Are you feeling lucky? There are plenty of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Greater Des Moines this year. Grab your green attire (you don’t want to get pinched!) and take in some Irish festivities. From corned beef to green beer, there are plenty of ways to spread some St. Patrick’s Day cheer!
Activities
St. Patrick's Day Parade
What: Parade
When: Noon, Friday, March 17
Why: Take part in Irish traditions during the St. Patrick's Day parade!
Smash Park
What: St. Patrick's Day Party
When: 9 a.m. – 1 a.m., Friday, March 17
Why: Smash Park is celebrating St. Patrick's Day the only way they know how – with an open bar party. Tickets are $49, guaranteeing your ability to drink all day. Get your day started with brunch from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., setting you up for a successful St. Patrick's Day.
Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
What: Des Moines’ St. Paddy’s Day Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
When: Saturday, March 18
Why: Start your day with a Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K starting at the Iowa State Capitol. Enjoy a complimentary beer and shamrock cookie at the end of the finish line.
Hoops and Hops
What: NCAA Tournament Watch Patch and St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
When: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., March 16 – 18
Why: Catch all the tournament action in one place in heated tents with food trucks, Iowa Craft Beer tent, music, TVs, and two basketball courts. The family-friendly event is free to attend.
The 5th Annual Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Crawl
What: Bar crawl starting at Hessen Haus
When: March 17 and 18
Why: Start the two-day bar crawl at Hessen Haus and make your way to the participating venue. Your ticket includes waived cover, drinks specials, food specials, and more.
St. Patty’s Day at The Shop DSM
What: Pancake Breakfast and 21+ Post Parade Party
When: 7 – 11 a.m., 12 – 11 p.m., Friday March 17
Why: Begin your day with a delicious pancake breakfast served by firefighters before heading to the parade. After the parade, come on back to The Shop for a 21+ party with food trucks, beer gardens, NCAA games, and more!
St. Patty's Day at the Hall
What: St. Patty’s Party
When: 11 a.m. – Midnight, March 17
Why: The Hall is getting you in the Irish spirit with drink specials, live music throughout the day, corned beef and cabbage, and a best dressed contest.
Food and Drink
Exile Brewing Co.
What: St. Patrick’s Day at Exile
When: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m., March 17
Why: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and watch the parade all from Exile Brewing Company. They will have Irish food specials, green Ruthie keg, and family-friendly activities like cornhole, coloring, and temporary tattoos.
Magee’s Irish Pub
What: Three-Day Celebration
When: March 17 – 19
Why: Enjoy three days of celebration St. Patrick’s Day with Irish dancer, bagpipes, and live musicians.
Share your Des Moines St. Patrick's Day experience with us on social media using our hashtag #CATCHdsm for a chance to be featured on our social channels!
