Nashville Gears Up for Annual St. Patrick Swayze Day: A Tribute to the Late Actor and Neighborhood Tradition

Nashville Celebrates St. Patrick Swayze Day: A Unique Neighborhood Tradition

Nashville, Tennessee – This Saturday, August 17, marks the annual celebration known as St. Patrick Swayze Day, a quirky but beloved tradition that takes place at The Centennial bar located in West Nashville. Since 2017, locals and visitors alike gather to pay tribute to the late actor Patrick Swayze, who is fondly remembered for his iconic film roles, particularly in Road House.

A Festive Homage to a Cinematic Legend

The Centennial, often dubbed the “patron saint of the bar,” celebrates this unique holiday devoted to the spirit of Swayze. According to Nate Bagby, co-owner of The Centennial, the idea for this peculiar event was born from a lighthearted conversation between friends. “It was literally just two guys having a weird conversation about how we could create something fun for the neighborhood,” Bagby explained. And thus, the seeds for Swayze Day were planted.

A Growing Celebration

This grassroots tradition has grown exponentially over the years. While the inaugural Swayze Day in 2017 was a modest affair, attendance has increased significantly every year, except for 2020 when the celebrations were canceled due to the pandemic.

Despite the setback, the bar hosted a “soft-launch” last year, cautiously promoting the event, resulting in another significant turnout. “Last year was really mind-blowing. We’re hoping for another great turnout this year,” Bagby noted with anticipation.

What to Expect on St. Patrick Swayze Day

Those who attend will be encouraged to embrace their inner Swayze by dressing up as their favorite characters from his films. Bagby mentioned that Swayze-themed costumes, particularly from Point Break and Road House, have become staples at the event. “People get creative; there have even been some elaborate ‘Ghost’ costumes representing both Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore,” he said.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy classic films featuring Swayze, including Dirty Dancing and Red Dawn. The bar will play an array of ’80s and ’90s music that ties into Swayze’s cinematic legacy, and there will be chances to win prizes in costume contests. As a highlight, limited-edition merchandise, including T-shirts, cups, hats, and koozies will be available while supplies last.

Community Spirit and Growth

As the event expands, Bagby shared aspirations for future growth, including the potential for a block party or live music. Yet, he emphasizes that the heart of the celebration remains its community vibe. “It’s a little dive bar in West Nashville, and everyone just comes together in this really ridiculous way to celebrate Patrick Swayze,” he said.

In keeping with the spirit of giving back, the annual celebration has also incorporated a 5K run known as the Swayze Classic Fun Run, benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). This initiative honors Swayze himself, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2009. Although signups for this year’s run have closed, Bagby encourages future participants to keep an eye out for next year’s event, as they’ve successfully raised thousands for the foundation in previous outings.

A Day to Celebrate Together

For those considering attending Swayze Day this year, Bagby has some welcoming words: “Whether you want to grab some merchandise or just hang out and enjoy drinks with friends, we’ll be open until 3 in the morning like any regular Saturday night.” Patrons are invited to come at their convenience, even if only to catch a glimpse of the festivities and enjoy some vintage Swayze films.

As Swayze Day approaches, the excitement within the West Nashville community is palpable. It’s not just an homage to a beloved actor but also a celebration of connection, creativity, and the fun spirit that defines the neighborhood. With plenty of memories to be made and new ones on the horizon, St. Patrick Swayze Day is set to continue thriving as a local tradition.

Come join in the fun this Saturday and help celebrate a cinematic legend while making new memories with friends and fellow Swayze fans!