In the days that lead up to St. Patrick’s Day, the Greater Naples area hosts an array of Irish-themed celebrations. From parades to green beer, there is something for everyone.
Thursday, March 12
The Village on Venetian Bay will start the St. Patty’s celebration early with a performance of traditional Irish dancing by Tir Na Nog Academy of Irish Dance Southwest Florida and Dance Arts by Maria from 5:30-7 p.m. The free event is open to the public. For more information, visit venetianvillage.com.
Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day—and every drink should be, too. Raise your glass to the Emerald Isle on March 17 with a pour from the green land herself. |
Friday, March 13
Fred’s Diner will host a pre-St. Patty’s Day party with the band Trinity Trio. Performing traditional Irish tunes, the party will run from 7-10 p.m. No cover; for more information, visit fredsdiner.com.
Saturday, March 14
A true Southwest Florida tradition, the Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade will once again march through downtown, now for its thirty-ninth installment. The fun starts at Crayton Cove at 9:30 a.m. for the traditional flag-raising ceremony to kick off the festivities. The procession starts at 11 a.m., traveling along Third Street South to Fifth Avenue South, on to Eighth Street South and ending at Crayton Cove, the celebration draws thousands of spectators each year to celebrate Irish heritage.
Produced by the Naples St. Patrick Foundation, the annual parade is the largest privately funded parade in Florida. Proceeds generated through sponsorships and donations cover not only the costs of the parade, which is run by volunteers, but the funds also support high school music programs throughout Southwest Florida, and a scholarship program for college-bound students from the Greater Naples area.
- The parade runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Arrive early to get a great seat, the parade route gets crowded. For more information, visit naplesparade.com.
Tuesday, March 17
On St. Patrick’s Day, head over to Fitzgerald’s Famous Pub in Bonita Springs for its annual block party. Starting at noon, and stretching to 11 p.m., Fitzgerald’s will transform its parking lots into an all-out St. Patty’s Day party, with live music from No Nay Never Band, West of Galway band, and a dance performance by Tir Na Nog Academy of Irish Dance Southwest Florida, not to mention bag pipes performances throughout the day. Enjoy green beer, green margaritas and some tasty Irish pub grub.
- General admission costs $5. For VIP seating is also available, $55 for lunch/$75 for dinner, which includes three drinks, table service and a selection of entrees. For more information, call 239-949-2111 or visit fitzgeraldspub.com.
Down the street in Mercato, The Pub Naples will bring the St. Patty’s Day celebrations to a close with a party spilling out into the street from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Slated entertainment includes a DJ spinning Irish tunes in the afternoon (3-7 p.m.), the Harp and Thistle Pipe Band performing at 6:30 p.m. at the outside roundabout, and Pub Mustard playing from 9 p.m. to close. A “no cover” kind of party, the Pub will be serving a collection of St. Patty’s Day favorites like Guinness and Smithwick’s, Jameson and green beer, as well as Guinness stew, corned beef and cabbage, and Reuben sandwiches.
- For more information, call 239-594-2748, or visit experiencethepub.com/naples.
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