St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest party holidays of the year when bars are packed and whiskey and green beer flow like a rainbow of alcohol into a lucky pot of gold in celebration.
But if you want to celebrate the holiday somewhere besides a rowdy and packed bar because maybe you have kids — or you just don’t want to deal with the rookies who go all bonkers on this night — well, the luck of the Irish is with you because here are seven places you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with kids, music and more.
1. Bring the kids
Where: One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena. OneColorado.com
When: 10 a.m. March 17
Cost: Free
Details: Puppets, paper crafts, bagpipes and Irish dancers will make this Old Pasadena spot a good place to bring the wee young ones to celebrate the holiday. The day will start with a hands-on event where kids came make paper leprechauns followed by a performance by the Cleary Irish Dance troupe and the Pasadena Scots bagpipe and drum band.
2. Hear some music
Where: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. 562-916-8500 or cerritoscenter.com.
When: 7 p.m. March 17
Cost: $45-$65
Details: Dublin’s Irish Tenors are teaming up with The Celtic Ladies for a night of hardcore Irish harmonies and melodies. They’ll be giving Celtic music props with Irish classics such as “Sweet Molly Malone” and “Whiskey in the Jar.”
3. Go on a (docked) boat
Where: Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. 800-437-2934, queenmary.com.
When: 7 p.m.-midnight March 16
Cost: $22 online, $25 at the door.
Details: The ship may have Scottish roots, but for one night every year the ship’s salons are given a makeover to look like Irish pubs while Irish food is served as part of the Queen Mary’s St. Patrick’s Day Eve Pub Stroll. There will be live music performed by Celtic folk bands including The Poxy Boggards, Sportive Tricks and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
4. Get out on the water
When: 1-4 p.m. March 17
Where: 2901 W. Coast Highway, #165, Newport Beach. Dna-promotions.com.
Cost: $30
Details: Get ready to go on a three-hour tour of Newport Beach harbor as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans & Costume Party Cruise. Expect live music, dancing, and of course a full bar on board. And the only little ones you’ll see will be leprechaun stowaways since this event is for the 21 and over crowd only.
5. Check out some bands and beers
Where: House of Blues, 400 Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim. Houseofblues.com.
When: Noon March 17
Cost: $12 for GA, $40 for VIP plus $15 for food and drink wristbands.
Details: The House of Blues goes green for St. Patrick’s Day with the “Lucky Brews, Lucky Grooves” party. The celebration is for the 21 and over crowd and will include pours from more than 40 Southern California breweries, an Irish menu with items including corned beef reuben sliders and Irish nachos as well as performances by several local bands.
6. Go to a brewery bash
Where: Hangar 24, 1710 Sessums Drive, Redlands. 909-242-8111, hangar24brewing.com.
When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. March 16
Cost: Free to enter
Details: The all-ages celebration will start with the release of the brewery’s new Laval beer, which is a double cream stout aged in bourbon and brandy barrels. The Hangar food truck will be on hand as well and live music will begin at 7 p.m. when The McKintree Boys take the stage.
7. Find some family fun
Where: The Shops at Dos Lagos between Papaya and Beverly Hills Bridal Exchange. 2780 Cabot Drive, Corona. 951-277-7601, shopdoslagos.com
When: 1-3 p.m. March 17
Cost: Free
Details: The shopping complex will dye one of its fountains green and also offer free face painting, balloon animals, a kid’s game and prizes.