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.
29th Annual Hoosier Lottery Greening of the Canals
St. Patrick’s Day events begin with the greening of the Indianapolis Canals on Thursday, March 13th. 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 10.00 am on Friday, March 14th 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.
43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Parade will begin at 11.30 am on Friday, March 14th. The parade will feature Irish dancers, pipe and drum bands, Irish floats, and various local organizations and schools. The parade is free and open to the public.
32nd Annual 4 Mile Shamrock Run and Walk
The Indianapolis International Airport are hosting the 32nd Annual 4 Mile Shamrock Run and Walk on Saturday, March 15th at 11 am. Registration is required for this event. The race will begin at the IFD Union Hall located at 748 Massachusetts Ave and this year will end at The Garage (Bottleworks) where there will be live music. If you register before the day of the race, you will get a free 317 hoodie.
Shamrock Drop, Westfield
On Saturday, March 15th Westfield will be hosting a Shamrock Drop, presented by BMO Bank, at Grand Junction Plaza. Purchase shamrocks in hope of landing in the pot of gold! Festivities at Grand Junction Plaza also include live Irish music and carnival games. The event will take place between 12 and 2pm and may also feature a real-life Lucky Leprechaun!
