Downtown Albany BIDAlbany, NY — The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is creating its own luck this St. Patrick’s Day with a Four-Leaf Coaster Scavenger Hunt designed to draw parade-goers into Downtown bars and restaurants following the Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 14. 

One lucky participant will win a pair of tickets to see Jim Gaffigan as part of his Everything Is Wonderful Tour at MVP Arena on Wednesday, April 8, at 7:00 PM. 

The Four-Leaf Coaster Scavenger Hunt invites visitors into 15+ participating businesses to search for the BID’s signature Four-Leaf Coasters, each featuring a four-leaf clover and QR code. Once a coaster is found, participants must locate the unique number printed on the back, scan the QR code, and submit the number along with their contact information. 

Each participant’s first submission will earn one entry in the drawing. Each additional business visited and submitted earns 10 bonus entries, increasing participants’ chances to win. One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries and will be announced and contacted on Tuesday, March 17, or St. Patrick’s Day. 

The Jim Gaffigan tour stop at MVP Arena was rescheduled from its original December date. Courtesy of MVP Arena, the Scavenger Hunt winner will receive two tickets to the April performance. 

Participating Businesses 

These are the businesses that are participating in the Scavenger Hunt. 

*Indicates locations that will have additional events, activities, or extended hours on parade day. 

Parade Day Festivities 

In addition to the Scavenger Hunt, Downtown Albany will be filled with energy as businesses celebrate throughout the day with live music, Irish fare, festive drink specials, and more. 

  • Dawn’s Victory Sports Café opens at 11:00 AM with a St. Patrick’s Day menu available all day. 

  • Jack’s Oyster House is offering an Irish buffet for $35/person, and guests' first Guinness is free. 

  • Loch & Quay will be open until 7:00 PM. 

  • McGeary’s Irish Pub will host an outdoor tent party with live music beginning at noon (cover charge applies). 

  • Ophelia’s on Broadway will feature DJ Spike Right & Ginger Geezus from 3:00–7:00 PM, followed by The E-Block featuring the Ky McClinton Band. 

  • The Hollow Bar + Kitchen is hosting a “responsible Kegs & Eggs” event, complete with a breakfast buffet for $29/person that includes a free green beer and live music. 

  • The Yard: Hatchet House & Bar will offer $5 green beer and $12 corned beef sliders. 

A full list of Parade Day and St. Patrick’s Day offerings is available on the Downtown Albany BID website and will be updated as the event approaches. 

The Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at Lexington and Central Avenues and proceeds to State and Green Streets, with festivities along the route and throughout Downtown. Visit albanystpatricksdayparade.com for additional details. 

Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said: 

“The BID wanted to complement the Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade with an activity that captures the fun of the day while encouraging visitors to explore our Downtown. Many of our bars and restaurants have already extended their hours or planned special events for Parade Day, and the Four-Leaf Coaster Scavenger Hunt will help amplify those efforts and give people another reason to get out and celebrate. We’re grateful to MVP Arena for generously donating the Jim Gaffigan tickets and to the City of Albany for continuing this great tradition and honoring St. Patrick’s Day in our District.” 

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Editors: Please see parade images and coaster mockup here.