A Wee Bit o’ Irish Fun this March!

Our March blog is courtesy of Visit Muskegon

March is around the corner and we love how Muskegon goes all Irish all month long! There are more varied events for all tastes and ages than you can shake a shillelagh at!

“County Muskegon” is teeming with Irish and Celtic themed culture, activities, music and fun. We’d like to highlight some of them here for you.

Muskegon Sounds Like Ireland!

Did you know there is a Muskegon radio station that hosts an Irish music program? If you tune in to Muskegon 100.9 FM from 5-7 pm EST you will find that Muskegon “Sounds Like Ireland” every Thursday! The program is hosted by “Voice of the Michigan Irish Music Festival” Bill Marshall and is “jammers” full of jams to get you in the mood for March!

Trad Seisiún

Start getting your Irish on right at the beginning of the month. Bring your musical instrument and join a “Trad Session” at Unruly Brewing. An Irish traditional music session (seisiún) is an informal collection of folks gathered together to play traditional Irish music. Unruly Brewing hosts such sessions twice every month. Even if you don’t play, you can still come and enjoy the music! More Info HERE

March 1 and March 15
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Get Ready to Tap Your Toes!

Save the date for this performance of Celtic music by Uneven Ground at Hackley Public Library. Uneven Ground ushers in “Irish American” month with a night of vibrant and traditional Celtic music. Blending talented vocals and lively instrumentals, they their audience a unique and engaging performance to remember. Free More Info HERE

March 3
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

But, There are Four of Them?

Always a sensation at the Michigan Irish Music Festival, We Banjo 3 are coming to The Playhouse at White Lake!  This Galway, Ireland, and Nashville-based quartet, comprised of two sets of brothers, seamlessly converge the varied traditions of Americana, Bluegrass, and Celtic music with pop-sensible songcraft and create a truly unique and gratifying signature sound. More Info HERE

March 8
7:30 pm

See the Book of Kells

A MUST see, while you are at the Hackley Public Library, is their rare copy of the “Book of Kells”. Only 1,480 facsimiles of this breathtaking illuminated manuscript exist in the world. The original, housed in Trinity College Dublin, is widely regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure. As far as we know, ours and the copy at Washington Centerville Library are the only two available for public viewing in a library. You can learn more about this treasure in this Hackley Library Video HERE 

Mark your calendar for a night of learning, and discover details and history about this centuries-old illuminated manuscript at a special Book of Kells Presentation. More Info HERE

March 10
5:30 pm

Get a Running Start 

Saturday morning gets a “running” start at 9 am with Run Muskegon’s Shamrock Shuffle, this festive 5K encourages participants to dress for the holiday – and awards prizes for the best costumes. More Info HERE

March 12
9;00 am

Look for Irish Treasures

The Michigan Makers Market debuts at VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center. This indoor shopping event is presented by the Lakeshore Art Festival and will feature 80-100 craft and fine art exhibitors from the state of Michigan. More Info HERE

March 12
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Gobble Green Eggs and Ham

Take the wee ones for a Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast at the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club! The ladies are celebrating Reading Month, Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the whole green theme with a delicious breakfast that includes a free Dr. Seuss book and visit from a Dr. Seuss’ character. More Info HERE

March 12
10:00 – 11:00 am

Everyone Loves a Parade

Be sure to finish your breakfast or run by 11:00 am! This is when the 9th Annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade is presented by the Greater Muskegon Jaycees. The fun, family oriented parade marches in Downtown Muskegon; and there is a great cause behind it!

Entry fees to participate in the parade are non-perishable food and pantry items – and spectators are encouraged to bring them too! Volunteers will push shopping carts along the parade route collecting the items. Or, look for collection barrels located along the parade route. So grab some canned goods and get gussied up in your green garb! Watch the floats, marching bands, dogs, live music, catch some candy and cheer for a very special Grand Marshall! More Info HERE

Route: Along Western Ave between 6th – 2nd Streets

That’s No Blarney

Make a wish and kiss the Muskegon version of The Blarney Stone! Superior Monument are bringing their version of the the famous limestone landmark. Seek it out near the Olthoff Stage and see if you can get the gift o’ gab.

March 12
11:00 am – 4 pm

Set Up Camp for the Day

Shamrockin’ In Your Shanty returns to Western Ave in Downtown Muskegon! Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day by reserving a spot for your “shanty” (ice shanty, small pop up tent or just seating)! Spend the day with your friends in the social district. You cannot bring your own alcohol to this event – but you can enjoy social district drinks in your shanty from participating establishments. Prizes awarded for Best Decorated Shanty! $15 More Info HERE

March 12
12:00 – 4:00 pm

Kick Up Your Heels at a Free Outdoor Concert 

Michigan Irish Music Festival brings Enda Reilly and CrossBow to the outdoor Olthoff performance stage to join in the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations taking place in Downtown Muskegon. More Info HERE

March 12
12:15 – 4:00 pm

Unruly Music, Dancers and Craic

Unruly Brewing to celebrates St. Paddy’s all day on March 12, 2022! The craic begins at 9 am for “St. Patrick’s Parade Pre-Party”. Throughout the day there will be and Irish DJ keeping the spirit going and live performances from Mona Shores Fiddlers, Ardan Academy of Irish Dancers, Leprecons, O’Malley’s Cousin and The Barley Saints. Free. Schedule and More Info HERE

Irish Dancing

Ardan Academy of Irish Dance is a school teaching traditional step and Ceili dance classes for all ages. The dancers vie in state and national Feis competitions; including the Michigan Feis that takes place every September right here in Muskegon. They send qualifying dancers to the Mid-American and international Oireachtas each year. Come be amazed at their skills as they kick up their heals during  a free performance at Unruly Brewing on March 12th

Photo: Tim Reilly

Get Jack’d and Do a Jig

The Muskegon Lumberjacks hit the ice against U18 – USNTOP at Mercy Health Arena. They will also be celebrating St Patrick’s Day with a special performance from the Muskegon Regional Police Pipes and Drums. More Info HERE

March 12
7:00 pm

Try MI Irish Stout!

Muskegon local craft brewery; Pigeon Hill Brewing Company  invites you to “Hop” in to the Brewer’s Lounge – Pigeon Hill and try a pint of their MI Irish Stout; the official stout of the Michigan Irish Music Festival! If you love it (and you will!) you can find cans to purchase in select stores while supplies last.

The Pipes, the Pipes are Calling

Whatever Downtown Muskegon business you are at on March 12th (and hopefully the 17th!) there is a good change the Muskegon Regional Police Pipes and Drums will wander in for an impromptu performance. See our TikTok of them performing on Western Ave in 2021 HERE

Raise the Flag, Raise the Roof