St. Patrick’s Day is a fun time to craft, eat, and have some fun with the kids. It’s a great day to celebrate your Irish ancestry or just celebrate the fact that Ireland exists. There are many events happening for St. Patrick’s Day in and around Indianapolis which are family-friendly and a great way to celebrate the patron saint of a tiny country on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
26th Annual Hoosier Lottery Greening of the Canals
St. Patrick’s Day events begin with the greening of the Indianapolis Canals on Wednesday 16th March. A wee unknown fact is that the canals in Indianapolis were mostly built by cheap Irish labor in the late 1830s. The Greening of the Canals is a fabulous tribute to these Irish men.
The Greening of the Canals will start at 5 pm, at Ohio and West streets, just east of Fire Station 13 and across the street from the Indiana Historical Society. This is a free and public event featuring live entertainment and food trucks.
St. Patrick’s Day Tent Party
The St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin at 9 am on Friday, March 17 with a tent party on North Street, between Meridian and Pennsylvania streets. The event is free and open to the public and the area will be blocked off from vehicle traffic. Entertainment will be provided by the Highland Reign and A Beautiful Day, a U2 cover band. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from a variety of food trucks.
Wee Irish Mile
New this year to Indianapolis and as a way to open the St. Patricks Day parade on Friday 17th March, the organizers of the parade, the Athletic Club Foundation is hosting the Wee Irish Mile. Registration is required for this mile-long run or walk along the parade route. The Wee Irish Mile will begin at 11.15 am at the intersection of North and Pennsylvania Streets and will end at North and Meridian Streets. Participants are encouraged to dress in green or Irish-themed clothing.
41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Parade will begin directly after the Wee Irish Mile at 11.30 am. The parade will feature Irish dancers, pipe and drum bands, Irish floats, and various local organizations and schools.
30th Annual 5k Shamrock Run and Walk
The Athletic Club Foundation and the Indianapolis Firefighter Emerald Society are hosting the 30th Annual 5k Shamrock Run and Walk on Saturday, March 18 at 11 am. Registration is required for this event. The 5k will begin at the IFD Union Hall located at 748 Massachusetts Ave.
Shamrock Drop
On Friday, March 17th, Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield will be hosting a Shamrock Drop. Purchase shamrocks in hope of landing in the pot of gold! Festivities at Grand Junction Plaza also include live Irish music and carnival games.
St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt
On Friday March 17th, from 11 am to 2 pm, Clay Terrace in Carmel is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt. Search for some luck and find clues from the Leprechaun throughout Clay Terrace. A scavenger hunt checklist can be collected at the management office.
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Express
The Nickel Plate Express stationed in Noblesville will be taking you on an Irish adventure by train. Family rides depart at 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturday March 18th.
