The "Feast of St. Patrick" has been celebrated by the Irish since the ninth century and became an official public holiday in Ireland in 1903.
Although not a legal holiday in the United States, it is widely celebrated by people who are proud to be Irish, people who wish they were Irish, and people who just like drinking green beer! Here are some family-friendly ideas to help you celebrate the holiday... whatever your reason!
DID YOU KNOW? The proper nickname is "St. Paddy's Day," not "St. Patty's Day." Paddy is the shortened form of Pádraig, the Irish name that led to the English name Patrick. Patty is a shortened form of the female name Patricia.
Fun Facts |
☘️ The very first St. Patrick's Day Parade was not in Ireland... it was in Boston in 1737.
☘️ The original color of St. Patrick's Day was blue, not green.
☘️ The first three leaves of a regular clover symbolize hope, faith, and love. It is the fourth leaf that symbolizes luck.
☘️ It is estimated that there are 10,000 regular three-leaf clovers per "lucky" four-leaf clover.
☘️ According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves ever found on a shamrock (clover) was 14.
☘️ Dublin is the capital of Ireland. There is also a Dublin, California, and a Dublin, Ohio.
| Festivals, Parades, & Family-Friendly Events |
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Downtown Denver
Saturday, March 11, beginning at 9:30 AM
One of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the entire country features floats, Irish step dancers, pipe bands, horses, and much more. The entire parade lasts up to four hours. FREE!
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Downtown Colorado Springs
Saturday, March 11, beginning at 9:30 AM
The celebration includes the Pedalin’ St. Pat’s 30K/50K Bike Ride (9:30 AM), the 5K for St. Patrick's Day (10:00 AM), the biggest parade in Colorado Springs (12:00 PM noon), and much more! Event prices vary.
Running of the Green, Wash Park
Sunday, March 12, beginning at 8:30 AM
This family-oriented 7K and 2-Mile race/walk centered around the Irish celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day also has a great post-party with live Irish music, Irish dancers, the Colorado Youth Pipe Band, a beer garden, and much more! Registration is $45 for adults and $40 for kids 17 and under.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Town Center at Aurora
Friday, March 17, from 4:00–7:00 PM
Show up with a clothing donation or feminine hygiene product to receive a free green beer thanks to Helga's German Restaurant (ID required). The Wick School of Irish Dance will be performing at 6:15 PM on stage in Center Court!
St. Patrick's Day Slime Party, Play Street Museum
Friday, March 17, from 6:00–7:30 PM
In addition to playtime, kids will get to make their own lucky batch of slime. Choose from Rainbow or St. Patrick's Day. $17 per child includes 1.5 hours of playtime, one batch of slime per kiddo, and a cookie to take home.
St. Patrick's Day Extravaganza, Game Train USA
Friday, March 17, from 4:30 PM–10:00 PM
Dance like Riverdance. Sample Irish food and drink. See if you have the luck o' the Irish with Lucky game showdowns! Note: This event is geared toward adults, but Game Train USA is a family-friendly restaurant. A $7 cover includes game showdown, line dance class, and access to the board game library.
5th annual ShamROCK Stampede 3.3K & 7K, Douglas County Fairgrounds
Saturday, March 18, from 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
ShamROCK Stampede’s mission is to elevate the celebration of St. Paddy’s Day with a family-friendly Walk/Run and Irish-themed festival to increase awareness and raise funds for organizations that help our veterans, first responders, and others break free from PTSD and mental illness. Registration is $40 for adults and $30 for kids 17 and younger.
HRCA St. Patrick's Day 5K, Highlands Ranch Town Center
Saturday, March 18, beginning at 9:00 AM
Grab your friends, family, running/walking shoes, and your best Irish costume to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a festive 5K. Afterward, enjoy a tasty pint from Living the Dream Brewing (ages 21+), a FREE pancake breakfast, and entertainment. A leprechaun will be hiding a golden kettlebell along the course! Find it and bring it back to the finish to win $100! Registration is $55 for adults and $35 for children (ages 2-12).
St. Patrick's Day Performance, Stanley Marketplace
Saturday, March 18 at 12:00 PM
It's a celebration to remember as performers from Wick School of Irish Dance, ranging from tiny beginners to world-class champions, are back at Stanley for a traditional Irish stepdance show. FREE!
Denver Brass 5 with Celtic Colorado Pipes & Drums, Cherokee Ranch & Castle
Saturday, March 18 at 7:30 PM | Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 PM
Denver Brass Quintet, the ever-popular and award-winning ensemble, will be joined by Celtic Colorado Pipes & Drums for two “pot-of-gold” performances celebrating St. Patrick’s weekend! Tickets are $72 per person and include a Castle tour, the performance, intermission treats, and a cash bar.
| Cool Crafts |
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| Fun Ideas for Preschoolers | ||
Want even more? We've got printable lunchbox notes, more crafts, and recipes, plus leprechaun shenanigans on our St. Patrick's Day Pinterest Board!
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