Arts & Entertainment

Get Out: The Emerald Isle Edition

The Parade of Shamrocks hits downtown, plus other ways to celebrate St. Patrick

It’s a weekend full of passion and revelry, as the Valley begins its celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

Bethlehem, city of festivals, finally throws its first official St. Patty’s Day parade on Saturday, with 10 hours of celebration planned in the historic downtown. There is also an Irish play at Saturday night and Celtic Music in Hellertown on Sunday.

If that isn’t your cup of tea, you can check out of the brouhaha and see the London Opera. Or maybe, you’d like to just skip the whole thing and do some good.

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Where/When: Downtown Bethlehem, Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.

Why Go: No city throws a party better than Bethlehem. This debut daylong festival of Irish culture should keep that tradition alive. The parade itself will begin at 2:30 p.m., following a route through the downtown, beginning at Sixth Avenue and Broad Street and running east to Main before ending at Main and Spring streets, where the evening’s festivities will begin to kick into high gear in a large tent under the Hill-to-Hill Bridge. There, you can hear Irish music from Emish and headliners, the Glengarry Bhoys. Pre-parade activities include a Miss Irish Eyes beauty pageant in the tent and the Best Legs in a Kilt competition in front of on Main Street.

Pricing: The parade and pre-parade events are free. $18 admission for evening events in the tent.

 

THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE

Where/When: Fox Environmental Center at the Mill; 130 Illick's Mill Road, Bethlehem, PA; Saturday 7pm

Why Go: This dark comedy about the relationship between a 40 year old woman and her 70 year old mother is fall on the floor funny in that uncomfortable “hey, I’ve worried about that too” way. Plus, it’s Irish and season appropriate.

Pricing: $10

 

"Have a Heart For Children" Dinner Dance

Where/When: ; 437 Main St., Bethlehem, Saturday 7pm

Why Go: The annual dinner dance, which raises money for The Fund to Benefit Children and Youth as well as Valley Youth House, will raise money to help abused, neglected, and homeless children throughout the valley. 

Pricing: $75

 

SECOND SUNDAY SESSION

Where/When: Braveheart Highland Pub, 430 Main St., Hellertown, Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m.

Why Go: The sessions are free for musicians and singers to join in, the music is Celtic, and the scotch menu is extensive. What more do you want on a Sunday?

Pricing: free, with the regular menu available during the session

 

Carmen in 3D at the Rave Movie Theater at the Promenade

Where When: The Rave Movie Theater at the Promenade2805 Center Valley Parkway; Sunday, 1pm

Why Go: Never before shown in the valley, the Royal Opera House of London’s 3D opera’s are quite the experience. If you’ve ever wanted to make the opera less sit-quietly-and-listen and more “Avatar,” this is your chance

Pricing: Regular 3D pricing, but receive a free small drink and popcorn with admission.


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