Maybe you’ll get lucky in the Canal District By Jennifer Russo
If you live around town, you know that Worcester’s Canal District has taken on a life of its own in the last couple of years. What was once a barren wasteland and more of a passthrough to other parts of the city, the area has morphed into a nightlife hub and become the place to be, with plenty of dining and entertainment options to meet friends for a drink and listen to some of the area’s best live music. In March, the Canal District gears up for Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day with celebrations for every taste. Whether you like a little bit of culture or a lot of beer, the Canal District has you covered. First things first, as in March 1st. Join the Ancient Order of Hibernians as it hosts its 30th annual Irish Festival from noon-10 p.m. at the Spyridon Cathedral at 102 Russell St. For $5 (ages 12 and older), you can experience authentic Irish food, music by The Jolly Beggars and The Brennan Brothers, step dancing, raffles and merchandise. Learn more at aohworcester.com. Mardi Gras (aka, Fat Tuesday) celebrations are happening in the area, too. On March 4 at 6 p.m., the third annual Carnaval de Canal takes over the Canal District with promotional giveaways, music, contests, tastings and more. Check out thecanaldistrict.com. If a good old-fashioned pub crawl is more your thing, follow the leprechauns to the following places: 3 G’s Sports Bar & Pub (152 Millbury St.) If you have an appetite like an Irish man, this is the place to be as you enjoy an all-you-can-eat corned beef dinner at no charge and listen to live entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. The Banner (112 Green St.) Sit at the notable horseshoe-shaped bar and play some Keno. The Banner hosts its annual party after the parade on March 9 and offers some St. Patrick’s Day fun, featuring corned beef dinners and sandwiches, the McInerney Irish Step Dancers and other live entertainment. Blackstone Tap (81 Water St.) This lively bar is open on Parade Day. Play some pool, have a drink and watch some basketball. There is never a cover charge here. Fiddler’s Green (19 Temple St.) It doesn’t get more authentic than this place if you want a true Irish celebration. On Parade Day, Fiddler’s will be home to DJ Bucky Sheehan, The Jolly Beggars and another act to be announced. On Sunday, March 16, there will be Irish Seisiun from 4-8 p.m. in the pub, and on St. Patrick’s Day, DJ Arnie Hamm will entertain from noon-2 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close, along with Blackstone Cuil and Cat and the Moon. Lucky Dog (89 Green St.) Luck’s in the name! If you want a change of pace, Lucky Dog will offer its free movie marathon the night of St Patrick’s. Kick back and enjoy an Irish coffee or ask for a Green Manalishi, as three movies from the Leprechaun series are screened, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Patsie Dugan’s (49 Millbury St.) If you haven’t had Patsie’s corned beef and swiss sandwich, you simply haven’t lived. Anyway, who wouldn’t want to go to a place called Patsie Dugan’s on St. Patrick’s Day? Perfect Game (64 Water St.) With an impressive burger menu, great drink selection and one of the best fish and chips plates I’ve tasted, this is a great place to grab a seat. The pub will offer green beer, corned beef sandwiches for $4.99 and corned beef dinners for $7.99 from Parade Day through St. Patrick’s Day. Hope you’re hungry! The Union Tavern (65 Green St.) Formerly Creegan’s Pub and under new ownership, The Union Tavern promises to be a hotspot for Worcester’s college scene and already has had packed houses since its grand opening. After the parade, the tavern will be bringing the party down to the Canal District with a DJ, drink and shot specials, green beer, live bagpipes and lots of giveaways.
March 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 11