by Mattie Grace Morris
Oxford’s 16th annual St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl will take place on Sunday, March 16, with new organizers and additional activities aimed at enhancing the experience. For the first time, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) is hosting the event, bringing fresh elements while continuing long-standing traditions.
Typically held on a Saturday, this year’s Pub Crawl was scheduled for Sunday due to conflicts with the Ole Miss Baseball schedule.
“We’re hopefully adding a little more playfulness to it—activities and a scavenger hunt with prizes to give away,” said Wayne Andrews, Director of YAC. Participants will have the opportunity to win prizes such as coolers and t-shirts, and photo booths will be available throughout the event.
The Pub Crawl, which remains free to attend, will begin at 3 pm at Harrison’s and end at Quack’s. Those interested can register at oxfordarts.com. Andrews emphasized that the event is not just about visiting bars but also about engaging with the Oxford community. “The pub crawl is a great way to explore our town … not just indulge,” he said.
Organizers of the events are particularly excited about ending at Quack’s, as the business is donating a portion of its food sales that night to the Student Veterans Association. “We’re excited about ending at Quack’s because they’re giving back, and they just rebranded their menu, so we’re also happy to help promote their food,” Andrews said.
In addition to the Pub Crawl, a ticketed concert featuring indie-rocker Steve Poltz will take place at The Powerhouse on Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 pm. The world got to know Steve when co-wrote two tracks from Jewel’s diamond-certified debut Pieces Of You, including the multi platinum Billboard Hot 100 #2 “You Were Meant For Me” (he’s also in the video).
The Arts Council reached out to the Student Veterans Programs at Ole Miss, and all proceeds from the concert, along with donations collected during the Pub Crawl, will go directly to support their initiatives. This continues a tradition started by previous organizer Joe Don, who used the event to support veteran-related programs.
Andrews also noted that this year’s event is expanding beyond its usual focus on the Square. “I’m excited … because it’s not just a Square event—many businesses are getting involved. The Arts Council is more than just things that happen at the Powerhouse … we’re the facilitators of community experience, and we’re happy to introduce the Arts Council to Oxford residents who might not be familiar with us,” he said.
The Arts Council has also introduced a local artistic element to the event by enlisting Oxford-based artists to design the official event t-shirts.
With its mix of entertainment, community involvement, and charitable giving, the 16th annual St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl aims to provide both longtime attendees and newcomers with a lively and engaging experience.
Get ready to crawl the Square and take on fun challenges along the way!
- Where: Around the Square
- FREE to join – Just sign up to get exclusive promotions & your game card. Registration closes at midnight Saturday, March 15.
- T-shirts available for $25 – Pick up on event day! Proceeds support student veterans. T-shirt sales close at midnight on Sunday, March 2.
- Play to win! Complete challenges throughout the crawl for a chance at awesome prizes!
- When: Sunday, March 16 @ 3 pm, starting at Harrison’s.
