2016 Guide to St. Paddy’s Day Parties in Cary
Cary, NC — St. Patrick’s Day is Thursday, March 17, 2016, and many Cary parties and dinners start this weekend – the weekend before the holiday. Here’s our annual round-up of the best festivities we could find.
St. Paddy’s Day Events in Cary
This list is full of Cary’s “tried and true” events – like the famous parking lot party at Doherty’s Irish Pub – and some brand-new festivities, like a themed dinner at The Mayton Inn, downtown Cary’s new boutique hotel.
Festive Dinners
Four-Course Irish Beer Dinner
The Mayton Inn, 301 S. Academy Street, Cary
Thursday, March 17, 2016 – 6:30 pm
Celebrate St. Paddy’s day in the inn’s gorgeous, new dining room with a magnificent four-course Irish dinner. All of the dishes will be thoughtfully paired alongside a hearty craft brew. Tickets are $55 a person; call 919-670-5000 to make a reservation.
Breweries, Bars, Pubs & Restaurants
Doherty’s Irish Pub, 1979 High House Road, Cary
Saturday, March 12, 2016 – 3 pm-“late”
Doherty’s annual Parking Lot Party is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Cary. The fun starts at 3 pm on the Saturday before the holiday, and, as tradition, a portable stage will be set up in their parking lot to feature live music, bag pipes and performances from Irish dancers. There will be mobile taps in a closed-off area outside for people to enjoy a pint or two of their favorite beers and cider. There will be food and live music inside the restaurant, too.
Fortnight Brewery, 1006 SW Maynard Road, Cary
Thursday, March 17, 2016 – 5:30-10 pm
The Cousins Maine Lobster food truck will be on-site from 5:30-10 pm at Fortnight, and live music will start at 6 pm.
Mac’s Tavern, 1014 Ryan Road, Cary
Thursday, March 17, 2016 – 6-10:30 pm
For St. Patrick’s Day, Mac’s will feature $3 domestic bottles, $3 Irish bottles and an Irish special shot for $3.50. Menu specials include $7 corned beef & cabbage, $7 Rubens on marble rye and $7 fish & chips. Wildflower & the Weeds, a band, will play a mix of rock n’ roll and Irish favorites from from 7-10:30 pm.
Rally Point, 837 Bass Pro Lane, Cary
Thursday, March 17, 2016 – 6 pm-10:30 pm
Rally Point will be celebrating the holiday with a live performance by the Trionoide Academy of Irish Dancers at 6 pm, live music by Wake & District Pipe Band and specials on fish & chips, shepherds pie, bangers and mash, Guinness and more.
Crosstown Pub, 140 E Chatham Street, Cary
Thursday, March 17, 2016 – 11:30 am-midnight
This downtown Cary Irish pub will be getting in the Irish spirit with a special menu including shepherds pie, corned beef & cabbage, fish and chips and more. The pub will also have an “Irish beer tap takeover,” including favorites like Guinness, Smithwick’s and Harp. Drink specials will include $2 off all Jameson products and 1/2 price wine bottles.
Tra’Li Irish Pub, 3107 Grace Park Drive, Cary
Saturday, March 12 & Thursday, March 17, 2016
Tra’Li in Morrisville will celebrate the holiday this Saturday and again on St. Paddy’s day itself. On Saturday, March 12, 2016, live music and Irish dancing starts at 5 pm. Then, on Thursday, similar festivities start at 4 pm.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
We don’t have our own St. Patrick’s Day parade in Cary (yet!), but there’s a great one in downtown Raleigh on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 10 am. I attended this parade last year and had a great time – you’ll see dancers, animals dressed up in green clothing, clowns, floats from local organizations and more. Afterwards, I had a beer in a nearby pub.
You can find more details about the parade online.
Did We Miss an Event?
Did we miss one of your favorite Cary events that celebrates St. Patrick’s Day? Let other readers know in the comments.
Story by Jessica Patrick. Photo from the Raleigh St. Patricks’s Day Parade.
The Guide to St. Paddy’s Day is sponsored in-part by Rally Point Sport Grill and Great Harvest Bread Co.
