The upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day is sure to bring many fun events to the Hampton Roads area. Hampton Roads offers something for everyone, including a parade, a marathon and sports events, live music, many local Irish pubs, and even a ball.
The Knights of Columbus are to host the 44th annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on March 12, 2011 at 10:00am. The parade begins at Northside Middle School in Norfolk, Virginia and concludes at the intersection of First View Street and Government Avenue. This local tradition is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family. Following the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, there is to be an After Parade Party from 12:30-4:00pm, that is held at The Columbian Club at 211 W. Government Avenue in Norfolk. This event is open to the public, however it is only open to those 21 and up. There will be live music by Tidewater Drive and F.A.B., food, and drinks. Also hosted by the Knights of Columbus is the Emerald Ball on March 5th from 6:00pm-midnight, where the Grand Marshall and Princess Pat will be announced. There will be live music provided by Hot Cakes, along with dinner and dancing. Tickets for this event are $25.00.
For a more historic feel, visit Piney Grove at Southall’s Plantation in Williamsburg, Virginia for their James River Plantation Street Staint Patrick’s Day Progressive Tour. Tour the plantation gardens and buildings while learning about Saint Patrick. Also enjoy green cider and festive refreshments! Tickets for this event are $20.00 and tours are offered on March 12th, 17th, and 19th.
For those 21 and up, there are plenty of Irish pubs around Hampton Roads to choose from that are sure to be in full swing with live music, drink specials, and large crowds. A few well known Irish pubs in the area are Murphy’s Irish Pub, Conklin’s Irish Rover Pub, and Keagan’s Irish Pub all in Virginia Beach. In Norfolk you may visit Greenie’s, Mo and O’Malley’s, Kelly’s, and Jack Quinn Irish Pub. In Hampton check out Sarah’s Irish Pub and in Newport News try Bailey’s Pub. In Portsmouth there is The Baron’s Pub and Paddy’s O’Brians Pub.
Finally, for the athletic minded, Yuengling will sponsor the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. This race is run along the beautiful oceanfront of Virginia Beach and ends on the Oceanfront Boardwalk. Other events include the Anthem Half Marathon, Townebank 8k, and Operation Smile Final Mile. The races and events start Friday, March 18th with registration and end Sunday, March 20th with free concerts. The Townebank 8k Middle School Challenge starts at 8:00am at 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue, while the Children’s Marathon starts at 10:45am on 32nd Street and Boardwalk on March 19th. The Anthem Half Marathon begins on Sunday March 20th at 7:00am and the Yuengling Marathon begins at 8:00am. Each day’s events conclude with free concerts.
For more information, please visit the links provided.
