Looking for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that goes beyond green beer? From a parade with bag pipers and Irish families to a weekend-long street party, including the return of LepreCon. The Banks is the most fun you’ll have this side of the Blarney Stone.
“Bringing back LepreCon for its second annual celebration was an easy decision, inspired by the overwhelmingly positive feedback and enjoyable atmosphere we witnessed last year!” says Saijal Andreadis, marketing director for 4EG.
LepreCon is billed as the “largest gathering of leprechauns in the city.” The block party on Saturday, Mar. 16, runs from 2 to 9 p.m. Revelers can expect a day filled with live music, food and drink specials, and shenanigans at seven participating bars and restaurants.
“The bars at The Banks are always working on events and fun themes to entertain our guests,” says Danny Scott, owner of Red Leprechaun. “LepreCon is one of many bar crawl events we all work together to offer. We are all stronger as a community at The Banks and we love offering multiple venues with a lot of options!”
The block party will begin immediately following the 56th annual St. Patrick’s Parade. A stage will be set up on Freedom Way in front of the BurgerFi with indoor and outdoor beverage sales available at all participating locations. Musical appearances include the Dave Campbell Band and DJ Kombat. This event is free to attend.
“LepreCon is a vibrant, community-driven event that is dedicated to the spirit of leprechauns and the overall celebration of St. Patrick's Day,” says Andreadis. “The success of the initial event highlighted the desire for a unique, large experience that brings people together, and it demonstrated the capacity of LepreCon to become a staple event that people look forward to year after year.
Participating locations of LepreCon, and their specials are
Fishbowl at The Banks: Featured fishbowl: “Bowl of Gold,” green beer, green Jell-O shots, and Shamrock Bingo from 2–4 p.m. and DJs from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Holy Grail: Food, drinks and entertainment
Jefferson Social: $5 green beer pints, $4 Guinness pints and $5 green tea shots
Killer Queen: $3 green beer. DJ Keith Nunn from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Red Leprechaun: Outdoor stage, seating, heaters, drinks and Irish food. Outdoor stage lineup: 4 p.m: Set by DJ Fuseamania, 4:30–7:30 p.m.: Bloody Tinth (Irish band), 8–11 p.m.: Audio Graffiti
The Stretch: $3 green beer, plus a featured Shamrock Splash cocktail available at the outdoor bar. Rotating DJs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tin Roof: Green beer ‘til gone! Live music by Ethan & Joey & Jada at 12 p.m., DJ Kombat at 4 p.m. and Super Nash Bros at 9 p.m.
“The Banks is the ideal venue to LepreCon for several reasons. Its central location is accessible, making it easy for both locals and visitors to join the festivities,” says Andreadis. “The open area of accommodates a block party of this size in the DORA district. The Banks also boasts a vibrant atmosphere that complements the spirit of LepreCon.”
After the party on Saturday you can sweat out your hangover at the 96ROCK .05K on Sunday. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the run of the most grueling 164 feet of your life starts at noon!
Then the fun continues, as Red Leprechaun hosts the ultimate Sunday Funday on the official St. Patrick’s Day style! Doors open at 8 a.m. for breakfast with DJs, live music, patio seating with heaters, dancing, and drinking in the street the rest of the day. The Naked Karate Girls play at 12 noon, with Fuseamania playign sets at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Scrimshaw at 4 p.m.
“We have gone all out to get ready for our first St. Patrick’s Day – Making sure to secure some of the best entertainment in the area, drinks and food!” says Scott. “Our goal is to be the hub for this holiday in the Cincinnati region.”