St. Patrick’s Day has always felt a little special to me. Maybe it’s because my birthday falls the day before, or maybe it’s the sound of my seven-year-old son drumming in the fife and drum corps for the Cleveland East Side Irish American Club, which he’s doing today. There’s something about the community, the camaraderie, and, of course, the beer that makes it the most celebrated drinking holiday in America. Traditions are about traditions, and it’s easy to reach for a Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day. And why not? I will probably have one. The legendary Irish stout is synonymous with March 17. But if you really want to raise a glass to the holiday, take a moment to also support your local craft brewery.
What Guinness has planned for St. Patrick’s Day
Guinness is going big this year with its Lovely Day Project, a nationwide celebration of people coming together over a pint. Drinkers can snap and share their Guinness moments online (go here!), with some even making it into future ads. They’re also launching limited-edition Guinness-infused cream cheese schmear (yes, you read that right) in collaboration with PopUp Bagels (read about it here). If you’re in Chicago, Guinness is once again sponsoring the annual river dyeing event. Their Open Gate Brewery locations in Baltimore and Chicago are hosting St. Patrick’s-themed events, including live music, exclusive beer releases, and Irish-inspired eats. But you don’t need a Guinness taproom to celebrate. St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to discover local breweries near you.
Celebrate at your local independent breweries
Craft breweries across the country are embracing the holiday with their own spin on St. Patrick’s Day. I’m sure every craft brewery in America is open right now and waiting for you to drop by. I noticed….
Upside Brewing’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K & Pints
In Sylvania, Ohio, Upside Brewing teamed up with Fleet Feet Toledo for the Top O’ the Mornin’ 5K Fun Run. Runners tackled the 3.15-mile course before heading straight to the taproom for a well-earned pint. No short pours here — just a properly poured pint of craft beer and a hearty Jiggs dinner of corned beef and cabbage. Read all about here.
Saint Arnold’s Beard Growing Competition
Saint Arnold Brewing in Houston, Texas, celebrates St. Patrick’s Day the bearded way. Their annual Donegal Beard Growing Competition has become a local legend, with participants starting clean-shaven in January and competing for the best Irish-style beard by March. The winner receives a year of free beers and a custom mug. Read all about it here.
Check your local breweries — they may be hosting their own unique takes on St. Paddy’s traditions.
Skip the marketing, find a real pint
Whether you’re watching a parade, running a 5K, or just catching up with friends, make sure to stop by your local brewery today. Drink responsibly, tip your bartenders, and enjoy the holiday — Sláinte!
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