It’s that time of year in Delaware when folks love to go greener than a pool table. But there’s more to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations than just colorful clothes and tasty beverages.
Here are some cool celebrations that should get the green light for your attention.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Hooley, Wilmington
The state’s premier St. Paddy’s Day parade turns 46 and is still young at heart.
This Wilmington event is rain or shine, and the parade route is on King Street between Fourth and 14th streets. The Hooley includes $20 branded mugs and DJ entertainment.
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King Street, Wilmington, at noon Saturday, March 11. For more info, visit irishcultureclubde.com or (302) 319-2254.
Turners Irish Festival, Wilmington
The 19th annual Turners Irish Festival hosts performances by McAleer School Irish Dancers, Paul McLaughlin Irish Singer & Irish Sing Along, food and kids’ games/arts and crafts.
Doors open at 11 a.m. for people who want to ride the bus to the Wilmington parade.
Wilmington Turners (701 S. Clayton St., Wilmington) from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 11. General admission is $5 (free for ages 3 or younger with paying adult). For more info, visit Facebook.com/turnersofde or (302) 658-9011.
St. Paddy’s Loop, Wilmington
Eleven businesses will throw you for a festive loop in Wilmington.
The St. Paddy’s Day Loop offers one $10 cover that grants you access to the following area businesses: Catherine Rooney’s; Chelsea Tavern; DECO Downtown; Gallucio’s Italian Restaurant; Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen; Grotto Pizza; Kelly’s Logan House; Maker’s Alley; Trolley Oyster House; Trolley Tap House; and Wilma’s.
Dress to impress because prizes will be awarded for best St. Paddy’s Day Spirit.
Downtown Wilmington at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11. Admission is $10 cover. For more info, visit outandaboutnow.com.
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Milton St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festivities
Folks can enjoy the parade and concert from the view of the Milton Theatre. The theater will host performances on its Quayside stage featuring Lower Case Blues (noon) and Al Frantic Band (3:30 p.m.).
The parade starts at 2 p.m.
Milton Theatre (110 Union St., Milton) at noon Sunday, March 12. Free event. For more info, visit miltontheatre.com or (302) 684-3038.
Lucky Leprechaun 5K, Milton
Before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade launches in Milton, people will go for the gold in the 10th annual Lucky Leprechaun 5K. Awards and T-shirts will be given out. An after-party will be held at Irish Eyes Restaurant & Pub.
Irish Eyes (105 Union St., Milton) on Sunday, March 12. Registration opens at 10 a.m. with the race at 11 a.m. Registration is $35. For more info, visit irisheyespub.com or (302) 684-8889.
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Dover St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
The Capital City will party it up with a four-hour celebration downtown that includes food trucks and green snacks.
Festivities begin at noon with a performance by R&B country singer Jovon Newman of Smyrna. Then at 12:45 p.m., DJ Sticks and DJ Manny Mann will be on the turntables.
The parade starts at 1 p.m. at Loockerman and Federal streets. It’ll go down Loockerman, all the way to the Duncan Center. The stage will be on the corner of Bradford Street.
Near Loockerman Way Plaza (126 Loockerman Way Plaza, Dover) from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 11. Free event. For more info, see the event listing at facebook.com/agapebodypiercings.
St. Patrick’s Revenge 5K, Brandywine Hundred
Think you might regret drinking too much on St. Paddy’s Day? You can redeem yourself with a nice jog in the St. Patrick’s Revenge 5K at Bellefonte Brewing Co.
After the race, participants will receive a T-shirt, snacks and a pint of St. Patrick’s Revenge craft beer from Bellefonte. Awards will be given to the top runners.
Bellefonte Brewing Co. (1851 Marsh Road, Bellefonte Brewing, Brandywine Hundred. Registration is from 8 to 8:55 a.m. Race starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 18. Registration is $29. For more info, visit bellefontebrewingcompany.com.
St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, Georgetown
Southern Delaware likes to toast to St. Paddy’s Day in a special way. The block party will feature vendors, cornhole tournament, a bake-off, children’s activities and more.
There will be musical performances by Cocktails at 3 (noon to 3 p.m.) and Love Seed Mama Jump (3 to 6 p.m.).
The Circle, Georgetown from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 18. For more info, visit georgetowndel.com or (302) 856-7391.
Catherine Rooney’s Irish activities, Wilmington
Every day until March 19, Catherine Rooney’s is giving guests a reason to go green. This includes lots of live Irish music with follow acts: O’Rourkes (5 p.m.) and Kilmaine Saints (8:30 p.m.) on Friday, March 10; Gerry Tilmin (4-7 p.m.) on Sunday, March 12; and The Quietmen on Sunday, March 19 (4-7 p.m.).
Catherine Rooney’s (1616 Delaware Ave., Wilmington). Events will be held through Sunday, March 19. For more info, visit catherinerooneys.com or (302) 654-9700.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
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