Back on March 17, Kansas City residents had a whole lot of fun pulled out from under them with the cancellation of the city's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. ☘️
Now, with Labor Day weekend approaching, Kansas City's Irish community is making up for lost time with this year's KC Irish Fest — and organizers have found some great workarounds so that everyone can still have a good time.
Those who are comfortable celebrating in person can take part in small gatherings at pubs or in-person. And those of us who wish to avoid the crowds altogether can stream the two-hour benefit concert from home and bake scones with acclaimed Irish chef Shaun Brady.
If you're enjoying the Irish theme and want to celebrate Irish Fest and a St. Patty's Day lost to 2020, local food and drink writer Pete Dulin has you covered. His book, "Expedition of Thirst," tells the stories of Irish pubs as well as every other kind of pub, winery and distillery across the metro. The book is a great read to fuel your post-pandemic outing fantasies. 📚
But for now, sit back, tune into a virtual whiskey tasting 🥃 and imagine yourself surrounded by the lush, green hills of Ireland.
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| 1. Free State Brewing Company 🍺
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In "Expedition of Thirst," Pete Dulin is quick to point out that Free State Brewing Company is not inherently Irish — after all, that “free state” referenced is Kansas.
Lawrence’s 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade was canceled, but Free State has overcome and now makes a whole new kind of fun for its patrons, offering carryout and outdoor dining. 🍽️
Try the Ad Astra bangers and mash or the not-so-Irish Kroeger meat's ale-infused brats with smoked Alma white cheddar mashers. 😋
📍 636 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kansas
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| 2. Martin City Brewing Company 🍻
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Back in March, Martin City Brewing Company was ready for the St. Patrick’s Day parade with a slew of Irish-themed items on its menu.
This time of year, marketing director Matt Sevart says, that’s not the case. But their original pub always has a Rueben sandwich on the menu. Otherwise, they’re gearing up for fall with Oktoberfest Lager and Fall Back Brown Ale. 🎃🍺
📍 410 E. 135th St., Kansas City, Missouri, with locations across the metro.
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Restless Spirits in North Kansas City is all about celebrating the Irish heritage of co-founder Michael Shannon. ☘️ On its website, you can see a timeline of the Shannon family’s journey since leaving Ireland in 1853.
Restless Spirits will soon release a barley-based whiskey, twice distilled and aged for four years in bourbon casks. 🥃 Shannon says it’s the first Irish style whiskey made entirely in the U.S. — “Inspired by the Irish Isles, created on the American plains.”
Can’t wait a few months? The Builders Botanical Gin — while not inherently Irish — just won a double gold award at the New York International Spirits Competition. 🍸
You can find Restless Spirits' products at various liquor stores and bars across Kansas and Missouri. Check out their website for more info on reserving a table and touring the distillery.
📍 109 E. 18th Ave., Kansas City, Missouri
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KC Irish Fest's line of merchandise this year is *chef's kiss* and perfectly captures the, shall we say, challenges we've all endured since March. 💩
Organizers have reimagined this year's KC Irish Fest to allow everyone to "Fest Where You Are," with at-home virtual tastings, workshops and activities. The festival will still take place at Crown Center but with a number of changes, including no vendors and far fewer guests in attendance, with $500 physically-distanced tables for six.
A two-hour concert on Sept. 5 will be streamed online at KCIrishFest.com for those choosing to watch from home. But if you'd rather opt for watching from a local pub, there are a number of smaller events to attend:
☘️ Kansas City Irish Center — Tickets are $25. Happy hour starts at 6 p.m., and food and beverages will be available.
☘️ Conroy's Public House — Reservations are required. Call 913-296-7901 to reserve your seat.
☘️ The Dubliner at Power & Light — Reservations are recommended but not required. Call 816-268-4700 to make your reservation.
Opting for the at-home experience with your family or a few friends?
Instead of breakfast at Browne's Irish Market, you can indulge in your very own Irish Breakfast Box ☘️ to make at home, with help from a chef who walks you through each step via Zoom.
And, of course, you can include the kids in your at-home Irish expedition! There's the Stonelion puppet making workshop and virtual puppet show; a virtual concert with Mr. Stinky Feet; and, not to be forgotten, the annual witch costume contest. 🧙♀️ See all the fun and free kids activities here.
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| More Adventures in Kansas City
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|  | Outdoor Movie: Mean Girls
Watch the classic teen movie "Mean Girls" at Screenland Armour Theatre in North KC on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for two guests or $45 for groups of 3-6. Bring your own chair or blanket and no outside food or drinks allowed. Learn more here.
| |  | Be Part of the Art on First Friday
Pour yourself a glass of wine and tune into City Market's virtual First Friday experience showcasing local artists' latest works. The fun starts Friday at 5 p.m. Learn more.
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