Metro Detroit celebrates St. Patrick with a swing. The annual traditions include St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a 5K race in Corktown. Another top option is the Detroit St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl. For those who can't wait to have fun, Detroit offers a Parade Kick-Off Party.
St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 10, 2024)
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 before March 17. 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.
Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade is organized by the United Irish Societies (UIS). They hosted the first edition back in 1958 in Dearborn, MI, some 9 miles (15 km) west of Downtown Detroit. Today, the parade is held in Corktown, which owes its name to Detroit's large ethnic Irish community, most of whom came from County Cork.
Parade Kick-Off Party (February 25, 2024)
Besides St. Patrick's Day Parade, the organizers also throw a Parade Kick-Off Party, usually scheduled for a Sunday in late February. In 2024, this event runs at Monaghan Knights of Columbus banquet hall in Livonia, MI, from 1 pm to 7 pm. The program showcases all things Irish, such as Celtic Pipe & Drums and Shannon Irish Dancers. Some of this year's performers include John Sullivan, Black Murray, John Freeman, Motor City Irish Dance, McSpillin, and Ardan Academy of Irish Dance. The tickets are $20 when bought in advance and $25 at the door. Kids of 12 years and under get in for $10.
Corktown 5K Race (March 10, 2024)
Corktown is not only about the parade. The main street celebration unfolds only in the afternoon by 1 pm. But morning people can benefit from the annual Corktown 5K Race at 11 am. A great option for the youngest is Kids Quarter Mile at 10:30 am. Another alternative is Emerald Mile, following at 10:40 am. Registration opens at 9 am.
Detroit St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl (March 16–17, 2024)
One of the most popular ways to spend St. Patrick's in Detroit must be its official Pub Crawl, running on the festive weekend. The city's pubs and bars welcome everyone for unlimited St. Paddy's shenanigans. Buy a ticket at $20 and sample green libations in Delux Nightclub, Exodos Rooftop N' Nightclub, Level Two Rooftop N' Nightclub, Sandbox Nightclub, Mix Nightclub, and Three Legged Goat Bar. Note that the last-minute general admission will set you back twice the original price—$40.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the website, linked in the External Resources below. Also, consider booking your St. Patrick's Day stay in Corktown, Detroit, or beyond from the accommodations' map.
