Patch Picks: Exciting Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Patch is now running a new weekly feature called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.

This week we searched for a number of St. Patrick's Day celebration ideas taking place today and this weekend. Get out and see what's happening, as the St. Patrick's Day events continue.

Patch Picks: Exciting Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

• The Barrington Celtic Fest, 105 S. Cook St., Barrington

The Barrington Celtic Fest takes place east of McGonigal’s pub (105 S. Cook St.) on the 200 block of Park Ave. The two-day festival runs in a heated tent all day on St. Patrick's Day and Friday, 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. both days. The fest includes live music, merchandise from local merchants and entertainment featuring Irish dancers. Admission is free, with charges for food and drink. Cash only. Check out McGonigal’s for detailed info.

• Durty Nellie’s West Irish Pub, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine

Enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza at Durty Nellie’s featuring Nellie’s extensive beer list and live music all day Thursday, starting at 11:30 a.m. Bands performing include Molly & Tinker, Merry Measure, Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers, Fitz & The Celts and Your Villain My Hero. Cover is $8 after 6 p.m. For those looking for fun on the weekend, check out rock bands Sixteen Candles on Friday, or Rock Candy on Saturday.

• Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N. Bothwell St.

Stop in on St. Patrick’s Day evening, and enjoy Karaoke at Lamplighters starting at 9 p.m. Thursday specials include Miller Lite and Coors Lite Pitchers for $9.75, burger specials, half price pizza and beer pints of Bridgeport Hop Czar for $2.75. On Saturday, check out rock band ‘Fine Mess.’

• Madison Pub & Brewery Tour, Depart from 530 S. Williams Ave.., Palatine

Palatine’s Salt Creek Park District hosts a tour to Madison, WI Saturday, March 19 for a tour of a local brew pub. Visited locations include two pubs and the Asylum brew pub. Fee is for transport, brewery tour, beer tasting and an appetizer. $40 per person, participants must register in advance. Tour runs Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Visit Village of Palatine for more info.

• McCarthy’s 5th Annual St. Patty’s Day Celebration, 506 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills

Come to McCarthy’s Irish pub and restaurant March 17 – 19 and enjoy Irish bagpipers, green Guinness beer, and food specials such as Corned Beef and Cabbage, Shepherd Pie and Guinness Pot Raost. Featured bands include Chicago Rovers (Thurs.), Kevin Purcell & The Night Burners (Fri.) and Legendary Rock Stars (Sat.). Visit McCarthy’s for more info.