These Barrie patios open ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, first day of spring

Several establishments in Downtown Barrie are set to open their patios this weekend just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of spring.

Despite the heavy rain in the forecast, several bars in Downtown Barrie are set to open their patios this weekend just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of spring.

The Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery led things off by opening their patio on what was a dry and sunny Friday.

Donaleigh’s Irish Public House, The Queens, and Kenzington’s Burger Bar headline the list of eateries that are set to open their patios on Saturday.

The early opening of patios is part of a spring patio program led by the Downtown Barrie Business Improvement Area (BIA), which was approved by council back in the fall.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Spring to Downtown Barrie,” said Richard Tremblay, director of the BIA, in a media release. “After a winter that felt like it would never end, we’re craving sunshine, warm breezes, and the joy of community. We can’t wait to see everyone in Downtown Barrie this weekend, celebrating the arrival of spring and the magic of St. Patrick’s Day.”

The list of others that are set to open their patios this weekend according to the BIA include:

- McReilly’s Pub

- McFinn’s Irish Pub

- British Arms Pub

- J’adore Fine Cheese & Chocolate

- C.W. Coop’s

- and Liar’s Kitchen + Social

The downtown core is also set to be bustling with music, food and other festivities this weekend.

The BIA adds that there is room for four more establishments to join the pilot program and that others are still to be announced.

With files from CTV’s Dana Roberts.