There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned festival complete with dancing, music, and food to lift the spirits after many long winter months. And we love an excuse to wear even more green than usual.
Iconic Irish pub Kells is gearing up for not one but two full weekends of fun (Friday, March 10-Saturday, March 18) in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day. The 2023 Kells Irish Festival will be bigger than ever with many of its top events taking place at the Southwest Waterfront and both Kells pubs for the first time.
Kells has also teamed up with the Shamrock Run this year to throw a finish-line celebration. The entire festival will raise money for Kells for Kids, benefiting the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children.
Here’s where you’ll find the festivities:
Southwest Waterfront
- Ireland vs USA Boxing | Friday, March 10 | 5-11 pm | $35 | Watch athletes duke it out while sipping a Guinness. Contact Kells to book a VIP table.
- Live Music and Dancing | Saturday, March 11 | 12-11 p.m. | $20-$50 | Enjoy performances by groups like Beglan & Murray, Yeates Irish Dance Academy, and Coming Up Threes.
- Shamrock Run | Sunday, March 12 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | $20-$100 | Even if you don’t join a race (from the one-mile Leprechaun Lap for kids 10 and under to the half marathon), you can still celebrate at the Finish Line Festival featuring a green beer garden and live music.
Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub (112 SW Second Ave.)
- Live Music | Friday, March 10-Saturday, March 18 | Times vary | Even if it’s pouring outside, the pub and outdoor tent in the back will be warm and cheery thanks to Sami & The Groove, Cúl an tí, and other groups.
Kells Brewery (210 NW 21st Ave.)
- Live Music | Friday, March 17 + Saturday, March 18 | 12-10:30 p.m. | Tap your feet and get into the spirit of the season as Irish dancers and musicians fill the brewery with revelry.