Do you miss a rousing Celtic jam with fiddlers stuffed all up in a hot, snug pub?  Yes, this year looks a lot different for our usual St. Paddy’s Day Rundown, but we’re in the midst of a bleeding cold snap and we all need a bit of cheer this week.

Break out the Guinness and go to Ireland

• We’ll start with the free streaming events. So, go ahead and get dressed up in that tacky “Kiss Me I’m Irish” T-shirt you’ve had since college and break out the dangly shamrock earrings. No need to get a COVID test and your passport, you’re going to Ireland on  March 17 with free St. Patrick’s Day Events jointly held by the Mid Ulster District Council and others.  St. Paddy’s celebrations go virtual with a live Muddlers Club Concert, (see a gorgeous music clip here) a performance by songwriter/singer Malachi Cush, and a traditional Irish dance done by kids from the Carroll School of Dance. FMI: Facebook event

• Discover Ireland also has a free virtual event for those who want to tune into the Emerald Isle for an evening and feel as though they are sitting in the old pub with revelers, featuring an evening of music and dance live from the iconic Johnnie Fox’s pub in Dublin. FMI: Facebook event

• Oh my gracious, if you want to get a little rowdy and get into the spirit, the Dropkick Murphys are doing a free livestream concert from Boston at 7 p.m. which you can access through this link. The fact that you will be at home, drinking, not driving, and dancing like a banshee is a good thing, so you don’t make a holy show of yourself. FMI: Facebook

• If you’re a trivia fan, there’s a free, public St. Paddy’s Day trivia event at 7 p.m. Get your pod together and gather at one person’s house to sign up as a team. There are prizes for the top teams (for a nominal entry fee). FMI: Facebook event.

Cook a traditional Irish meal

• This Wednesday at 5:45 p.m., Bravo Maine is hosting a virtual Irish cooking class led by a professional chef where you’ll learn with other Zoomers how to make a steak with stout sauce and a traditional colcannon (potatoes, kale, scallions, and lots of butter). Unlike most Zoom meetings these days, this will be fun and you don’t have to put yourself in video mode to participate. Sign up to get the list of ingredients. FMI: Facebook event

• Or hey, if you want to go rogue and cook like no one is watching, here are the top 10 Irish food recipes you can try at home yourself.

In-person St. Paddy’s Day Celebrations

If you’re feeling okay about being indoors at a public event (while there are still socially distant mandates currently in place) there are a few of our die-hard St. Paddy’s Day Rundown champions opening their doors on Wednesday, March 17.

• Front Street Pub (Belfast) will be starting at 11 a.m. to offer their green beer, Irish specials, and swag specials.
• Marshall Wharf Brewing Co. (Belfast) will be opening at 2 p.m. to feature their new release: Flag! Oatmeal Stout & Green Alien in honor of the day.
• Rollie’s Bar & Grill (Belfast) will be kicking off their Irish food and drink specials at 12 p.m.
• The Whale's Tooth Pub (Lincolnville) will be throwing down some Irish specials as well as live music from the T’Omally brothers at 5:30 p.m. Reservations required.
• Myrtle Street Tavern (Rockland) will be opening at 11 a.m. for St. Paddy’s Day celebrations and food specials.
• Waterworks Restaurant (Rockland) will be serving Irish specials and Guinness starting at 11:30 a.m.

Come on, Mainers, let’s keep that cheer going. Sláinte!

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com