Downtown Arlington serves up spirited helpings of fun this St. Patrick’s Day

With names like J. Gilligan’s, Hooligans and J.R. Bentley’s, you know you’ve found a little slice of the Emerald Isle right here in North Texas. Add to the mix a lively craft beer scene and some toe-tapping music this St. Patrick’s Day, and we proudly proclaim that there’s no place like Downtown Arlington to celebrate your inner Irish.

For nearly four decades, St. Patty’s Day festivities in Downtown have been anchored by J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill. On Friday, March 17, Randy Ford and his team are hosting their 38th annual St. Patrick's Day Block Party. After the lunch crowd clears, live music begins at 4:00 p.m. and rolls through the night with a half-dozen bands or more. Be sure to stay for headliner Deryl Dodd while you enjoy another order of green beer and Gilligan’s famous Irish Nachos.

Known for its mouth-watering hamburgers, J.R. Bentley’s English Pub can also serve up a wicked helping of Irish gastronomy. Starting at 11:00 a.m. on the 17^th and while it lasts, don’t miss out on the corned beef with cabbage and new potatoes or a piled-high Reuben sandwich. Later that day, grab a green beer and enjoy performances by Mo Stevens and Sweet T.

It’s easy being green at the 15^th annual St. Patrick's Day Bash at Hooligan’s Pub on March 17. In addition to plenty of free giveaways, Hooligan’s is serving up green beer, green Jell-O shots, green glitter bombs, Irish car bombs and plenty more.

Turn your friends green with envy with Legal Draft Beer Co. swag. Available on March 17 and 18, the microbrewery’s St. Patrick’s Day package includes a commemorative glass filled with their new SMaSH and GRaB IPA, 3 beer tokens, an IPA logo t-shirt and a green Legal Draft koozie. On the 18^th, enjoy Irish-style barbeque from SmokingQue BBQ Catering and music by The Martin Brothers.

Grease Monkey Burger Shop and Social Club is known for generous helpings of food and live music, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. The super talented Legacy 4 returns to Grease Monkey on March 17 for an energetic show of R&B and Motown favorites.

Add a little swing to your Irish jig by getting your tickets today for the March 17 performance of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra at Arlington Music Hall. Recognized as one of the best all-around dance bands, the orchestra keeps alive the traditions of Tommy Dorsey, a master at creating warm, sentimental, and always musical moods.

For a complete listing of Downtown Arlington restaurants, pubs and attractions, including Division Brewing, Mavericks Sports Grill, Kool Keg and On Tap Growler and Tap Room, visit downtownarlington.org/visit-downtown.

Plan your ride

Even one green beer may be one too many, so plan ahead for your ride home. One option is the Metro Arlington Express bus (The MAX), which circulates to Downtown Arlington every Monday through Friday until around 10:30 p.m. Visit ridethemax.com for details. 

Post, tweet, tag and subscribe

Want to be first to hear about Downtown cultural activities, business opportunities, events and news? Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, and as you post or tweet about spending time in Downtown Arlington, be sure to tag us with #authenticallyArlington and @dtArlington.

About Downtown Arlington 

An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.