Not sure where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day now that Boundary Bay Brewery is closed? We’ve rounded up some options. Below are just a few events in the lead-up to Tuesday, March 17, from parade afterparties to Irish dancing and Uisce’s 20th anniversary.
Run a 5K
Runnin O’ the Green is back Saturday, March 14, with a new location and route for 2026. This race begins at 10 a.m. with options for a 5K and 10K route. As always, costumes are encouraged — ”the greener the better.”
Don’t want to join the race itself? You can always cheer folks on at the finish line, then head to Stones Throw Brewery for an afterparty. The party lasts all afternoon and includes a performance by four-piece, all-female Celtic group Ladies of Lindsay, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stick around until 4 p.m. for a special performance from the Penk-O’Donnell School of Irish Dance.
Join a parade
For the 16th year running, Bellingham’s biggest celebration is a St. Patrick’s Day Parade (noon Sunday, March 15). The procession is dedicated to local safety personnel, and Mayor Kim Lund serves as this year’s grand marshal.
The 2026 route begins in the Bellingham High School parking lot, traverses down Cornwall Avenue and winds up at the intersection of Cornwall and Chestnut. All non-political groups are invited to join the fun.
Parade after-parties
In prior years, now-closed Boundary Bay Brewery was the place to go after St. Patrick’s Day parades. Now Beach Cat Brewing is angling for that honor as the parade’s title sponsor. Its massive afterparty includes several food trucks, Irish music and dancing and even a puppy adoption event.
Beach Cat will also be releasing special beers: a Thomas O’Malley Dry Irish Stout on nitro, a green version of their Cats Blue Ribbon lager, and a special gold sour. Festivities begin at 1:15 p.m., directly after the parade.
Structures is also joining the fun with a Reuben sandwich special on March 14 and 15, plus live music at its Old Town location on Sunday. On March 17, its State Street taproom will host a special St. Patrick’s-themed karaoke (complete with Guinness on tap).
Visit an Irish pub
2026 is a big year for Uisce, aka Bellingham’s go-to Irish pub. The downtown fixture is celebrating its 20th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day. In addition, for the “first time in history,” the St. Patrick’s Day parade will proceed right in front of its doors.
Uisce is honoring the occasion with an epic, multi-day party. Celebrations begin on Friday, March 13 with live Irish music, then continue Saturday with an outdoor Irish coffee bar (located in the space adjacent to Uisce), outdoor Guinness garden, beer and food trucks, music and more.
Uisce will open at 11 a.m. on Sunday, so if you want to watch the parade, make sure to grab a seat early. The official St. Patrick’s Day/20th anniversary celebration happens the following Tuesday with bagpipe music, food by Galley2Go and more.
In Skagit County, Sean O’Donnell’s Irish Pub has live music daily from Thursday, March 12 through Wednesday, March 18. The pub also opens at 7 a.m. sharp on St. Patrick’s Day itself. Diners can enjoy a full Irish breakfast, Irish tunes and more performances by the (apparently very busy) Penk-O’Donnell School of Irish Dance all day long.
Other events
The Upfront Theatre has a special St. Patrick’s Day show, “Shot Prov Shamrocks & Shenanigans” — “where audience suggestions and liquid courage collide” — on March 17. Per the description, audience members can donate money to “give the cast a pint of bravery” before the show, as well as at intermission. The more folks spend, “the sillier, wilder, and more unpredictable the comedy becomes.”
The Majestic Ballroom has its Luck of the Irish Bingo Night at 5:30 p.m. on March 14 to benefit Generations Early Learning & Family Center. It’s co-hosted by “sassy powerhouse” Sugar (aka Brie Turoff Mueller), and tickets include 10 games of bingo plus dinner. Tickets begin at $25, and participants must be 18 or older to attend.
Stemma Brewing Co. is transforming its Stemma West location into “the ultimate Celtic hangout” on St. Patrick’s Day proper. Their shindig features a performance from Ladies of Lindsay from 5:30–8 p.m., green beer specials, plus raffles and prizes.
Lastly, make sure to check Jesse Stanton’s weekly live music calendar for a complete list of live music. St. Patrick’s Day-related shows are marked with shamrocks.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
