Start planning your Indianapolis St. Patrick's Day with parades, parties, pub crawls and more
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Get out your green, raise a pint and prepare to party like you found a four-leaf clover because Indianapolis knows how to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. Here's a list of parades and events featuring food, drink and live Irish music happening around Circle City.
When is St. Patrick's Day?
Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated March 17, which falls on a Sunday this year. And if that date falling on a Sunday gets your shamrocks in a twist, blame Leap Year for pushing every holiday after February a day forward in 2024.
Does Indianapolis have a St. Patrick's Day parade?
The 42nd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade by The Athletic Club Foundation happens Friday, March 15. The parade is presented by the Hoosier Lottery with festivities kicking off bright and early at 9:30 a.m. The parade, which starts at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Indianapolis, will feature Irish-themed floats, balloons, marching bands, Catholic schools and Irish dancers.
What: Downtown Indianapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade
When: Friday, March 15, 2024. Tent party begins 9:30 a.m. / Parade runs 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: North Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania Streets.
Cost?: Free and open to the public.
Click here for a list of places to park in downtown Indianapolis.
Why do we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick is hailed as the patron saint of Ireland where he spread Christianity throughout the Emerald Isle. Ironically, he wasn't Irish. Saint Patrick was born in Britain in 386 A.D. and later kidnapped by pirates who brought him to Ireland as a slave. He eventually escaped only to return later as a bishop. He is celebrated on March 17, the day historians believe Saint Patrick died.
As the Irish population swelled in the United States, parades and festivities celebrating Irish heritage grew in popularity.
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What are some St. Patrick's Day events around Indianapolis?
On Friday, March 15, the Indy Public Safety Foundation will host a free tent party ahead of the Saint Patrick's Day parade from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on North Street. According to organizers, the tent will feature a beer garden serving Guinness and other refreshments. See below for the schedule:
9 a.m. - Tent Opens to Public
10 a.m. - Irish band Highland Reign performs
11:30 a.m. - Official Start of the 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Presented by the Hoosier Lottery
12:15 p.m. - U2 tribute band "A Beautiful Day performs
1:15 p.m. - Irish Citizen of the Year named
2:30pm - 3 p.m. - Tent Party closes
St. Patrick's Day parties and bar crawls around Indianapolis
McGinley's Golden Ace Inn: From Friday - Sunday, McGinleys' Golden Ace Inn, established in 1934 and the oldest Irish pub in Indianapolis, will host a three-day celebration of Saint Patrick's Day featuring live Irish music and numerous beers on tap. You must be 21 or older to attend. Address: 2533 E. Washington Street. Visit goldenaceinn.com for more details.
The Hangar: On Saturday, March 16, The Hangar, 501 S. Madison Street, will host an all-you-can-eat and drink Irish themed brunch. Tickets range $50-$70 depending on when you buy tickets, which are available online: hangarindy.com.
Howl at the Moon: On Saturday, March 16 from noon to 6 p.m., Howl at the Moon, 20 E. Georgia St, will host a six-hour bar crawl. Presented by Social Scene, the bar crawl will take ticket holders through several venues offering food and drink specials. For times and ticket prices, visit the website: HowlAtTheMoon.com/st-patricks-day.
This article will be updated periodically with more Saint Patrick Day events throughout the month. For other events, go to VisitIndy.com.
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John Tufts covers trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Saint Patrick's Day 2024: Parades and events around Indianapolis
