Look to Coeur d’Alene for St. Patrick’s Day parades, parties and pipe bands
Hints of green have been seen in North Idaho as temperatures climb. And while there’s still a few weeks until we really see green grass, there’s plenty o’ green to be found in the Lake City’s upcoming St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Get into town early Saturday, March 14, and save some time to browse All Things Irish for something to remind you of the old country. If you happen to be there at 3:30 pm, you’ll catch the extremely in-demand Coeur d’Alene Firefighters Pipes and Drums there in one of their many, many performances.
Other things to do before (or after) the parade include St. Patrick’s Day LAKE CRUISES. Choose from the noon or 2:30 pm boarding time for the family cruise, or do the 5:30 pm buffet cruise: stuffed cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, corned beef and more. For ages 21-and-up, dance your shamrocks off during the DJ party cruise, starting at 6:30 pm. Visit cdacruises.com/special-cruises.
Now, about that parade. It starts at 4 pm from Eighth and Sherman, winding its way down to First Street. Definitely get there early, wear your green and enjoy the good-natured shenanigans, plus a lot of hometown heroes and happiness.
Keep the parade alive and follow the pipers as they make their way throughout town. Start at Crown & Thistle (107 N. Fourth St.), a genuine British Isle-inspired pub and serving up plenty of bangers and other Celtic fare throughout the evening.
The bagpipers then head to Capone’s (751 N. Fourth St.), the Coeur d’Irish party at the Resort, the Eagles, then Bier Haus (515 E. Sherman Ave.). They’re expected at Crafted (523 E. Sherman Ave.) by 8:30 pm, then Cricket’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar (424 E. Sherman Ave.), Iron Horse (407 E. Sherman Ave.), DogHouse Tavern (110 N. Fourth St.), the Beacon (107 N. Fourth St.) ending at Crown & Thistle.
If you’re not planning on the dinner cruise, how about the same menu only at the fabulous Coeur d’Alene Resort during the fifth annual COEUR D’IRISH PARTY? It’s the place to be with Irish bagpipers, Irish dancers and the Motown cover band NuJack City taking the stage at 8 pm (tickets: $40/person with dinner; $20/person, music only). See if the “luck o’ the Irish” is with you and enter to win a Game of Thrones trip to the British Isles.
Looking to make your pre-St. Paddy’s a night to remember? Stay over at the Resort and check out their SHAMROCK SPLASH BASH, included with overnight accommodations (starting at $199/person). You get the VIP treatment at the Resort’s lakeside infinity pool for 3-1/2 hours of hot tub happiness.
Special Events
Downtown Music Walk
MARCH 13
Downtown Coeur d’Alene comes alive during the last music walk of the year. Enjoy art galleries, wine bars and restaurants — all featuring live musicians starting at 5 pm. Find a map of locations at artsandculturecda.org/music-walk.
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
MARCH 12-13
The Kootenai Environmental Alliance presents two days of nationally recognized films that inspire environmental activism and a love for nature. Thursday’s screenings take place at North Idaho’s Boswell Hall ($15), 6:30-9 pm. Coeur d’Alene Public Library hosts Friday’s event, 7-8:30 pm (free, but donations encouraged), where filmmaker Mark Titus will be presenting his award-winning film The Wild.
Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival
MARCH 20-22
The Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival returns to the Lake City, featuring the best talent from local, regional and national blues artists. It’s a soul swingin’ weekend celebrating the best of modern blues through a variety of events, from cruises and gospel brunches to a rooftop blues party. Tickets and a schedule of events can be found at cda4.fun.
