St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17th, 2024 and if you haven’t already, it’s time to mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on these festive events. Omaha and the surrounding areas have a lot to offer, including 5K Shamrock races, costumed bar crawls, and even a parade with bagpipes, marching bands, and Irish dancers. However you choose to celebrate — make sure you wear something green so you don’t get pinched!
Hooley Irish Celebration
Where? 6005 Grover Street
Each year, the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are kicked off by the Hooley party hosted by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. This year, there will be music by The Shenanigans, CNT Irish dancers, and a silent auction. Scheduled for March 3rd, 2024, the event begins with the color guard, before a welcoming and opening prayer by Father O’Sullivan. From 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM, there will be a rotating schedule of musical performances before the night ends with the Dowds Irish dancers.
Tickets range from $5 for kiddos, $15 for adults and $40 for the family. Dinner includes a traditional Irish stew, dinner rolls, and dessert. Kids can opt for a hot dog, chips, and a drink. For refreshments, Irish coffee, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Dubbed as a celebration for the whole family, this event is a great way to enjoy quality time with the community while experiencing a lively atmosphere and engaging with the cultural significance of this holiday.
Irish Fest
Where? 222 North 10th Street
2024 marks the 32nd annual Irish Fest, hosted by Catholic Charities of Omaha. The event will be held this year on March 16th at the Marriott Hotel Capitol District. Invite your plus one or secure a table with nine of your closest friends and enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, entrées, and desserts! There will be both silent and live auctions, with auction items being announced as Irish Fest draws closer.
Make sure to snag your reservation ASAP if you’re interested in attending. Cocktails begin at 5:30 PM, with dinner following at 7:00 PM. The live auction kicks off an hour later and there will be dancing and music afterwards. The dress code is cocktail attire. Individual tickets begin at $150.
St. Patrick’s Day at Kinkaider
Where? 2279 South 67th Street
Head out to Kinkaider Brewing Company on Sunday, March 17th for a day full of Irish music and beer. The doors open at noon, with the live music lineup kicking off at the same time. The Wildwoods are set to perform from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by The Killigans until 6:00 PM. Once the celebration moves inside, Aage Birch will perform at the bar. If you’ve never been to Kinkaider, you’re sure to enjoy the lively atmosphere and good drinks. For St. Patrick’s Day, attendees are encouraged to don green attire and bring their friends along for the ride!
Tickets for general admission are on sale for $5, so grab yours while they’re hot. Sample some of the popular brews on tap, such as the Dragon Juice IPA or the Salted Caramel Amber Ale. More of a spirit drinker? Try the peach whiskey, jalapeño vodka, or the 121-proof straight bourbon whiskey if you’re feeling brave!
St. Patrick’s Day Party at Clancy’s Pub
Where? 2905 South 168th Street
There’s no better spot to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day than at an Irish pub. Clancy’s Pub boasts Omaha’s biggest holiday celebration — celebrating 46 years on March 17th, 2024. The celebration is made possible through a collaboration with Office West Lounge and attendees will enjoy free green bagels and donuts with a drink purchase. The pub will open bright and early at 6:00 AM, so snag an Irish coffee and let the good times roll. Live music kicks off at noon and continues through the evening. The entertainment schedule includes Wicked Fun, Joystick, and DJ Travis Howe. There will also be Irish dancers, Omaha pipes, and drums.
This event is cash only and there will be an ATM located inside for your convenience. There is a $10 cover that begins at noon. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP on Facebook so your friends can make plans to swing by as well!
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
Where? 1205 Harney Street
Get ready for one of Omaha’s most popular St. Patrick’s Day events. With over 1,000 crawlers expected, this is sure to be one for the books. On March 16th, Lucky’s Bar Crawl kicks off at 4:00 PM and lasts “officially” until midnight — though many choose to keep the party going. There are 5+ venues on the map and ticket purchases include 2-3 drinks or shots. Venues include local names such as Dubliner Pub, JD Tucker’s, and Parliament Pub. If you are one of the first 400 check-ins, you’ll even get a stadium party cup!
Each location has exclusive drink specials, as well as a waived cover. Professional photographers will be available to document your night and attendees can spot each other by their custom badge and lanyard. Don’t forget to head over to Verdict Bar & Grill for the after-party! Check back on the website for updated specials when the crawl is 1-2 weeks out. Snag your tickets before prices increase and remember, if you purchase group tickets, you’ll receive a $5 discount per ticket.
Shamrock Run
Where? 2110 South 67th Street
If you want to get some cardio in before you enjoy a weekend of festivities, consider signing up for the 8th annual Shamrock Run on March 16th, 2024. This 5K can be walked, making it great for families of all ages and skill levels. The course itself has been designed to be as flat as possible, as it sits along the Keystone Trail next to the Little Papillion Creek. Make sure to dress up in your best holiday attire and celebrate your accomplishment at the Backlot Taphouse where there will be giveaways.
