Experience St. Patrick’s Day in Missouri. Festivities – featuring parades, dances and parties – will take place in St. Louis, Kansas City, Rolla and other locations across the state.
What Is St. Patrick’s Day?
Celebrated around the world, St. Patrick’s Day marks the passing of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This holiday is especially significant to the Irish community as a way of connecting with their culture and history. But you don’t have to have ties to the Emerald Isle to celebrate the holiday. As it’s often said, “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.”
Can’t-Miss St. Patrick’s Celebrations in Missouri
Rolla
Since 1908, student groups at Missouri S&T have hosted the St. Pat’s Celebration in Rolla. While the entire spring semester is filled with activities, the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day includes long-held ceremonies, including the Court Arrival on Wednesday, March 15, and the Coronation on Friday, March 17. To cap off the celebration, a parade will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, on Pine Street.
Kansas City
In Kansas City, celebrate the region’s Irish history and ancestry during one of the city’s most popular parades. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will start at 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, at Lindwood and Broadway and travel a route lined with bars, restaurants and shops, ending at 43rd Street in Westport, Kansas City’s oldest entertainment district. The festivities will include sidewalk cafes, beer gardens and live entertainment.
St. Louis
The St. Louis St. Patrick’s Day Parade – one of the largest events downtown – will be held at noon Saturday, March 11. The procession will make its way down Market Street, starting at 20th Street and ending at Broadway and Clark Avenue. The event will feature marching bands, floats and giant balloons. Food and drink will be available along the parade route.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Parade has been a St. Louis tradition for nearly four decades in the historically Irish Dogtown neighborhood. This year’s parade will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, and will travel down Tamm Avenue from Oakland Avenue to Manchester Avenue. The event will honor the many contributions Irish people have made to America with floats featuring Irish dancing, music and more. In addition to the parade, an Irish Festival will offer plenty of fun, food and music for all ages.
Lake of the Ozarks
Head to the heart of Missouri for two events honoring St. Patrick – one on land, one on water – at the Lake of the Ozarks. Join in the Saint Patrick’s Water Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 11. Climb aboard a cruise boat (ticket required) or decorate your own boat for a procession that begins and ends at Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill on Lake Road 5-50 at Mile Marker 34.5 near Sunrise Beach.
The Lake of the Ozarks St. Patrick’s Day Parade will travel down the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark, starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18. Floats, cars, motorcycles and more will make their way along the historic stretch of roadway flanked by bars, restaurants and family fun
Springfield
Celebrating its 40th year, the Springfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11. The parade will begin on historic C-Street at Benton Avenue and will travel through downtown’s Park Central Square to Walnut Street. Prior to the parade, an Irish Pet Contest will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge on C-Street. A beer garden and live music will be featured at Park Central Square.