Lincolnites will be getting into Irish spirit this week for the 12th annual St. Patrick’s Day festival hosted by McKinney’s Irish Pub in the Haymarket.
Downtown’s preeminent Irish bar will shut down its block, “P” Street between 7th and 8th streets, for the three-day celebration, split this year between Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15, and Tuesday, March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day.
McKinney’s owner Nathan Stewart says it’ll be a festive street celebration of Celtic culture, complete with traditional Irish bands, a Lucky Charms eating contest, local vendors, and plenty of green beer.
“We’re super excited. I’m hoping the weather forms up. The street party will be tent covered, so even if it’s cold, we’ll have heaters going,” Stewart told KLIN News. “We welcome fans in town for the state basketball tournament this weekend, and we’ll have extra TVs out to watch the Huskers play in the Big Ten tournament.”
As in previous years, there will be no cover charge to enter the festival. McKinney’s will open Saturday at 9 a.m., Sunday at 11 a.m., and Tuesday at 9 a.m.
The street festival begins at 2 p.m. each day. The party runs until 2 a.m. each night.
Stewart says his staff will be serving up drink specials and their year-round Irish grub, including corned beef and cabbage, their “famous” Reuben sandwiches, bangers and mash, and more.
For more information, visit lincoln.mckinneyspub.com.
McKinney’s Irish Pub