Wanna dress up? In the mood to get groped by a drunk lout in a tux? Then have I got the event for you! The St Patrick’s Society Annual Ball takes place this Friday, March 12, at the Marriott Chateau Champlain. One of the more affordable events on the Montreal social calendar, things always wee bit sloppy at this fancy-dress shindig. The formal ball begins with a welcome cocktail (a frothy pint of Guiness, natch), then continues with a champagne toast, four course dinner (wine included), and dancing. Live performances of Irish dancing and music are featured throughout. The night concludes with a pub night (cash bar) hosted by Hurley’s Irish Pub and swearing of liquor forever… 

…Or at least until Sunday, when the 186th annual St Patrick’s Day Parade trundles down St Catherine Street. Celebrate the exploits of everyone’s favourite God-fearing snake-catcher at the oldest St Paddy’s parade in North America. Floats, marching bands, green afros galore.  

St Patrick’s Society Annual Ball:
7pm cocktails, 8pm dinner.
Marriott Chateau Champlain, 1 Place du Canada

Tickets: 
$195 Regular  
$120 Junior (Under 28)
Reserve at http://www.stpatricksociety.com 

St Patrick’s Day Parade:
12pm

Along Ste Catherine Street; Parade begins at Fort and heads east
http://www.montrealirishparade.com/