Far from the family-focused holiday bonanzas that are November and December, March is home to St. Patrick's Day, an occasion that's (usually) more about making out with strangers than spending QT with Great Aunt Edith.
But getting wasted and puking up green beer isn't the only option for paying tribute to St. Paddy's Day. There are more than a few other activities in MIA that celebrate the spirit of erin go bragh.
See also: O, Miami Gets Ready For Another Year of Rhyming, Odes, and Sonnets
Party like a rock star at the St. Paddy's Day Festival
If you're looking for Miami's see-and-be-seen spot to show off your green swag, Brickell is it. Every year, Fado hosts a festival that spills out into every corner of Mary Brickell. Fado opens at 9 a.m. and serves brunch till 11 (with bottomless mimosas and sangrias), and the outdoor party starts at 9, too. With two DJ stages, beer gardens, Irish dancers and all the young professionals wearing "Kiss Me I'm Irish" shirts you could dream of, this is St. Pat's party central.
The festival starts at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at Mary Brickell Village, 901 South Miami Ave., Miami. Admission is $5 at the door, $15 for admission plus two 24 ounce beers or $30 for admission plus $2 drinks (Bud, Bud Light, Naked Turtle Rum, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Fireball, and Absolut) from 2 to 6 p.m. Visit fadoirishpub.com for details.
Make some art at Painting with a Twist
To get those creative juices (besides just Jameson) flowing, Painting With a Twist is hosting a green-themed St. Pat's party. Attendees will paint a green landscape, sip some spirits (BYOB) and make some new friends. Oh, and wearing green will mean heading home with an additional painting.
The event starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at Painting with a Twist,
924 71st St., Miami Beach. Tickets are $35 per person. Visit the Facebook event for details.
Eat some Irish grub at the John Martin's
If you're looking for Irish authenticity, you'll find it at local Irish pub John Martin's. The Paddy Kelleghan Band will play live tunes and bagpipers will be on site all day. Plus there'll be Irish beer, Irish food and Irish people (most likely).
The party runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at John Martin's Irish Pub, 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Admission is free. Visit johnmartins.com for details.
Bring your pooch to the Walk, Waggle, and Stroll Dog Walk
Strap some shamrocks on your furry best friend and bring him or her to Miami Lighthouse's eighth annual pup parade. The St. Pat's-themed dog walk is dedicated to raising awareness for service animals. Hosted by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman and CBS 4 Miami anchors Rhiannon Ally and Irika Sargent, there'll be awards for Best St. Patrick's Day Dog Costume, Dog-Owner Look-alike and Most Talented Dog, plus a Britto t-shirt for walk attendees, and more. It's a fun-filled afternoon for humans and canines alike.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, at The Shops at Midtown Miami, 3401 N Miami Ave., Miami. Registration for the walk is $30, and the fee is waived for visually impaired walkers. Visit miamilighthouse.org for more details.
Take the fam to the 36th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival
For a family-friendly St. Pat's affair, Coral Gables' annual ode to all things green is perfect for kids and grown-ass adults alike (yes there will be a bar). There'll be Irish dancers, pipes, drums, harpists, soda bread, whiskey cake, a leprechaun's corner for kid's crafts, face painting, vendors, a bounce house and a whole lot more. Because, as the organizers say, "Everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day."
The festival starts at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, at Ponce Circle Park, 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Admission is free. Visit emeraldsocietysfl.com for details.
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