Still figuring out what to do on St. Patrick’s Day? It must be your lucky day, because we’ve put together a list of events where you’re likely to find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Thursday, March 14
St. Patrick’s Day Kickoff Celebration | 5-5:45 p.m. | Ohio St. Canal Basin
Watch the canal turn a vibrant shade of green while enjoying live music from The Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers & Sheep in the Boat. Pro tip: The event will also be live-streamed for folks at home.
Friday, March 15
Wee Irish Mile | 11:15-11:30 a.m. | North St. between Meridian and Pennsylvania
Put on your best Irish garb and take a jolly mile-long saunter along the parade route before the festivities begin.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Tent Party | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | North St. between Meridian and Pennsylvania
This family-friendly parade is going on its 42nd year and is just as grand as ever, showcasing huge balloons, marching bands, Irish dancers, and themed floats from Catholic schools, Irish organizations, local companies, and non-profits. Before or after the parade, head over to the heated tent for live entertainment, a beer garden, and local food trucks.
Indy St. Patrick’s Weekend Party At The Golden Ace | Times vary | 2533 E. Washington St.
This iconic weekend-long festival kicks off on Friday under a huge heated tent outside The Golden Ace, Indy’s oldest Irish bar. Enjoy drinks, the bar’s famous cheeseburgers, live Irish music, and a Catholic Mass service on Sunday morning.
St. Patrick’s Day Tent Party at The Bulldog Hub | Times vary | 5380 N. College Ave.
Why attend just one weekend-long tent party when you can attend two? This one features live bands, themed food and drink specials, giveaways, TVs playing all NCAA Conference Tournament games, and a self-pour beverage wall with 70 taps to choose from.
Kiss Me, I’m Irish! Indianapolis St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl | Times vary |110 E. New York St.
This multi-day bar crawl starts at 16-Bit Bar and Arcade, where you can show off your skills on the pinball machines before traipsing through Dick’s Last Resort, Nevermore Union Station, and three other venues — without paying a cover fee.
Saturday, March 16
31st Annual Shamrock Run & Walk | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 748 Mass Avenue
This four-mile event takes participants through historic neighborhoods and ends at the Bottleworks District, where there will be live music, a beer garden, and plenty of food options inside The Garage.
Shamrock Beer Run Half Marathon | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 601 W. New York St.
Sweat your way through a beautiful 13.1-mile course that finishes right into the Shamrock BrewFest, complete with a DJ, food truck, party tent, cornhole, and giant beer pong.
The Official Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl | 4 p.m.-12 a.m. | 20 E. Georgia St.
Get ready to shamrock ‘n roll — the party starts at Howl at the Moon and will travel between six other area bars. Participants can enjoy drink and food specials at each location before heading back to the start for an afterparty.
St. Paddy’s Day Palooza | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | 120 S. Meridian St.
This free treasure hunt will lead you on a quest throughout Punch Bowl Social to find hidden Pots O’ Gold, with prizes including gift cards. The drink menu will feature special cocktails made with Tullamore Dew and green beer.
Did we miss a party we should know about? Share the luck.