Grand Ol’ Irish Month 2026
March, the greenest time in the desert!
See below all the amazing programs and offerings coming out of the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library
for March 2026, there is something for everyone!
Quiet Book Club in the McClelland Library – March 6th 2026
Looking for a book club with no pressure? Welcome to First Friday Quiet Book Club at the McClelland Library!
This is a relaxed, introvert-friendly gathering for people who love to read – but don’t necessarily want to talk about it. Bring any book you’re currently enjoying (or have been meaning to start), find a cozy spot in the library, and enjoy uninterrupted quiet reading time alongside fellow book lovers.
There’s no assigned book, no discussion, and no expectationsm, just a shared love of reading in a calm, welcoming space. When you are finished you are welcome to mingle, browze the Library or quietly head on their way.
Whether you’re catching up on your reading list, starting something new, or simply craving peaceful time with a book, the Quiet Book Club is the perfect excuse to slow down and read together – quietly.
📚 Bring your own book 🤫 Silent reading time ☕ Cozy atmosphere
FREE to attend!
All ages and skill levels welcome – Whether you’re a fiddler, a fan, or just curious, you’re invited.
Part of Phoenix’s First Friday festivities, so it’s easy to make an evening of it with art walks, food trucks, and more all around town.
First Friday Seisiún in the Irish Cottage –
March 6th 2026
If you’re looking for a way to kick off the greenest month in the desert with lively tunes, good vibes, and a taste of Irish culture right here in Phoenix – First Fridays at the Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library are calling your name!
Picture this, It’s the first Friday of the month, the sun’s starting to set, and the cozy Irish cottage on Central Avenue comes alive with the joyful sounds of traditional Irish music. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or someone who just loves great live music, this is your chance to be part of something special.
Slow Session (6:00 – 7:00 PM)
Just learning? No problem! Bring your instrument and join in. The Slow Session is all about easing into the magic – you’ll learn classic Irish tunes at a relaxed pace, making it perfect for beginners and curious listeners alike.
Traditional Seisiún (7:00 – 8:00 PM)
Then the tempo picks up! Musicians take the stage (well, the cottage), filling the space with spirited Celtic melodies and getting everyone tapping their feet. A seisiún (that’s Irish for “session”) is all about coming together to play, or simply soak in, spontaneous, joyous music.
Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire
Saturday March 14th
The 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Phoenix, AZ is scheduled for March 14th, 2026 at 10am. The Parade takes place in Downtown Phoenix. The route goes down 3rd street from Oak St. to Margaret T Hance Park.
The Phoenix St Patrick’s Day Faire will be back on March 14th, 2026 at Hance Park. Enjoy Irish Music, Irish step dancing, Bagpipers, Irish Clubs, and community.
Learn More and Get Tickets
Emerald Experience: A 21+ Event
The Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library, in partnership with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire Committee, will embark on an exciting, new venture to increase visibility and audience participation in the St. Patrick’s Day Faire offerings on March 14, 2026.
The grounds of the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library will serve as a 21+ only add-on experience to the regular St. Patrick’s Day Faire held in Hance Park.
$45 add-on ($60 total for guests). No pre-sale discount. Guests cannot buy the add on ticket without buying the base Faire ticket of $12-$15.
What is included:
Adults only area (must be 21+)
Private, limited access bar (beat the lines!)
Exclusive indoor bathrooms
Mixology course in the Castle Keep – Learn how to make an Irish cocktail or pour the perfect pint*
Whiskey tasting tent (free testers)
Cigar tasting and pairing experience (cigars for purchase)
Exclusive food and merchandise vendors
Book sale and genealogy services
Live music
Shaded seating areas
Tuesday March 17th
Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library
Story Hour
Details coming soon
Paint and Pour
More info coming soon
Ceili begins at 7:30pm.
Admission at the door;
Live music by Dé Máirt Ceòl.
Third Friday Ceili – March 20th 2026 at 6:45pm
Our monthly Third Friday Ceili lights up the Great Hall with the spirit of Ireland expecially during Grand Ol Irish month!
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, everyone is welcome at this family-friendly night of traditional Irish social dancing.
Each ceili features six high-energy group dances, including beloved favorites like The Walls of Limerick, The Siege of Ennis, The Waves of Tory, and The Haymakers Jig.
No experience? No problem!
Anne and Jim Daugherty will guide you every step of the way during the beginners session, walking you through the moves and calling the dances as we go.
Come for the culture, stay for the community — and don’t forget to wear your best green atire and your dancing shoes!
It’s all about good times, great people, and having a blast.
Wolfie’s Tales – March 20th 2026
from 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Spend some time and read with the gentle giants,Tipper and Riley, the Irish Wolfhouds.
Bring your own book or borrow one of ours and read to a Wolfhound!
This is a free program for kids and adults and time slots will be 15 minutes.
Wolfie's Tales
Book Discussion Group – March 28th 2026
from 10:30am – 12:30pm
Our list includes nonfiction as well as novels, short stories, and other works of literature.
We may even hear some Irish music and talk with an Irish author!
To add richness to the selections, the reader who proposed the title will be invited to join the discussion leaders at the front table.
Come join us for a season of fun and enrichment.
Learn More
Interested in our Affiliate groups?
Did you know that within the Irish Cultrual and Learning Foundation we support over 15 other non profits or groups with Cetlic values and missions? From dance groups, womens program, sister cities and more!
If you have ever been interested in tipping your toe into one of these groups March might just be the perfect time to do so.
Check out what groups are active this month and when they meet below.
Please note that not all meetings/events may be open to the public so please contact the group ahead of time to confirm.
March 1st – Hugh O’Conor Pipe Band; A Piping weekend.
March 1st, 8th, 22nd and 29th – Guardians of St. Brigid, Ealaiona Comhraic & martial arts club.
March 3rd, 10th, 24th and 31st – Phoenix International Folk Dancers.
March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th – Phoenix Irish Step Dancers
March 9th – Daughters of Scotia
March 13th – Irish Network of Arizona
March 27th – Phoenix Traditional Music and Dance
March 28th – Phoenix English Country Dancers
March 28th – The Celt Raven Society