For the second consecutive year, there is no luck of the Irish for an in-person St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Pittsburgh.
But there will be a virtual party to recognize the upcoming celebration.
The “Virtual Shamrock Shindig Celebrates Everything Irish” takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12.
The online event will be broadcast from Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle in the Strip District and the Irish Design Center in Oakland.
The event is produced by Dee Weinberg, owner of GoodTaste! Pittsburgh, an event planning company showcasing food trends.
Maura Krushinski, co-founder of the annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival and owner of the Irish Design Center, said it’s no fun to cancel the large parade, usually held on a Saturday near the official March 17 observance. “People are very disappointed they can’t celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day like they are used to,” said Krushinski, of Squirrel Hill. “We will honor Saint Patrick even with the absence of the ability to be physically present.”
She noted that Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, founded in 1992, has the feel of an Irish pub. There will be a session on pouring a proper “Black and Tan” (part Guinness stout and part lager or pale ale) and music by Pittsburgh’s own Whiskey Limerick band.
Guests will learn to bake brown bread. Irish storyteller Alan Irvine will perform, as will award-winning bagpiper Ryan Myett.
Tickets are $45 and can be purchased here for Friday’s event. An event kit will include Irish items, including a ticket to the 30th annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival in September at Sandcastle in West Homestead.
