What started as a religious holiday to celebrate the life of the patron saint of Ireland is now a raucous good time for both Irish and those who wish they were Irish alike. Whether you intend to spend your St. Patrick’s Day crawling from pub to pub or you want to participate in some traditional festivities, there are tons of things to do both in Elk Grove and Sacramento. Don’t spend your St. Paddy’s in front of your telly wearing green boxer shorts — get out and have some green-flavored fun!
Very Brief St. Patrick’s Day History
Today, St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have much to do with religion. You wear green, drink green beer and go to a local parade or St. Paddy’s Day party. You may have vaguely heard of the real St. Patrick — you know, the guy who got the snakes out of Ireland. However, the real Pat wasn’t Irish at all. He was born during the Roman Empire in Britain and was kidnapped and made a slave by some Irish marauders.
Although he escaped his servitude, he later returned to Ireland to bring Christianity to the country. In fact, the shamrock or three-leaf clover isn’t just a pic plastered on t-shirts during the holiday — it’s what St. Pat used to teach people about the Trinity. Patrick was later given sainthood after his death on — you guessed it — March 17. For centuries, the Irish celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by closing pubs (gasp) and attending church.
When the Irish began emigrating to America during the Potato Famine in the 1800s, there was a lot of persecution. The Irish didn’t take it lying down, though. They celebrated their heritage every St. Patrick’s Day with parades and festivities. Slowly, even those without Celtic blood realized they were missing out on a dang good party.
St. Patrick’s Day in Elk Grove
Now that you know a little more about why you’re wearing green shamrocks and little leprechaun hats, let’s discuss some St. Patrick’s Day happenings right here in Elk Grove:
- Patrick’s Bash at the Wrangler Bar: A little bit country, a little bit rock n’ roll and a lot Irish. Enjoy some discount green draft and Irish car bombs as you jam along with some of the best tunes at the Wrangler Bar. Call ahead to find out start times.
- De Vere’s Irish Pub Party: Hot Irish coffee in the morning, corned beef and cabbage at noon, pipes, drums and Irish dancers throughout the day — get ready to enjoy a truly authentic Irish experience at De Vere’s Irish Pub.
St. Patrick’s Day in Sacramento
From parades to pub crawls, the St. Paddy’s Day festivities continue if your travels take you to Sacramento:
- Patrick’s Day Parade: Marching down the streets along the Old Sacramento Waterfront on Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m., you won’t want to miss one of NorCal’s largest and most colorful parades. Although the dominant color is green, this celebration of cultures brings together historic re-enactors, pipe and drum bands, Highland dancers and more.
- Patrick’s Day PubCrawl: For some real St. Paddy’s Day shenanigans, come out for Sacramento’s own St. Patrick’s Day PubCrawl. Over the course of this wee weekend, you’ll get to experience discounted beers, well drinks and shots. Crucial disclaimer — wear green or get booed.
Come to Exit Strategy Games for a Clue-Cracking Good Time
After you’ve stretched your stomach muscles filling up on corned beef and cabbage and stretched those leg muscles high-stepping your way through the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, don’t forget to stretch your mind muscle. Exit Strategy Games is perfect for any occasion. And with the luck of the Irish on your side, you’ll be able to solve the clues and escape the room before the timer runs out.
Plus, if you’ve got your kiddos in tow, you may not be able to indulge in the many — ahem — adult refreshments St. Paddy’s is known for. Our newest escape room, Pet Snatched, has you working together to find some fido-nabbing fiends.
Book your private adventure at the best escape room in Elk Grove.
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