Every year, SantaCon certainly leaves an impression on Hoboken residents and business alike. Only months later, LepreCon follows in its footsteps as the next seasonal bar crawl to bring in tourists looking for a good time in the Mile Square. However, not everyone enjoys the event as much as the patrons. Here’s a look into the evolution of LepreCon over the last 7 years {and the history of Hoboken St. Paddy’s Day in Hoboken}, and the answer to the burning question — is LepreCon happening this year? [Spoiler Alert: YES]:
When did LepreCon start?
In 2012, Hoboken’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade was canceled by the parade committee after 26 years of parades due to an increased number of crimes and spike in emergency calls during the weekend, leaving an empty space for celebratory fun in the Hoboken community. In its place, green people participate in LepreCon, a city-wide bar crawl, to ring in the spring holiday {aka the same thing — just sans parade}.
What is LepreCon?
While it was a more family-friendly event in years prior when still a full parade, etc., every year, LepreCon now sells wristbands for buyers to gain access to participating bars. It’s hotly contested as to which website is the “real” deal {there are several that claim to be the main event, so buyer proceed with caution}. This appears to be the actual event.
Wristband holders can move freely between bars during set hours but there still may be charges depending on the drink specials and specific bars. However, since its inception, public opinion and a crackdown on liquor licenses have led to a shrinkage in involvement from local businesses.
In 2017, more than 20 Hoboken bars took part in the event. In 2018, five of those bars {Hoboken Bar and Grill, The Shannon, 1Republik, Mills Tavern, and Green Rock Tap and Grill} were forced to close for the bar crawl due to suspended liquor licenses. 1Republik was shut down indefinitely and has since closed.
Read More: The Hoboken Bar Suspension List from 2018
Additionally, last year saw the voluntary closing of Black Bear Bar and Grill, Tally Ho, and Court Street Restaurant & Bar during LepreCon. The owners of Black Bear and Tally Ho said they felt it was “the best choice.” This year, only eight bars will take part in the crawl. While many bars enjoy the influx in business that comes with LepreCon, the decline in participation can most likely be attributed to the crimes reports that accompany events like LepreCon and SantaCon. However, since 2017, arrests and 911 calls on LepreCon have been down.
Many other bars will be open, but not participating in 2019 — including The Shepherd & The Knucklehead, Birch Hoboken, Mike’s Wild Moose Saloon, Tally Ho, Black Bear, Dubliner, Wicked Wolf, Ainsworth, City Bistro…just to name a few, but the list goes on.
So, what bars are participating in LepreCon 2019? And when is it happening?
A LepreCon 2019 wristband which grants you access to the following bars, at this time:
—The Shannon
—Madd Hatter
—Green Rock
—Texas Arizona
—Cadillac Cantina
—Village Pourhouse
—The FerryMan
—Willie McBride’s
Read More: A Guide to Surviving LepreCon in Hoboken
The event is happening Saturday, March 2nd. If you’re thinking about stopping in your favorite Mile Square tavern for this year’s LepreCon, call ahead to make sure they’re open. Most bars will be open, but many are not participating this year in the PubCrawls event.
Stay tuned for our St. Patrick’s Day events guide, however, coming soon {for the real day on Sunday, March 17th}.
What are your thoughts on LepreCon/Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day situation?
Should the parade come back?
Are you going to LepreCon?
Let us know in the comments!
