St. Patrick's Day Parade & Events 2025 in Detroit, MI

Detroit, Michigan, offers a lively celebration of St. Patrick's Day, with a variety of events designed to honor Irish heritage and traditions. From the annual parade to a 5K race and festive bar crawls, the city’s Corktown neighborhood becomes the epicenter of vibrant activities that draw visitors from across the region.

St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 16, 2025)

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Detroit is rightfully considered one of the biggest Irish celebrations in the US, attracting around 100,000 visitors annually to the city’s oldest and most Irish neighborhood of Corktown. The street extravaganza typically takes place on a Sunday. The festive floats, color guard units, and marching bands step off at 1 pm on Michigan Avenue, which becomes a stage showcasing Irish culture and traditions and is jam-packed with verdant spectators. So, you may want to arrive ahead of time to stake out the most lucrative viewing spots along the route.

The Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade, organized by the United Irish Societies (UIS), first took place in 1958 in Dearborn, MI, approximately 9 miles (15 km) west of Downtown Detroit. Today, the parade is a vibrant celebration held in Corktown, a neighborhood that owes its name to Detroit's significant Irish community, many of whom hailed from County Cork. This event has become a cherished tradition, celebrating Irish heritage and culture in the heart of Detroit.

Corktown 5K Race (Sunday, March 16, 2025)

Corktown isn't just about the parade. While the main street celebration kicks off at 1 pm, there's plenty of excitement earlier in the day. For morning enthusiasts, the annual Corktown 5K Race starts at 11 am, with registration opening at 9 am.

Younger participants can join the Kids Quarter Mile at 10:30 am, followed by the Emerald Mile at 10:40 am. The Dublin Double, a special option for those wanting to participate in both the Emerald Mile and the 5K, is available for $50, but limited to 350 participants.

Entry fees are $15 for the Kids Quarter Mile, $20 for the Emerald Mile, and $40 for the 5K. Be sure to register online by March 14 to secure your spot.

Detroit St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl (March 14–15, 2025)

One of the most popular ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Detroit is by joining the official Pub Crawl, starting at 6 pm on March 14 and 15, 2025. The city's top pubs and bars welcome everyone for a night filled with unlimited St. Paddy's festivities.

For $20, you can enjoy green libations at venues like Delux Nightclub, Exodos Rooftop N' Nightclub, Level Two Rooftop N' Nightclub, Sandbox Nightclub, Mix Nightclub, and Three Legged Goat Bar. Keep in mind that last-minute general admission tickets will cost $40, so it's best to buy early.