Top 6 in the Six: Green Beer-Free St. Patrick’s Day Fests
Seeking a break from green-dyed brews? Head to these St. Patrick's Day festivities around town instead.
Batch
Sat. Mar. 17, 11 am-late, free.
The Toronto outpost of Creemore Brewery pays tribute to its Gaelic roots with this annual celebration. The party at Batch starts early at 11 am and runs late into the night. In lieu of the dyed stuff, they’ll be serving up their seasonal Irish red ale along with an “Irish Cocktail” special (a shot of whisky and pint of Creemore lager) for $10. Niagara-based classic rock group Cottage Brew will provide live entertainment for the night.
The Addisons Residence
Sat. Mar. 17, 2 pm-3 am, $20.
Toronto apartments might not be conducive to throwing house parties (unless you keep your inner circles small) so the next best thing is heading to the Addisons Residence. At their loft party-style St. Patrick’s fest you can expect board games and fun giveaways along with a promise of minimal lines. The best part? You don’t have to clean up after.
Northern Maverick
Sat. Mar. 17, 6 pm-2 am, free.
This new-ish west end brewpub will be celebrating their first St. Patrick’s Day this year and the event’s slogan will suit craft beer enthusiasts: “a sight to be seen where no beer shall be green.”
Instead, expect Northern Maverick’s house-brewed lager and stout along with shots of Jameson (each are on special for $5) and Irish-themed grub from the kitchen, such as an authentic mutton stew. The festivities begin early at 11 am with a live DJ starting at 6 pm to carry revellers into the night.
Adelaide Music Hall
Fri. Mar. 16, 8 pm-2 am, free.
Fancy a bit of live music to kick off your St. Patrick’s Day? Jameson Irish Whisky is hosting a free concert on Fri. Mar. 16 with Canadian indie rockers Hollerado at the Adelaide Music Hall. They’ll take the stage at 9:30 pm, but head in early for doors at 8 pm to get free samples of the evening’s feature drink: the Jameson, Ginger & Lime cocktail.
Kevin Leung / Flickr
Nightowl
Sat. Mar. 17, 11 am-6 pm; 4 pm-2:30 am, $15-$30.
If you’re making St. Patty’s an all day (and night) affair, start at Nightowl’s Pancake Kegger. Entry gets you free pancakes from 11 a.m., along with three beers from Molson and Lost Craft and a DJ entertainment in the afternoon.
The kegger ends at 6pm but the festivities continue with a second, separate ticketed event at Nightowl featuring pop and R&B cover band Clever Girl, beer specials and giveaways.
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Mascot Brewery
Fri. Mar. 16, 4pm - 2 am, $5-$10.
For true craft beer lovers, the St. Patrick’s Day party to hit is Mascot Brewery’s The Saint. This annual celebration, happening on Fri. Mar. 16., kicks off at 4 p.m. with free cask samples with entry while Shreem Celtic Remixing’s Jay Andrews provides an on-theme soundtrack. Things will liven up in the evening once the party spreads between Mascot’s two floors and DJs ESP and Stew Innes hit the decks.
