St. Patrick’s Day events around Long Island
Jojo Stentiford, 10, of Bay Shore, is seeing green at the Montauk #listpats parade Credit: Newsday / Instagram user tarakconry
It’s time to shake your shamrock — a pot o’ gold could be waiting at any of these St. Patrick’s Day events that stretch into the weekend:
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
FULTON’S GATE
The Patchogue spot celebrates the holiday Thursday with Irish step dancers and pipe bands. Enjoy Guinness beef stew or the signature Reuben sandwich as Buoy 34 performs a mix of traditional and modern Irish tunes.
“We play upbeat music. Even if you don’t know the songs, they are fun to listen to,” says band member Joe Cook. “People typically come in and stay all night.” (631-289-1490, fultonsgate.com)
THE WANTAGH INN
The 30-year-old traditional Irish-American sports bar is mere steps away from the Wantagh train station. There will be shepherd’s pie and fish & chips served in the dining room Thursday as The Bogs plays Irish tunes ranging from traditional songs to classic party numbers by U2 and Van Morrison.
“The crowd gets involved singing, playing tambourine and shaking maracas,” says Bogs drummer Kevin McBrien, 47. “We even give out free drinks to those who sing the loudest or dance the best.” (516-785-0809, thewantaghinn.com)
CARNEY’S
Singer-songwriter Ed Ryan entertains Thursday at this Irish pub in Amityville, where he’ll put on an evening of songs peppered with stories and jokes among the stained glass windows, Irish flags and shamrock décor. Irish egg rolls (sauerkraut, corned beef and Swiss cheese) and bangers & mash are on the menu. “After a few pints, the emotions come out. You might catch a person crying at the end of ‘Danny Boy,’ ” Ryan says. “But other than that, it’s more fun and jovial.” (631-464-4445, carneysamityvillage.com)
PARADES
If you love a parade, there are plenty on Long Island to choose from this weekend:
Patchogue’s 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m. Saturday from Main Street
GRAND MARSHAL The Rev. Francis Pizzarelli
INFO patchogue.com
Hampton Bays’ 12th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
WHEN | WHERE 11 a.m. Saturday from Hampton Bays Elementary School, 72 Ponquogue Ave.
GRAND MARSHAL William Patrick Hughes
INFO hbaohdivision11.com
Rockville Centre’s 20th annual St. Patrick’s Parade
WHEN | WHERE Noon Saturday from Maple Avenue
GRAND MARSHAL Michael O’Reilly
INFO rvcstpatrick.com
Montauk’s 54th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
WHEN | WHERE 11:30 a.m. Sunday from Edgemere Road
GRAND MARSHAL Capt. Paul Forsberg
Farmingdale’s 4th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
WHEN | WHERE 1 p.m. Sunday from Northside Elementary School, 55 Powell Place
GRAND MARSHAL Jerry Ahern
Glen Cove’s 28th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
WHEN | WHERE 1 p.m. Sunday from Finley Middle School, Forest Avenue and Dosoris Lane
GRAND MARSHAL Paul Long
ST. BALDRICK’S
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have become synonymous with St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraisers — making a donation for children’s cancer research and getting a haircut at the same time.
“People raise money as if they were doing a walkathon. But, instead of walking, they shave their heads,” says Cristine Lovato, the foundation’s media coordinator. “Participants go bald to stand in solidarity with kids who are losing their hair during cancer treatment.”
Six places where you can get in the chair: St. Agnes Parish Center in Rockville Centre (12:30 p.m. March 19), Jackie Reilly’s in Bethpage (noon March 20), Lily Flanagan’s Pub in Babylon and The Downtown Café in Glen Cove (both 1 p.m. March 20), Flanagan’s Pub in Lake Ronkonkoma (noon March 26) and Marcus Christ Hall in New Hyde Park (4 p.m. March 26). (888-899-2253, stbaldricks.org)
5K RUNS
If you prefer to exercise instead of downing corned beef and cabbage, put on your green attire and head to a St. Patrick’s Day 5K race on Saturday:
St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run
WHEN | WHERE 9 a.m., starts at the Irish Times Pub, 975 Main St., Holbrook
INFO $30, 631-806-4649, strongislandrunningclub.com
May the Road Rise Up to Meet Ye 5K Run
WHEN | WHERE 11:45 a.m., starts at Route 112 and East Main St., Patchogue
INFO $25, 631-475-4302, patchogue.com
Go for the Green 5K Run
WHEN | WHERE 9 a.m., starts at Smithtown Elementary School, 51 Lawrence Ave., Smithtown
INFO $30, 631-265-5511, smithtownrotary.org
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
