🍀 Best Ways to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day Around Saint Louis

Saint Louis knows how to wear green with pride! From big parades and fun runs to all-day Irish festivals and cozy pubs pouring Guinness, here’s your complete guide to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the STL area.

🍀 1. Downtown Saint Louis Run & Parade

Each March, Saint Louis’ downtown area comes alive with one of the region’s most beloved traditions:

🏃‍♂️ St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run

Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the 48th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run - a popular 5K (with shorter distance options) that winds through downtown streets. The event draws thousands of runners and walkers each year and helps support local charities.   Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day - March 14, 2026 at 9 a.m. and has become a rite of spring for many. 

🎉 Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade

After the run, stay downtown for the 57th annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade featuring huge floats, marching bands, giant balloons, Irish dancers, and classic parade fun. The parade kicks off around noon on March 14, 2026, filling Market Street with green and good cheer. 

🍀 2. Historic Dogtown Parade & Irish Festival

If you’re looking for classic community flavor and a local neighborhood vibe, Dogtown delivers:

🍻 Dogtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day Parade rolls through Dogtown on March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day itself) at 11 a.m. - true to Irish tradition. This is one of the city’s oldest parades, rooted in the area’s strong Irish heritage, and always held on March 17 regardless of the day of the week. 

🎶 Dogtown Irish Festival

Before and after the parade, the neighborhood hosts a full Irish Festival with live music, DJ sets, Irish dancers, food wagons, cultural activities, and vendor booths - running from early morning into the evening. 

Dogtown’s celebration has something for everyone;  from family-friendly fun to late-day merriment.

🍀 3. Cottleville Irish Fest

Just outside the city, Cottleville brings its own green flair to the holiday on Saturday March 14, 2026:

🌈 St. Patrick’s Day Events in Cottleville

Nearby Cottleville hosts its own community St. Patrick’s Day procession and related events including pub crawls and family-oriented celebrations. This smaller town experience is great for those who want tradition with a relaxed pace.

Find out more from these two local favorites:  Frankie Martin's Garden and The Old Schoolhouse 

🍀 4. Best Irish Pubs to Toast the Holiday

After the parades and runs, Saint Louis excels at Irish hospitality and pub culture. Here are some of the best local pubs where you can enjoy a pint, traditional food, and live music:

🍻 Classic & Iconic Irish Spots

• John D. McGurk's Irish Pub and Garden – A beloved institution with authentic Irish fare, pints galore, and often live music — perfect for St. Patrick’s Day vibes year after year. 
• Seamus McDaniel's – A Dogtown favorite with hearty pub food, pints, and a lively atmosphere right along Tamm Avenue. 
• The Pat Connolly Tavern – Historic Tavern in Dogtown with classic fare that pairs well with Irish whiskey and Guinness. 
• Mike Duffy's – Beloved favorite in many neighborhoods, of course we are biased towards our Downtown Kirkwood neighbor. 
• Llywelyn's Pub – A fun spot in both Webster Groves and Saint Charles. Celtic for "Good Times!"

🍻 Additional Favorites (Great for St. Patrick’s Day Cheers)

• Maggie O' Brien's – Downtown pub crowd-pleaser with big portions and big energy.
• O'Connell's Pub – Local Irish-leaning pub with lots of charm. 
• Nick's Pub – Classic Irish bar & grill with good pints and late-night hours. 
• Helen Fitzgerald's Irish Grill & Pub – A local favorite with a large menu and lively atmosphere. 
  
  

🍀  Saint Louis serves up a variety of experiences perfect for every way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in 2026.

Sláinte! 🍻