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Best Irish Concerts & Festivals In Sacramento

Irish culture and community spirit is alive and well in Sacramento. With the Irish population in Northern California establishing itself as part of the greater landscape of this great state, their events across California have kept the Irish spirit alive even though they're about 5,000 miles away from home. From your iconic St. Patrick's day parade in Old Town to a weekend full of Celtic pride in the Davis Countryside, Sacramento County definitely has some of the best Irish events year-round. Check out some of these noteworthy Irish events and music festivals below.
An Irish Hooley: Slugger O'Toole Band
Harris Center for the Arts
10 College Parkway
Folsom CA, 95360
(916) 608-6888
www.harriscenter.net

Date: Mar. 12, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.

An Irish Hooley is arguably one of Sacramento County's best Irish concerts of the year. Slugger O' Toole is known for bringing high-energy Irish music and lots of crowd interaction. In conjunction with special guests Kerry Dance Troupe (one of the nation's best Irish dance teams), an Irish Hooley combines Irish music and traditional Irish dance for a night you'll never forget. Slugger O' Toole has sold out in venues all across California, so you'd better get your tickets quick.

Altan & Lunasa With Tim O'Brien
Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
One Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616
(866) 754-2787
www.mondaviarts.org

Date: March 17, 2016 at 7 p.m.

Altan and Lunasa have been dubbed the ultimate Irish Double Bill, and Tim O'Brien is the unofficial king of Celtic Bluegrass. Combine the two acts and you have a trio of powerhouse Celtic artists that will be sure to delight and entertain Sacramento County. The showbill promises concertgoers one of the best Irish and American traditional music concerts that will explore the bond between the two cultures. Show up at 5:30 p.m. and take advantage of the free beer tasting event in the Corin Courtyard next to the ticket office.

Old Sacramento's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Old Town Sacramento
1002 2nd. St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-8575
www.oldsacramento.com

Date: Mar. 12, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

2016 marks the 20th year that Old Sacramento has hosted one of Northen California's largest and most colorful parades. St. Patrick's day is arguably the cornerstone of all Irish events in America, and Sacramento's definitely lives up to that reputation. With over 50 contingents bringing over a thousand marchers, the parade brings together all cultures and organizations, including a large Irish representation. Last year brought out over 15,000 people to attend, so you'll definitely want to arrive early to claim a good sidewalk spot.

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St. Patrick's Day Block Party On L. Street. 
De Vere's Irish Pub, Firestone Public House and L. St.
1132 16th. St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-0888
www.sacramento365.com

Date: March. 17, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.

The annual St. Patrick's Day Block Party on L. St. usually brings out the best of Irish spirit in a day-long celebration that culminates at either the Firestone Public House or de Vere's Irish Pub. The day kicks off at de Vere's at 9:00 a.m. with California Pipes and Drums headlining. Then head over to Firestone around 11:00 a.m. for lunch. Finally, at the end of the day, start off your night by going to MiX Downtown starting at 4:00 p.m. for more food and drink while you dance the night away. As always, you'd better be wearing green and have an excuse for wearing the same clothes you left the office with when you come into work on Friday.

Loreena McKennit
Harris Center
10 College Parkway
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 608-6888
www.harriscenter.net

Date: March 17 at 8 p.m.

Lorena McKennit is a twice Grammy-nominated and Juno award-winning Celtic composer, harpist, accordionist and pianist known for her Soprano vocals and multi-talented musical abilities. Loreena brings her vocal prowess to Sacramento for one night only on St. Patricks day with a bevy of Celtic music chosen from her vast repertoire of world-renowned hits. Loreena's concert performances have been known to sell out, so grab your tickets as soon as possible. If you're looking fun night out filled with some of the best Celtic vocals the world has heard, Loreena McKennit will surely deliver.

Related: Ask A Sacramento Expert: How To Keep Your New Year's Weight Loss Resolution

Paulo Acoba is a California native raised in the Bay Area and living in the Central Valley. He enjoys distance running, cycling and grassroots motorsports. He holds a degree in management from the University of California Merced. Paulo has been writing for Examiner.com since 2012 and covering the Fresno area.
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