Boozeless St. Patrick’s Day

By Samantha Samant

Assistant Promotions Manager

If you’re underage or just not into drinking, St. Patrick’s Day
might feel like a downer. But there are many ways to have just as
much, if not more, fun than your of-age friends.

On March 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hofstra University is hosting an Irish festival where you can enjoy authentic Irish food, listen to music, visit vendors and more. Tickets are $6, $5 for ages 65 and older, free for ages 11 and younger.

The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead is hosting a fundraiser for the developmentally disabled.

The St. Patrick’s Day themed event includes live music from Beatles’
cover band Strawberry Fields, Irish food, raffles and a chance to watch someone in the “Shark Tank Showdown.” The event is on Thursday, March 15, from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $65, $25 for children ages 2-12.

In NYC, a less pricey, but equally as fun option, is Sober St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a celebration of Irish culture sans the booze.

Entertainment includes live Irish step dancers, music, food and refreshments. It is on Saturday, March 16 at the St. Patrick’s Youth Center Gym at 4 p.m. Admission is $25, $10 for children under 10.

There another sober St. Patty’s Day at Our Lady Queen-Martyrs Church in Centerport, Long Island.

You can enjoy Irish entertainment, bagpipers and a traditional Irish band, balloon twisting, full face painting, temporary tattoos and a green cotton candy machine. The festivities are on Sunday, March 17, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. General admission $30 for adults and $10 for children.

If you find yourself in NYC on St Patrick’s Day and care for a good laugh or two, head down to the West Side Comedy Club, which will feature stand-up comics from Ireland as well as showcase unique international perspectives.

It’s on Sunday, March 17 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Entry is $5.

For something closer to campus, you can join the Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day parade, hosted on March 17 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. After the parade, there’s a family friendly reception at the St. Patrick’s Parish Hall.