slyman's Corned Beef on St. Patrick's Day
Freddie Slyman gives us the scoop on making sure we don’t miss out on Cleveland's most famous sandwich. His top tips: Preorder, get in line early and try other locations besides the OG.
Read More >>
3 Cleveland Shepherd Pies for St. Patrick's Day
Corned beef not for you? These spots each have their own twist on the classic Irish dish. Read More >>
A Look at Three of Our Favorite Local St. Patrick’s Day Beers
Here are your best bets to drink local this St. Patrick’s Day. Read More >>
Larder's Jeremy Umansky Shares His Recipe for Cleveland Corned Beef
Umansky walks us through each step of his amazing corned beef recipe. Read More >>>
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