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, Thursday, March 17
Why: Take part in Irish traditions during the St. Patrick's Day parade! After the parade, enjoy a celebration at the Marriott Downtown with live music, food, dancing, and a raffle drawing.
Smash Park
What: St. Patrick’s Open Bar Party
When: 9 a.m. – 1 a.m., Saturday, March 12
Why: Smash Park is celebrating St. Patrick's Day the only way they know how – with an open bar party. Tickets are $59 in advance, or $75 at the door. Plus, live music from 8 – 11 p.m. from Punching Pandas.
What: St. Patrick’s Day Dodgeball Tournament
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, March 12
Why: Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and drink at the St. Patrick’s Day Co-Ed Dodgeball Tournament during Smash Park’s St. Patrick’s Day Open Bar Party. Show up in St. Patrick's Day attire and get ready to battle it out for the top spot. This is a 21 and over event. Prizes for first, second, and third place, so show up and win!
Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
What: 5th Annual St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K
When: Saturday, March 19
Why: Run a marathon, half marathon, or 5K the Saturday after St. Patrick's Day! Participants get some awesome St. Paddy’s finisher gear, as well as a commemorative pint glass!
Hoops and Hops
What: NCAA Tournament watch party
When: Thursday, March 17 – Saturday, March 19
Why: Enjoy a day full of March madness! Head over to Cowles Commons for food trucks, beverages, basketball courts, music, and large heated tents with televisions to cheer on your favorite teams.
The 5th Annual Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Crawl
What: Bar Crawl
When: 4 – 11:59 p.m., Saturday, March 19
Why: Spend the evening crawling from bar to bar for the luckiest specials to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! A costume contest, drink specials, and 10 locations throughout the evening.
St. Pat's Day at the Hall
What: St. Patrick's Day party
When: Noon – 9 p.m., Thursday, March 17
Why: The Hall is hosting a full day of Irish celebrations! Live music featuring The Des Moines Irish Session and Dueling Fiddles, as well as trivia, costume contests, drinks, and Irish food.
Food and Drink
Clyde’s Fine Diner
What: St. Patrick's Day Beer Dinner
When: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 17
Why: Five beers and four courses curated specially to the beers. $85/person for this exciting dinner!
Gilroy’s
What: St. Patrick's Day offerings
When: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Thursday, March 17
Why: St. Patrick's Day starts early at Gilroy's! Drinks start at 10 a.m., and the kitchen opens at 11 a.m.! With yard games and drink specials, you're sure to take the experience a full St. Patrick's Day.
Exile Brewing Company
What: Saint Patrick's Day Celebration
When: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Thursday, March 17
Why: Spend the day at Exile Brewing Company and enjoy limited specialty beers curated for the day! Plus, a specialty food menu featuring biscuits and gravy, Rueben egg rolls and more.
Magee’s Irish Pub & Eatery
What: Three day St. Paddy Festival
When: Wednesday, March 17 – Saturday, March 19
Why: Magee's Irish Pub & Eatery is celebrating St. Patrick's Day all weekend long! Experience live music, dancing, and drums all weekend.
Sullys Irish Pub
What: St. Patrick’s Day Bash
When: 7 a.m. – Midnight, Thursday, March 17
Why: Get your Irish food fix at Sully’s Irish Pub in West Des Moines. They are serving up corned beef and cabbage, beginning at 10 a.m. while supplies last. Plus, live music and a heated tent!
Cumming Tap
What: St. Patrick's Day Celebration
When: 7 – 11 p.m., Thursday, March 17
Why: Head out to Cumming Tap for the ultimate Irish celebration! With live music from Black Dirt Ramblers, it's sure to be a party.
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!
