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
Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
What: Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
When: 8 a.m., March 8
Why: Get out your green running shoes and hit downtown Des Moines for the St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. Runners will get a finisher stein, shamrock sugar cookie, and finisher medals for marathon and half marathon runners. Register to run here.
The Shop DSM
What: St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration
When: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., March 15
Why: It’s a full day of activities starting with a pancake breakfast, a fire truck visit, kid’s activities, and games. Then enjoy an afternoon of live music and food trucks.
Smash Park
What: St. Patrick’s Day Party
When: 10 a.m. – Midnight, March 15
Why: Wear your green and celebrate by signing up for the giant beer pong tournament. If you’re 21 and older, you can purchase the open bar package for $49 and enjoy all you can drink starting at 10 a.m.
The Official Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
What: Bar crawl starting Hessen Haus
When: 4 – 11:59 p.m., March 15
Why: Get ready for green drinks and bar hopping. Your ticket to this bar crawl includes waived cover, drink specials, food specials, and swag.
Des Moines’ Best St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl
What: Bar crawl
When: 4 – 10 p.m., March 15 and 16
Why: Wear your green and go on a bar crawl with drink specials. The location of the bars will be announced on the morning of March 15. Your ticket gets you complimentary cover for both days.
Time to Paddy
What: 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
When: 8 a.m., March 16
Why: Head to Big Creek State Park in your best St. Patrick’s Day attire and choose to run a 5K, 10K, or half marathon.
Paws & Pints
What: St. Patty’s Day Paw-ty
When: Noon – 4 p.m., March 16
Why: Go green with your pup at Paws & Pints with activities, a photo booth, and green beer.
Molly’s Frozen
What: Kids Cupcake Decorating
When: 2 – 3 p.m., March 16
Why: Get a tutorial in filling, frosting, and decorating St. Patrick’s Day-themed cupcakes. The cost is $25 and includes all your cupcake decorations, a chef’s hat, and drink.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
What: Parade
When: Noon, March 17
Why: Celebrate St. Patricks’ Day and paint the town green! The parade will start at Robert D. Ray Drive and continue down Grand Avenue, finishing at 8th Street.
Food and Drink
Confluence Brewing Company
What: Confluence Kegs n Eggs
When: 9 – 11 a.m., March 16
Why: Don your festive attire and enjoy a full brunch buffet and two Irish beers! This is a ticketed event, and tickets will need to be purchased prior to March 16.
Exile Brewing Company
What: St. Patrick’s Day at Exile
When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., March 17
Why: Enjoy a full food menu with Irish specials, Dry Irish Stout, green Ruthie, and family-friendly activities including cornhole, temporary tattoos, coloring, and more.
Sully’s Irish Pub
What: St. Patrick’s Day at Sully’s Irish Pub
When: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., March 17
Why: Nosh on some corned beef and cabbage until they run out and enjoy giveaways and free refillable cup with purchase, until they run out.
