Host a Successful St. Patrick’s Day Event at Your Brewery

St. Patrick’s Day is a fantastic opportunity for craft breweries to celebrate the holiday spirit while showcasing their unique brews. With the right planning and a touch of Irish flair, you can create an event that draws in beer lovers and fosters a sense of community. Here’s a step-by-step guide to hosting a memorable St. Patrick’s Day event at your craft brewery. St. Patrick’s day in Monday, March 17th so consider hosting your event on Saturday 3/15.

1. Create a Festive Atmosphere

Set the tone by transforming your brewery into a cozy Irish pub for the day.

• Decorations: Use green, white, and gold banners, shamrocks, leprechaun hats, and twinkling string lights. Set up a selfie area with a backdrop and photo booth props.

• Themed Taproom Names: Rename parts of your brewery for the day (e.g., “Leprechaun Lounge” or “The Clover Corner”).

• Live Music: Hire a local band to play Irish folk music or create a playlist filled with classics like “Danny Boy” and traditional jigs.

2. Offer Special Brews

Showcase your creativity with themed drinks:

• Stout Variations: Highlight rich stouts or create an Irish dry stout.

• Green Beer: Offer one or two lighter beers with a splash of green food coloring.

• Irish-Inspired Brews: Develop limited-edition beers with flavors like coffee, honey, or whiskey barrel-aged ales.

• Beer Flights: Present a “Pot of Gold” flight with your special St. Patrick’s Day lineup.

3. Pair Beer with Irish Cuisine

Food is key to keeping guests happy.

• Partner with Local Food Vendors: Collaborate with food trucks or caterers to serve Irish classics like corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, or shepherd’s pie.

• DIY Food Pairings: Offer recommendations for pairing your beers with traditional Irish snacks like soda bread or Guinness chocolate cake.

• Cooking with Beer: Highlight recipes that use your brews, such as beer cheese, beer braised coned beef, or stout brownies.

4. Host Fun Activities

Keep guests entertained with festive activities:

• Trivia Night: Run a St. Patrick’s Day-themed trivia competition with beer-related prizes.

• Costume Contest: Reward the best Irish-inspired outfit or most creative leprechaun look.

• Brewery Tours: Offer behind-the-scenes tours with an Irish storytelling twist.

• Games: Set up fun games like ring toss around beer bottles or a "gold coin hunt" with hidden prizes.

5. Promote Responsibly

Celebrate with safety in mind:

• Designated Driver Perks: Offer free non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers.

• Partner with Ride-Sharing Services: Provide discounts for rides to and from the brewery.

• Alcohol-Free Options: Have non-alcoholic beer or sparkling water available for guests.

6. Market the Event Early

Start spreading the word weeks in advance:

• Social Media: Share sneak peeks of your themed beers, decorations, and food offerings. Use hashtags like #StPatricksDay and #CraftBeer.

• Email Campaigns: Notify your loyal customers and include a discount or early bird ticket sales.

• Collaborations: Team up with local influencers, Irish dance troupes, or community groups to promote your event.

7. Build a Community Connection

St. Patrick’s Day is a time for togetherness, so make it personal:

• Charity Tie-In: Donate a portion of the proceeds to a local charity or host a raffle for a good cause.

• Local Collaboration: Feature Irish-themed products from nearby artisans or businesses.

• Thank You Gifts: Hand out small tokens like branded koozies or green sunglasses.

With thoughtful planning and a sprinkle of Irish charm, your brewery can host an event that beer enthusiasts will talk about for years.