‘Tis the luck o’ the Irish. And for everyone else looking for a good time on St. Patrick’s Day this year.
After a two-year, pandemic-imposed hiatus, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations of all stripes are spreading across Michigan like clover in spring.
There are many ways to get your Irish on. You may not find a pot of gold. But take heart. There are many things for you to do.
One of the most well-known observances takes place in Detroit with the 64th Annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade. After a two-year cancelation, organizers are predicting a bigger and better parade this year.
“We’re looking forward to the biggest and most successful Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade in our history on Sunday, March 13,” says Mike Kelly, speaking for organizers the United Irish Societies and parade committee. We’ll transform Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, and Michigan Avenue, home to industry, dreamers, entrepreneurs and more, into a celebration of Irish history, culture and opportunity.”
The parade typically attracts 80,000 to 100,000 people, making it one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country. Featuring floats, marching bands, color guard units and more, the parade starts at 1 p.m.
Other cities across the state are also stepping into action.
Grand Ledge
The St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in scenic Grand Ledge. If you have Celtic pride of just want to watch, come down to Bridge Street and take in the sights and sounds. The fun continues after the parade with performances by the Hubbardston Dancers, McCartney Dancers and Glen Erin Pipe Band.
Clare
It started as a local party by a few residents. But today the 48th Annual Clare Irish Festival, March 14-20, will offer a variety of family-oriented activities. Vendors will display handmade crafts, a parade will march through the streets, and musicians will perform while visitors drink green beer and pets compete in a photo contest. The event even includes an Irish Bed Race. The parade steps off at noon on Saturday, March 19.
Grand Rapids
The Irish on Ionia festival, touted as Michigan’s largest St. Patrick’s Day street party, takes place downtown. The event features live Irish music, drinks and food Saturday, March 14, at various pubs and restaurants. A traditional St. Patrick’s Day buffet of corned beef, potatoes and cabbage will be served after the 1 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Kalamazoo
The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Kalamazoo is Saturday, March 12, starting at 11 a.m. The parade route is the same as past years, beginning on Burdick Street at Michigan Avenue and traveling south to Cedar Street. The K-Wings “World Famous” Green Ice game faces off at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 18.
Holland
St. Patrick’s Day would not be complete without community parades, and Holland is not an exception. The city invites people to join it in celebrating the day with Irish dancers and plenty of kilt-wearers. The parade begins at noon Saturday, March 12, and travels east down 8th Street from the 8th Street Marketplace, 150 W. 8th St. Celebrations will continue at New Holland Brewing Co., Hops at 84 East and the Curragh Irish Pub and will offer Irish dancers and bagpipers.
Luddington
Events include the Irish Jig One Mile Run, 5K and 10K race starting at the corner of Loomis Street and Rath Avenue, the Rainbow Scavenger Hunt and Shamrock Parade and Pub Crawl is Saturday, March 19.
Grand Haven
The St. Anthony Parrish Festival and Car Show is Sunday, March 13, in Grand Haven. The big event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bay City
A special St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20, and proceeds down historic Center Avenue, ending at Wenonah Park. Shamrocks, lively floats and candy galore mark the fun-filled event.