March is Irish Heritage Month: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Beyond in Utica!
March is overflowing with Irish pride throughout Upstate NY! From electrifying live performances by top-tier Celtic musicians to engaging cultural talks and festive celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Irish rebel music, interested in the history of the Irish flag, or just looking for the best St. Patrick’s Day party in town, this month is packed with events that will keep your Irish spirit alive.
Must-Attend Events for Irish Heritage Month
March 4 – The Step Crew
📍 Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 7:00 PM
An unbelievable new show which brings together three styles of exhilarating dance forms – Ottawa Valley stepdance, Irish stepdance, and tap.
March 5 –
📍 Lunch & Learn: The History of the Irish Flag, Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A national flag represents the hopes and history of a country, and Ireland’s tricolor is no exception. Join local writer and musician Mark Sisti as he delves into the history and meaning behind Ireland’s iconic flag. A $20 registration fee includes lunch. Call 315-733-4228 Ext 6 for details.
📍 Traditional Music Session with Craobh Dugan-O’Looney, Five Points Pub, Utica, 7:00 PM
Experience an intimate night of traditional Irish music with talented local musicians.
March 6 –
📍 Concerts in the Court: Danú, Munson Museum of Art, 7:30 PM
One of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional music ensembles, Danú, will bring their energetic performance to Utica. Expect a night of reels, jigs, and stirring ballads.
March 8 –
📍 Warm Up for St. Pat’s, Theodore’s Restaurant 3:00 PM
Enjoy live music, dancers from the Francis Academy of Irish Dance, and good craic (the Irish kind) at Theodore’s Restaurant in Canastota.
📍 Grand Marshal Reception & Passing of the Shillelagh, Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, 5:30 PM
Join the tradition as Mike & Chris Hoke pass the ceremonial Shillelagh to Grand Marshal Tom Powers in this time-honored event.
📍 Live Music: The Stoutmen Irish Quartet, American Legion Post 259, Oneonta 6:00 PM
Join us for a fine night of entertainment with The Stoutmen an Irish Quartet. They portray the old songs of Ireland, Scotland and beyond, in vocal harmony and colorful arrangements.
March 9 –
📍 Drive-Thru Corned Beef & Cabbage Fundraiser, Irish Cultural Center, Drive-thru entrance at Cooper Street, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (or until sold out!)
Enjoy Five Points Pub’s legendary corned beef & cabbage for just $18 per dinner, with proceeds supporting Irish programming and cultural events.
March 11 –
📍 Business After Hours – Greater Utica Chamber Event, Five Points Pub & Events Center, 4:30 PM
Network with local professionals while enjoying the inviting atmosphere of Five Points and the Irish Cultural Center. Open to all!
March 12 –
📍 Téada Live in Utica, Five Points Event Center, 7:00 PM
Celebrate 24 years of Irish tradition with Téada, one of Ireland’s premier traditional bands. Don’t miss this world-class performance!
March 13 –
📍 St. Patrick’s Takeout Dinner, Westernville 3:30 PM
Ham dinner with all the fixings! Ham from Mazzaferro’s Meat and Deli, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, Ferlo’s Roll and chocolate chunk cookie. Scalloped.
📍 Arise & Go, Five Points Event Center, 7:00 PM
A high-energy Celtic trio blending bagpipes, fiddle, and guitar into fresh, vibrant arrangements. Admission is free, but donations benefiting the Utica Food Bank in memory of Russell Brooks are encouraged.
March 15 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party
📍 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Genesee Street, Utica 10:00 AM
Utica’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is considered one of the largest in NY State!
📍 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party, Five Points Pub, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Utica’s 3rd largest parade deserves the biggest after-party! Enjoy a full day of live music and dancing:
- 🎶 Mallory Road: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- 🥁 Drum Corps: Noon
- 💃 Happy Haggs Dance Troupe: 12:30 PM
- 🎸 Crushing June: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- 🎵 Last Call: 5:30 PM
- 🎧 DJ Coey Cobane: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Event Center)
- No cover charge! Cafeteria-style food available all day.
March 17 –
📍 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Five Points Pub, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Raise a pint and celebrate Ireland’s biggest holiday in the heart of Utica’s Irish community with Rattlin’ Bog performing at 5!
📍 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner, Hawkeye Bar & Grill at the Otesaga, 5:00 PM
A three-course prix fixe dinner on March 17 at Hawkeye Bar & Grill. The dinner features corned beef and cabbage.
March 27 –
📍 Irish Film Series: The Flats, Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, 7:00 PM
This gripping documentary explores the lingering impact of the Troubles on Belfast’s Catholic residents, offering a deep dive into Ireland’s complex history.
March 29 – RUNA Live in Concert
📍 RUNA Live in Concert, Five Points Event Center, 7:00 PM
A dynamic Celtic-American Roots music “super group,” RUNA blends Irish folk with jazz, bluegrass, and flamenco for an unforgettable performance. Tickets: $25
Celebrate All Month Long!
With so many incredible events, March is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Irish culture, music, and heritage. Whether you’re learning about the Irish flag, tapping your feet to a live concert, or raising a pint at the parade party, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Sláinte! ☘️
