Who Was Saint Patrick?
According to History.com, Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
In the centuries following Patrick’s death (believed to have been on March 17, 461), the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in Irish culture: Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.
What Are We Celebrating?
It’s more than drinking beer, wearing green, and dancing an Irish jig. St. Patrick’s Day observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It takes place on the same day each year: March 17th. This is the date Saint Patrick is believed to have died, falling just a few days after the start of Lent.
Originally, people would attend church in the morning and then pause their observance of Lent to celebrate Saint Patrick with corned beef, drinking, and other festivities. More than a thousand years later, the holiday has evolved, becoming a grand celebration of Irish culture. Parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green are used to recognize the patron saint of Ireland and take pride in all things Irish.
Why Do We Really Wear Green?
Believe it or not, the original color of St. Patrick’s Day was actually blue! The way National Geographic describes it, green wasn’t adopted by St. Patrick’s Day festivities until the 18th century after the shamrock became Ireland’s national symbol.
3 Popular Reasons To Wear Green
- Folklore tells us that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who have a pesky reputation for pinching anyone they see, and wearing green is the only way to keep you from being spotted!
- Ireland is affectionately nicknamed “The Emerald Isle” and many wear green to honor their national heritage and ancestry.
- Some people think green is a lucky color and that wearing it will bring a little good luck
Find Your Pot of Gold Here in the Treasure Valley
There’s always something great happening in the Treasure Valley. Here’s a list of all the big events taking place in the greater Boise area this St. Patrick’s Day:
All events are subject to change. Please refer to details provided by the official event websites and/or hosts for the most up-to-date information.
Butte in Boise
Party like they do in Butte, home of one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country! Join us and celebrate with amazing food, drinks, music, dancing, basketball, and more.
Featuring a St. Paddy’s Day Dinner Buffet:
- Authentic Pork Chop Sandwiches
- Guinness Braised Corned Beef Brisket & Cabbage
- Authentic Butte Pasties
- Fish and Chips
- Irish Pub Salad
- Desserts
Live Music & Performances:
- Uptown Chiefs – Boise’s own American-Celtic Punk n’ Roll Band
- The Pipes & Drums of the Boise Highlanders complete with the Highland Dancers
Where: Boise Center
Date: Thursday, March 17, 2022
Time: 5pm – 10pm
Price: $45 per person in advance, $55 per person day of event (includes the buffet and one complimentary drink token). Tables (10 seats) are available to purchase for $400, which includes 1 Green Beer drink card
Age Restrictions: 21+
[Register Now] [Learn More]
5th Annual Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
Sign up for waived cover charges, drink specials, and a shot at the $1,000 costume prize! This crawl features amazing local food options and a professional photographer will join the crawl to catch all the great memories. Crawling begins at 4pm and goes until 10pm. Did someone say AFTERPARTY?! A crazy after party begins at 10pm and lasts until 12 midnight.
Earn 2 free tickets by inviting your Facebook friends to the event. Message the event organizer for more details at https://www.messenger.com/t/CrawlWithUs
Where: Check in at the Cactus Bar (4pm – 6pm)
Date: Saturday, March 19, 2022
Time: 4pm – 11:59pm
Price: Single Tickets – $25.00+ taxes and fees, Group Tickets – $20.00+ taxes and fees
Age Restrictions: 21+
[Register Now] [Learn More] [Contest Instructions]
St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the healthy way! Join the fun and take your pick of four different race options: Kids Run/Fun Run, 1 mile, 5 miles or 5K. Awards will be given to the top 5 best dressed Leprechauns or Green Runners, so get creative and have fun!
All proceeds support the YMCA Team Idaho Track and Cross Country Club, founded over 30 years ago to help kids at all levels improve and enjoy track & field and cross country.
Where: Julia Davis Park
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2022
Time: 10am – 12 Noon
Price: $30/runner
Age Restrictions: None
[Register Now] [Learn More]
New To Boise St. Patrick’s Day Get Together
Welcome to the Treasure Valley! Whether you’ve been here a week, a year, or a lifetime you are welcome to join this group if you are open to meeting new people. Come celebrate St. Patrick’s day a bit early with your favorite pint. Our meeting is set earlier in the afternoon so those with evening plans still have a chance to join. Don’t forget to wear GREEN!
Capacity is limited to 50, so be sure to register early.
Where: Hops & Bottles
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2022
Time: 1pm
Price: Free
Age Restrictions: Adults only
[Register Now]
Payette Brewing Tap Room
Join everyone in the Tap Room for some lucky St. Patrick’s Day fun. Come hang out and grab a green beer!
Where: Payette Brewing
Date: Thursday, March 17, 2022
Time: 12 Noon – 10pm
Price: Free
Age Restrictions: 21+
[Learn More]
St. Patrick’s Day Market
Support small business and shop local! Come see local vendors offering a variety of different products, including sweet treats, home décor, crafts, health and beauty, artisan, and more.
Where: Mill Creek Elementary
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2022
Time: 10am – 2pm
Price: General – $25 Preferred – $30
Age Restrictions: None
[Learn More]
Holy Apostles St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Visit the Largest Catholic Church in Idaho for food and games! The Killarney Irish Dance Company will be here to put on an entertaining performance you won’t want to miss. Corned beef and hot dogs provided by Holy Apostles, but everything else will be potluck style.
Where: Holy Apostles Church
Date: Thursday, March 17, 2022
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Price: Free
Age Restrictions: None
[Register Now] [Learn More]
St. Patrick’s Day Eve Dance Party
Join for some fine blues rock dance tunes! The Billy Blues Band brings a full contemporary blues and blues rock sound to town, and they’ve become known for mixing in classic rock, soul blues, and funk tones when sharing their high energy fun with listeners and dancers.
Where: The Sapphire Room
Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Time: 7pm – 8:30pm (doors open at 6pm)
Price: General – $25 Preferred – $30
Age Restrictions: None
[Register Now]
LETTERKENNY LIVE 2022 Tour
The stars of the wildly popular award-winning Crave Original Series LETTERKENNY have announced their return to the stage for the first time since March 2020. “PUPPERS GOLDEN LAGER PRESENTS LETTERKENNY LIVE!” will return in 2022, bringing the all-new, acclaimed 90-minute comedy experience first launched in 2020 back to cities across North America—featuring NINE of the beloved cast members along with never-before-seen sketches and more.
Where: Velma V Morrison Center
Date: Thursday, March 17, 2022
Time: 8pm (doors open at 7pm)
Price: $50+
Age Restrictions: None
[Register Now]
