>>GUIDE: A complete list of St. Patrick’s Day events around Dayton
Before you head out this weekend, here is a complete guide, with some help from our entertainment partners at Dayton.com, to the best events, the latest weekend forecast, parking tips and tricks and resources for finding a safe ride home.
Here are a few things you should know to have a safe and fun St. Patrick’s Day weekend:
Plan around the weather forecast
Want to know when to go out? When to stay home? What to wear besides green of course? Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini said the weekend will be more mild and sunny on Saturday, with St. Patrick's Day on Sunday being the chillier of the two days.
Sunday will be cold with temperatures starting out in the mid 20s, so dress accordingly. A few light showers are possible toward the afternoon and evening. The Northern Miami Valley could see some wet flakes mix in, but little to no accumulation expected. Highs will be in the mid 40s.
>> DOWNLOAD FREE LOCAL WEATHER APP FROM WHIO
>>MORE: The latest weather updates from WHIO
Things to do for adults
There is an overwhelming amount of things to do in Dayton for St. Patrick’s Day.
It’s no wonder Dayton was recently named among the top 10 destinations for St. Patrick’s Day fun.
Looking for adults-only fun? The Dublin Pub, Flanagan's and Harrigan's offer a few of the biggest celebrations around town. And the city of Fairborn is joining in the fun for the first time this year with a new street party and food truck extravaganza. For more information on each of their events see Dayton.com's complete guide.
Looking for a traditional Irish pub to spend your weekend? Dayton has a few institutions and some hidden treasures worth checking out in communities big and small.
MORE EVENTS FOR GROWN-UPS:
>> NEW EVENT: Fairborn street party and food truck rally
>> Flanagan's
>> Oregon District events
Things to do for families
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER
There are plenty of fun things to do for the whole family at destinations including 2nd Street Market, Yellow Cab Tavern, Sky Zone and more.
>>Want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the family? Then these events are for you
Where and what to eat
Credit: ALEXIS LARSEN/CONTRIBUTED
Credit: ALEXIS LARSEN/CONTRIBUTED
Irish food brings good luck, right?
Whether you are looking for a hearty Irish meal this weekend, food to buy for your own celebration at home or advice on where to stop to soak up all of that Guinness or green beer, Dayton has you covered.
>> Feel the luck of the Irish with these St. Patrick’s Day dishes
>> 10 must-try dishes at Dublin Pub
>> Oregon District restaurant serving up hearty Irish meal
>> Dorothy Lane Market offering St. Patrick’s Feast to go
Parking, street closings
Parking can be a source of stress around big events.
Val Beerbower of the Downtown Dayton Partnership urges St. Patrick’s Day revelers to take advantage of parking lots in and around the Oregon District, including the Holy Trinity Church lot, 272 Bainbridge St., Dayton.
There is also street parking and paid lots on and off Wayne Avenue and elsewhere in the Oregon District.
“It would be super swell if people don't park in the residential neighborhood,” Beerbower said.
Many residents, some of whom are elderly, do not have off street parking and use spots in front of their homes.
Beerbower said there will also be spaces in the Oregon District Garage. Formerly known as the Convention Center Garage, the facility is a short distance from downtown and Oregon District bars and restaurants.
Hourly rates are $2 per hour with a maximum rate of $6 per day. Parking is $1 daily after 6 p.m.
Beerbower said those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early on Saturday can use RTA’s Flyer to get between downtown and Oregon District establishment to bars and restaurants on or near Brown Street. The RTA Flyer does not run on Sunday. It runs 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight.
>> Here’s how to use downtown Dayton’s free shuttle
On Sunday, a free shuttle will run between Flanagan’s Pub near the University of Dayton and the Dublin Pub will start at 10 a.m. and run every 30 minutes until midnight.
Wayne Avenue will be shut down from Fifth to Hugo beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday through midnight Sunday, according to Dayton police.
Watch the video below for some tips and tricks to parking from the co-owner of the Dublin Pub Steve Tieber.
Headed somewhere else downtown? Try these 7 parking hacks:
Safe Rides
If you need a safe ride home, both AAA and Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck will be supplying free cab rides home to Montgomery County residents through its Arrive Safe program.
There’s always ride-share options like Uber, Lyft and cab services, but plan ahead as there are often long wait times on busy days like St. Patrick’s Day.
>>DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE: 6 ways to help you get home safely in Dayton
FREE SHUTTLE BUS: Sunday only, there is a free shuttle that starts at 10 a.m. in front of The Dublin Pub on the corner of Fifth St. and Wayne Ave. It will run every 30 minutes to Flanagan's Pub near UD. It is free and runs till midnight.
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