Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026 in Midwest

One of the largest annual parades in Missouri

Dates: March 17

The Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade, recognized by Reader's Digest as one of America's best, is a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Held annually on March 17th, regardless of the day of the week, the parade takes place in KC's historic Westport district, a neighborhood once home to many Irish immigrants. This beloved event brings the community together to honor its Irish roots with lively festivities and a rich display of traditions.

Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade

The 2025 Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade embraces the theme "Irish Wit & Wisdom", celebrating the charm and humor deeply rooted in Irish culture. Featuring over 100 entries, the parade includes community organizations, businesses, government officials, families, and individual participants. Entrants compete for various awards, such as the Mike Murphy Honorary Irish Person, Cullinan Family Spirit Award, Irish Flag Bearer, and the coveted Grand Prize—a $2,000 award selected by the judges.

Route & Schedule

The Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 11 am at the intersection of Broadway and Linwood streets. The parade proceeds south along Broadway to 43rd Street, showcasing a vibrant display of Irish culture and community spirit. The event typically concludes around 1:30 pm.

Viewing Spots

There are plenty of great spots along the route to view the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade. The crowd is typically heaviest near the beginning of the parade, at the review stand, and in the Westport area, where numerous restaurants and bars create a lively atmosphere. These areas are especially popular for both parade viewing and post-parade celebrations.

History of Saint Patrick's Day Parade

The Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade attracts many celebrities. Among its grand marshals were "Modern Family" star Eric Stonestreet, "Gone Girl" author Gillian Flynn, and comedian David Koechner. The parade was started on 17 March 1973 by a group of local volunteers. Today, being one of the most significant events in the Midwest, the festive procession attracts about 100,000 spectators.

St. Patrick's Day Events across Kansas

St. Patrick's Day in Kansas City is also a fantastic opportunity to indulge in Irish-inspired food and drinks. Many local pubs, bars, and restaurants offer special menus and drinks to enhance the holiday spirit. Popular spots include Kelly’s Westport Inn, a Kansas City staple since 1947, McFadden’s Sports Saloon in the Power & Light District, O’Dowd’s at the Country Club Plaza, and Paddy O’Quigley’s in Leawood. For a true taste of tradition, visit Browne’s Irish Marketplace, the oldest Irish-run business in North America, offering authentic Irish fare.

Snake Saturday Parade & Festival (March 15, 2025)

Another popular St. Patrick's Day event in Kansas City is the Snake Saturday Parade, held in North Kansas City on the weekend before St. Patrick's Day. This beloved tradition began in 1984 and features a family-friendly procession. In addition to the parade, the event includes a cook-off, carnival rides, and games for children. The festival area, located at the corner of Howell and 18th Street, is specifically designed for families and features a children's petting zoo, a stage show, the Clyde Ellis race car show, and various other activities. Visitors can enjoy classic fair treats like funnel cakes, root beer, popcorn, sausages, and ice cream along the concession row.