Corned beef and cabbage will be on the menu, while green beer will flow from the tap as the St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin this weekend in the Upper Keys.
24th Upper Keys Irish Festival in Key Largo
A signature St. Patrick’s Day event, the 24th Upper Keys Irish Festival brings a parade, famous corned beef and more to benefit local students. Set for Saturday, March 16, the parade will begin at noon. Vehicles and golf carts will begin on First Road in Largo Sound Village. The procession will continue on Avenue B, north on Sound Drive and up Avenue A before crossing the highway to the Caribbean Club. Parade grand marshal is Jim Doran, former teacher at Key Largo School. The annual festival brings live music and Irish dancers, raffles and a silent auction, green beer and corned beef and cabbage. Proceeds support Teen Intervention Prevention Services, or TIPS, which gives local kids opportunities to get involved in sports, youth activities and summer camps. The festivities will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m.
Festivities at San Pedro Church
On Sunday, March 17, the public is invited to enjoy some corned beef and cabbage, drinks, Irish coffee and more at San Pedro Church on Plantation Key. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and includes live music, a 50/50 drawing, raffles, a dessert and bake contest and other entertainment. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for children. For more information and tickets, call Mike or Tracey Petrusha at 954-608-4901 or 305-896-1080.
Green beer will flow at Florida Keys Brewing Co.
Enjoy live music by two bands playing traditional Irish music on Sunday, March 17 at Florida Keys Brewing Co. in Islamorada. The Moveable Feast will serve traditional Irish dishes, including corned beef and cabbage and shepherd’s pie. Enjoy aged Irish red ale and green sangria slushies, as well as 20 locally-crafted beers, seltzers, ciders and craft cocktails. Special treats will also be available for the pups.
