Legend has it that the patron saint of Ireland, who is said to have died March 17, is celebrated on this day because it’s right in the middle of Lent, a time of abstention, but making it a holiday allows the Catholics to give up the giving-up portion of Lent for a time to let their hair down and party. Celebrate loopholes with fellow revelers at Draught House, a bastion of brewing nearing its 30th anniversary, at this bash offering fish & chips, stout-braised sausage, bagpipes, frozen Irish coffee, and more. Sláinte! – Kat McNevins