St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner on March 17, held on the traditional death day of the saint. Historically, Lenten fasting and bans on alcohol were lifted on the day, which has given rise to a tradition of revelry and merry-making even among those who do not follow any religious beliefs. Regardless of faith or heritage, all are welcome to participate in the festivities.
Here are a few local St. Patrick’s Day events for all to enjoy.
Shamrock Social
For students looking for a fun on-campus St. Patrick’s Day activity, look no further. The Association of Latino Professionals for America and Business Professionals of America are hosting a Shamrock Social on March 17.
Join them in the Stinson Center 4 to 5:30 p.m. for an opportunity to network and connect with students with similar interests. While the event is directed at business and engineering students, all students are welcome to attend and partake in snacks, freebies and good company.
St. Patrick’s Day Fest/Detroit Shamrock Festival
For those in search of a party, the St. Patrick’s Day Fest is a twelve-hour extravaganza of fun, from 2 p.m. on March 27 until 2 a.m. the next day. There will be three bars and two heated tents, with a variety of games, drinks and food to choose from.
Music is provided by a selection of DJ’s, or head down to the Detroit Festival grounds for the Detroit Shamrock Festival on March 14, with 15 different DJs, food trucks and a full bar.
Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Corktown Races
Detroit is hosting its 68th St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 15. It is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, attracting upwards of 80,000 people each year.
Those who are inclined can also participate in the Corktown races earlier in the morning before the parade, with a variety of lengths from the kids’ quarter mile to a 5km, with all proceeds benefiting the St. Patrick Senior Center. Corktown is Detroit’s oldest neighborhood and was settled by Irish immigrants in the 1800s.
Canterbury Village
The historic village in Lake Orion offers a wide range of activities and festivities throughout the year, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. Leprechaun Days, held March 14 and 15, is a family-friendly affair.
Take part in a scavenger hunt to gather a pot of gold, check out the talented Irish dancers or take care of a little shopping around the village. Or come back on March 17 for the St. Patrick’s Day party. It’s 21 and up only, but those who are eligible can enjoy live music, Irish food, drinks and dancing inside the heated tent.
In Michigan, over a million people have Irish ancestry, and Oakland County alone has close to 150,000 people of Irish ancestry. Whether Irish or not, use the day as a chance to take a well-deserved break from the textbooks and enjoy a little of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
