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St. Patrick's Day in Albuquerque

Celebrate All Things Irish

By , About.com Guide

St. Patrick's Day in Albuquerque

St. Patrick's Day

By Alex Wong / Getty Images
Céad Mile Fáilte! A hundred thousand welcomes. St. Patrick's Day in Albuquerque promises more activities and celebrations than can be stuffed into one day, so take a look at a month’s worth of smatterings and choose several to celebrate a little bit o' Ireland.

Randall Bays in Concert
Randall Bays plays the Irish fiddle and fingerstyle guitar in the Irish tradition. Call to reserve your seat at (505) 237-2048. The concert takes place at Apple Mountain Music, 10301 Comanche Road NE.
For 2013: March 1, 7 p.m.

Rhythm of the Dance
The National Dance Company of Ireland performs Irish music and dance. Follow the journey of the Irish Celts through history in a show that features a live band, three tenors and more than 20 dancers. See it at Popejoy.
For 2013: March 2

The Black Watch and Band of the Scots Guard
Hear bagpipes and martial music from the Black Watch 3rd Batallion of the Royal Regiments of Scotland. See it performed at Popejoy Hall.
For 2013: March 10, 3 p.m.

Paint the Town Black
Paint the town black with Guinness. O'Niell's and Guinness have teamed up to support local firehouses. Proceeds from your purchase of a black pint will be donated directly to local firehouses.
For 2013: March 12, 6 - 8 p.m.

St. Patrick's Day at O'Niell's
All day Thursday through Sunday, O'Niell's will serve Irish specialties such as corned beef and cabbage and lamb stew. Music, celebrations and dance will happen at both O'Niell's locations.
See the schedule for both O'Niell's locations. High Desert Pipe and Drums and Tir Conaill Irish step dancers will be featured.
For 2013: March 14 - 17

St. Baldrick's Foundation
The New Mexico Firefighters will have a St. Baldrick's fundraiser at the Santa Ana Star Center on Saturday, March 16 from noon to 4 p.m. The firefighters will shave their heads There will be pipes and drums, live music, Irish dancers, an aerial ladder climb, silent auction, jumpers for the kids, a classic car display, food and more. This is a free event, donations welcome. For 2013: March 16

St. Patrick's Day Hot Air Balloon Rally
Every year on St. Patrick's day weekend, hot air balloons rise over the skies of Belen. Get up close with Smokey the Bear, Shamrock Patty and the Flighthouse balloons. Get out early at 7 a.m. to Eagle Park, 1619 West Delgado Avenue.
For 2013: March 16, March 17 if weather is bad the 16th.

Brother Mathias Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner
The 62nd annual dinner features traditional Irish food. Proceeds benefit the Good Shepherd Center, which helps the area's homeless population. Tickets can be purchased at the door. There will be a full Irish feast, children's games and entertainment. Cost is $15 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Take out dinners available. Takes place at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
For 2013: March 17

Mac-Tire of Skye Pipes & Drums
The Albuquerque bagpipe band will be playing at several locations around town on St. Patrick's day. Find them at the Brother Mathias Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner, Two Fools Tavern, and other spots.
For 2013: March 17

St. Patrick's Day Patio Party
Enjoy a special celebration of the season at the St. Clair bistro in Albuquerque.
For 2013: March 17

St. Pet-rick's Day Adoption Special
The city's animal shelters will give anyone wearing green $10 off any pet adoption. McDonald's will give a free Shamrock shake with every pet adoption. Pick up a new family member at the eastside, westside or Lucky Paws center in Coronado Mall.
For 2013: March 17

Shamrock Shuffle
The Shamrock Shuffle takes place at the Rio Rancho Aquatic Center. Lace your shoes and go green in a 10 miler, 10K, 5K or Kids K. Don't forget to wear green!
For 2013: March 17

St. Patrick's Day Weekend Farm Tour and Baby Goat Feeding
The Old Windmill Dairy in Estancia will let you feed the baby goats at this special celebration. And there will be corned beef and cabbage, green chocolate milk and green chevre cheese to enjoy. It begins at noon and ends at 6 p.m.
For 2013: March 17

Annual St. Patrick's Day Party
The food will be pot luck, so the luck of the Irish be with you. Bring a dish and enjoy the music and dance. The German American Club is located at 4821 Menaul NE.
For 2013: March 17, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Green Suede Shoes
An Irish music and literature performance by Bill Nevins will take place at the Belen Public Library at 1 p.m. The show is free.
For 2013: March 23

Lord of the Dance
The blend of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance features the story of the Lord of Darkness as he challenges the Lord of Light. Created by Michael Flatley; see it at Popejoy.
For 2013: March 25

Irish Organizations and Events in Albuquerque All Year

Irish American Society of New Mexico
The society is dedicated to Irish culture in New Mexico and meets the second Friday of the month at 4821 Menaul NE.

Rio Grande Celtic Festival and Highland Games
The festival features Scottish traditions, from bagpipe music to games such as the sheaf toss. You'll also find vendors and entertainment all weekend long. Don't miss out on the Highland Dance.
For 2013: May 18 and 19

Southwest Genealogical Society
The Irish Research Group meets at the Main Library Special Collections room on the third floor. It features workshops and classes.

Irish Music

O’Niell’s Pub
The music is Irish and the fun is authentic. Listen to live music and enjoy the craic on Sundays from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the "old" O'Niells, 4310 Central SE.

Two Fools Tavern
Enjoy Celtic music in this family friendly event every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find Two Fools Tavern at 3211 Central NE.

Celtic Music Resources
Apple Mountain Music
For folk music instruments and instruction, Apple Mountain Music offers everything you need. Find hammered dulcimers, bodhrans, harps, Irish whistle and more. Classes are offered at the Apple Mountain store, or other locations. They also offer an ongoing slate of folk music concerts.

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