There’s more to St. Patrick’s Day than just drinking green beer. OK, so like, that IS a v fun way to celebrate the day, but the holiday originated as a feast day for the patron saint of Ireland, so the least you can do is also eat green things. St. Patty’s Day is Tuesday, March 17, which is just around the corner!

Ps. This post has been updated with 2020 info!

Here are some ideas for getting green and festive on this party holiday.

1. Attend Houston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The parade starts at noon on Saturday, March 14, at McKinney and Hutchins Streets in downtown Houston. It’s a free, two-hour event ending in an after party at Lucky’s. Read more here!

2. Drink Irish Coffees

What’s better than coffee in the morning? Coffee with booze in the morning. My favorite cocktail meets coffee bar — Double Trouble — is in Midtown — but the cool part right off the rail on Main Street. Check it out!

You can also get your Irish Coffee fix at Frank’s Americana Revival to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17th. The White Star Irish Coffee, named after the intimate bar situated within the beloved River Oaks eatery, sets itself apart with the use of Demerara Syrup, Single Pot Irish Whiskey, lightly whipped heavy cream and zest of nutmeg.

3. Eat Authentic Irish Food

Listen, today is the day to go all out Irish with potato pancakes, corned beef and cabbage, and Irish stew. Head to Jack and Ginger’s, (Midtown) Shay McElroy’s Irish Pub (Downtown), or McGonigel’s Mucky Duck (Upper Kirby) for authentic bites.

Some more Irish bars to consider that might have specials this weekend: Irish Pub Kenneally’s (off shepherd), Pimlico’s (of Waugh), Lucky’s (downtown), Penny Whistle (on Richmond), Bobcat Teddy’s (on White Oak), and McIntyre’s (Heights).

4. Attend an Event Around Town

4th Annual St Patrick’s Festival at McIntyre’s (Saturday and Tuesday)

Houston Heights brings you the best festival to kick off St. Patricks Day! Saturday March 14th and Tuesday March 17th.

There’s a lot of green beer, awesome food trucks, and live music! Live performances on our outside stage by: Brian BC Carrion 2PM-6PM opening up for Breakfast at Tiffanys 7PM-11PM

Following Tuesday March 17th the Lone Star All-stars will be providing live music to keep the spirits going!

Lucky’s (Friday through Tuesday)

This spot is huge, and, since it’s the last stop on the parade, will definitely be popping all weekend long! This is an old reliable.There are other bars around there if you need a change of scenery. Depending on the day, there might be a $10 cover. Tapping of the green keg, annual leprechaun drop, and so much more.

Irish Pub Kenneally’s (Saturday and Tuesday)

It’s the most Irish thing in Houston. Even the building is green and has an Irish flag proudly waving. There’s a huge party on Saturday and on Tuesday they’ll serve lunch (stew and Guinness bread or sandwiches) and have step dancing and bagpipe playing!

St. Arnold’s Brewery (Tuesday)

Green beer alert! Saint Arnold’s is having a shindig again this year from 5 to 10 pm. It’s free to attend, but get the VIP treatment for $50.

They’ll have a stage in front their Downtown skyline view featuring live music from Dead Rabbits, Pratty, Slummer, and The Tomfooligans. The full beer linueup and special St. Patrick’s Day pint glasses will be available, and to commemorate the holiday, the kitchen will be serving Corned Beef & Cabbage and Beef Stew in Bread Bowls.

Throughout the party, they’ll roll out special stout beers. Food will be available and the regular beer lineup and commemorative St. Patrick’s Day glassware will also be available. Bonus: watch or compete in the World Elevated Beer Pouring Championship or the Donegal Beard Growing Competition. More here!

St. Patrick’s Brunch & Crawfish Boil at B.B. Lemon (Saturday)

Join BB Lemon for a festive St. Patrick’s Day brunch and crawfish boil on Saturday, March 14th from 11am-4pm. Enjoy live music by The Stringbenders, Irish-inspired food and drink specials (Bangers & Mash and Corned Beef & Cabbage). PLUS, Berg Hospitality Group‘s very own New Orleans native, Jeff Baron, will be cookin’ up mudbugs with his special recipe! Crawfish will be served from Noon-4pm (or until it runs out!) Stay tuned for more details…and don’t forget to wear your green!

Irish Shindig at Bobcat Teddy’s (Saturday and Tuesday)

It’s that time of the year, again, when we all are just a little bit Irish. Get in the spirit and celebrate with a day full of festivities and friends. We will be here bright and early with all of your Guinness needs. Come by after the parade and enjoy an evening of entertainment. Great food, great music and lots of green filled shenanigans.

Two Days of Partying at Pimlico in River Oaks (Saturday and Tuesday)

This Irish bar has a lot in store for the holiday! Expect live music and food at Pimlico.

5. Crawl From Pub to Pub

• Luck of the Irish Midtown Pub Crawl (Midtown – Saturday): Pub Fiction + friends are teaming up to have one heck of a St. Paddy’s Day party. More here.
• 5th Annual Green Mile St. Patrick’s Day Block Party (Washington – Tuesday): Party starts at 11 am and goes until 10 pm. You can check in at any of the participating bars, like: Clutch Bar, Concrete Cowboy and more. More here.