In just about two weeks Ocean City, MD will go from blue oceans and blue skies to a sea of green. St. Patrick’s day is arguably the first major holiday of the year and when the vacation season begins to kickstart. The holiday is widely celebrated in this beach town with activities and events galore throughout the weekend.
If you’re looking to celebrate the Irish way, Ocean City, MD is the place for you. The island allows for a perfect St. Patrick’s Day Bar crawl. Shenanigan’s Irish Pub on 4th street treats this holiday as if it’s new years or the 4th of July. The pub opens at 9am on Saturday March 16 and doesn’t close until the last man standing. Fun events and bands can be seen all weekend at this leprechaun filled bar. If you’re up to party all day you can begin at Shenanigan’s and make your way uptown to Seacrets for their Irie-Ish Music Fest, which opens at 11am, stopping along the way at the plethora of open bars celebrating in between. End your day Uptown at Kirby’s Pub on 92nd street or Duffy’s Tavern on 130th.
Whether you’re looking for a way prepare your body for a day of guzzling good beer or just want to celebrate the day by running in green, The St Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K is for you! You can sign up for a 9 am run on the boardwalk, or come out and show your Irish support. Any age can participate and display their green style for the whole boardwalk. You can even run all the way to Shenanigan’s in Ocean City.
A show of hands for parents who think St. Patrick’s day is not for kids? Well looks like I’m going to prove you wrong. On Saturday March 16 Coastal highway will be filled with the color green as the annual family- friendly St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches towards downtown 45th street, where an Irish festival is held. The 40 year tradition begins at noon, while the free festival of green on 45th street begins at 11am and ends at 3pm. Growing up in Ocean City, MD once March rolled around I would countdown the days until I was able to watch the parade with my friends and family. We always had trouble finding seats, so make sure you get their early!!!