The 37th Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will take place over the course of one week this year, March 13 -20, featuring both in-person, socially distant events, and virtual activities for Dublin residents. Additional information and all links to program registration can be found at www.dublinstpats.com.
In-Person Events and Activities:
- A drive-in Celtic rock concert, featuring the Irish bands Tempest and Cali Celtic will perform on Saturday, March 13, at 6:00 p.m., at Hacienda Crossings shopping center. Registration is required, as space is limited. The cost is $40 per car.
- An Irish Marketplace, featuring vendors specializing in unique Celtic artwork; authentic Irish kilts and textiles; beautiful Celtic jewelry; and much more, will be held at the Hacienda Crossings shopping center (5000 Dublin Boulevard), March 13-14, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- A “Lucky to be in Dublin” Chalk Art Contest will be held on Saturday, March 13, with 30-minute time slots available from 10:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. Only three participants or families permitted per time slot. The cost to participate is $5 per square.
- Irish Dance Lessons will be taught to youngsters by the McGrath Irish Dancers and the McBride School of Irish Dance on Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14, at Shannon Community Center (11600 Shannon Avenue, Dublin). The cost to participate is $12 per person.
Virtual Events and Activities:
- The traditional Shamrock 5K Fun Run and Walk will be somewhat untraditional this year, as participants will compete on their own time, March 13 – March 20, using a route at Emerald Glen Park and an app called, “Racejoy.” Mile markers and directional signage will be posted along the 3.1 mile, 5K course. Participants may also run or walk their own 5K course or participate at home on a treadmill. Each registered participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and the top three finishers in the Competitive Division will receive medals and a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift certificate. Compliance with all Alameda County Public Health Department orders are required, and participants must wear a mask except when actively running.
- A Shamrockin’ Scavenger Hunt will take place March 13 – March 20. Leprechauns and pictures of Glen the Guide will be hidden throughout Dublin. Players can download the GooseChase app, enter a game code (DUBLINSTPATS), and head out in search of pictures of shamrocks and “Glen the Leprechaun.” Players who find them all will win some St. Patrick’s-themed prizes.
- A virtual Irish Cooking Class, hosted by Pans on Fire of Pleasanton, will take place on Tuesday, March 16, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., via Zoom. Participants will make traditional Irish dishes including Irish Coddle (bangers and mash) with caramelized onion sauce and Irish Soda Bread from the comfort of their own kitchen. Attendees will receive a shopping list prior to the event. Pans on Fire can provide ingredients to registrants for an additional fee. The cost to participate is $39.00 per person for Dublin residents; $47.00 per person for non-residents.
- An At-Home Paint Night will take place on Thursday, March 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., via Zoom. This live and interactive painting party will be led by an instructor from Pinot’s Palette in Livermore, who will guide participants step-by-step in painting a beautiful scenic work of art, “Sunshine Hill.” All ages are welcome. A link to the recording will also be available for seven days. Painting kits will be available for pickup at Pinot’s Palette (153 S. Livermore Street, Livermore). E-mail Livermore@PinotsPalette.com for more information. The cost to participate is $39 per person.
- “Why is Dublin Named Dublin?” Historical Chat – On Wednesday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m., Dublin City Historian Steve Minniear will explain how the community went through a series of name changes during its 200-year history. The presentation will be carried on Zoom.
- Local restaurants and retailers will participate in a citywide BINGO game, offering exciting St. Patrick’s Day specials for participants.
- The Dublin Arts Collective has created a fun tutorial on how to create a “Lockdown Leprechaun” with supplies found around the house. The video, and a list of needed supplies, can be found at www.dublinstpats.com.
While the Dublin Lions Club is unable to host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the group will help to “paint the town green” by hanging green ribbons throughout Downtown Dublin for the weeklong celebration.