Participants can choose to be timed or untimed, with the timed 5K being priced at $40 and the untimed race being set at $35 with limited spots left. Kiddos 12 to 18 can run or walk for $6 if they opt for the untimed race. Register early to snag a t-shirt and a beanie and the top male and female runners will receive a Shamrock Run hoodie.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Where? 15th and Harney Streets
Don’t miss out on one of Omaha’s most beloved St. Patrick’s Day traditions. 2024 presents the 144th annual holiday parade, hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The parade is scheduled for March 9th, so you’ll still have the next weekend free to celebrate with bar crawls, parties, and the Shamrock Shuffle. The parade will loop around Omaha’s Old Market Historic District beginning at 10:00 AM and will feature marching bands, drill teams, Irish dancers, and an array of costumed performers.
Arrive early and set up some chairs so you can enjoy the show. There are two Park Omaha garages located nearby and various public transportation options with the Metro. Little ones will enjoy the candy that’s handed out and the food trucks surrounding the route for plenty of parade snacks.
Shamrock Shuffle & Leprechaun Chase
Where? 100 Block of West Broadway Historic District
On Saturday, March 9th, ring in the St. Paddy’s Day celebration early with a 3-mile Shamrock Shuffle or the 200-meter Leprechaun Chase. The race will be held along the 100 block of West Broadway Historic District in Council Bluffs with a live DJ, finisher medals, and race t-shirts. Dogs are welcome, so bring out the whole family and enjoy the atmosphere. The course is USATF certified and professionally timed and begins at 10:00 AM sharp. Kiddos 10 and under can participate in the Leprechaun Chase at 9:30 AM.
Students receive a discounted registration of $25 and sign-ups are open through March 8th. Participants can pick up their packets on Friday or the morning of the race. Whether you’re an avid runner or not, everybody is welcome to participate in this exciting St. Patrick’s Day event and enjoy the fresh spring air with their community.
10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival
Where? 151 North 8th Street
McKinney’s Irish Pub in Lincoln is hosting its 10th annual two-day street festival. On March 16th and 17th, the pub invites locals to enjoy Lucky Charms eating contests, live music, green beer, and bagpipes. There will be giveaways and prizes, as well as delicious Irish food that provides the full experience this St. Patrick’s Day holiday season. There is no cover charge and the bar will open at 9:00 AM both days, with the street festival kicking off at 2:00 PM.
Paddywhack will be performing from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, so make sure you don your best kilt and hit up the photo booth before it’s time to start dancing. Multiple bars will be available for easy service and to keep the green drinks flowing.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Where? 2823 South 84th Street
On March 16th, enjoy an Irish dinner of corned beef and cabbage while listening to traditional Irish music, such as metro pipes and drums, and performances by the Dowds Irish Dance Academy and the Ellis Island Band. This event is hosted by Tangier Shrine and individual tickets begin at $30. Doors open at 2:30 PM and dinner is served at 5:00 PM. There will be a cash bar, with beer, wine, and mixed drinks. All ages are welcome to attend this celebration. The little ones will be able to jam to the lively music and enjoy some of the decorated sugar cookies for sale.
Omaha Blarney Stone 5K
Where? 10411 Portal Road
The Omaha Blarney Stone 5K will be held in nearby La Vista on Saturday, March 16th, 2024. This St. Patrick’s Day-themed race is a great way to get the party started, with pre-race and post-race activities held at nearby breweries including Pint Nine and Kros Strain. Registration costs $40, with a price increase as the date of the race gets closer. Adorn yourself in your best green outfit and compete for one of the green paint award rocks.
All food, drinks (including adult beverages!), and race swag are included in the ticket price. You don’t have to be an avid runner to have a great time at this race. Get a group of friends or family together and enjoy the fresh air while you work off the excess calories you’ll be consuming soon in the form of Irish stew, potatoes, and plenty of Irish beer.
After-Parade Party at Annie’s Irish Pub
Where? 1101 Davenport Street
After the St. Patrick’s Day Parade has winded down, head over to Annie’s Irish Pub to continue the family-friendly fun. This pub is centrally located in Omaha’s Capitol District and the celebration will feature performances by The Shenanigans and the Craoí na Tíre Irish dancers. On March 9th, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, there will be a $5 cover charge. Enjoy cold drinks, lively music, and traditional dancing to commemorate this Irish holiday with the local community.
Have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Celebrate Responsibly!
With plenty of drinks flowing on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, it’s important to stay safe and designate a driver whenever you choose to imbibe. Drink a green beer, listen to some Irish music, and enjoy a lively weekend around Omaha. Which festive events are you looking forward to participating in this year?