Sure, Las Vegas isn’t Boston, New York City, or Chicago. But, every year, this popular destination does a great job celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. So, put the green food dye away, nosh on some carbs, and get ready to party on St. Patrick’s Day … the Las Vegas way.

The one party not to miss? Ri Ra inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The new Irish bar on the block, Ri Ra is throwing a two-day birthday/St. Patrick’s Day bash. Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 16 and rolling on through the next day, the anniversary will include everything from Irish dancers to live music and traditional Irish menu items. On St. Patrick’s Day, the bar will show the Six Nations Rugby match where Ireland takes on England, at 10 a.m., and then have a parade through the casino at 11 a.m. On Saturday, there is a cover charge of $10.

A quick walk from Ri Ra is Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. With an outdoor patio opening onto The Strip, this is a perfect spot (should Las Vegas weather be kind) to knock back some Guinness in the afternoon and relish the day. Here, the party kicks off on March 16 and rages through Sunday, March 18.

On Saturday, revelers donning a kilt get free admission to the pub’s Celtic Feis, a three-day Gaelis arts and culture festival. Complimentary admission will also be granted to law enforcement officials, military personnel, veterans, EMTs, and firefighters. Those boarding flights to Las Vegas in plain old pants can purchase tickets to Celtic Feis for $25 (price includes one drink).

Next door, The Pub at Monte Carlo, with hundreds of beers to choose from, is offering a special St. Patrick’s Day menu, including Corned Beef and Cabbage served with red potatoes and Guinness mustard, and Sheppard’s Pie. With outdoor seating, it’s another spot to enjoy the outdoors with a pint in hand.

Over at The Forum Shop’s PJ Clarke’s, the St. Patrick’s party continues as the popular restaurant keeps alive its holiday tradition which originated in New York. The second annual party on St. Patrick’s Day comes complete with a Irish eats and Guinness.

Finally, the newly opened Public House inside The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes, celebrates with Irish-inspired dishes, $5 pints of green domestic beer, Irish Car Bombs and shots of Jameson.

CC Flickr photo credit: Brian Cantoni