Lawrence really knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Use this guide for everything you need to know about the parade, food, and events.
Parade
The parade begins at 1:00 PM on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. The current route for the parade is through the downtown business district. Line up begins at South Park on Massachusetts Street and ends at 501 N. 9th across the Kansas River Bridge. More about the parade.
Where to watch
– Crystalynn Hyatt said: “I like watching from South Park to hang with people who are on the floats before they get rollin!” She also suggested the Rolling Foliage St. Patrick’s Day Show at the Jackpot and the St. Patio show at the Replay for after-hours fun.
– Dayna Lee shared a pro tip: “Always sit on the west side of the street, especially if you have children. It keeps the sun out of your eyes.”
– Tamara Kasey enjoyed watching the parade from Quinton’s, Cindy Haines suggested the Court House steps, and Debbie McCarthy noted that the parade is still going strong when it gets to the Lawrence Visitor’s Center (and there’s lots of parking!).
Tip: Dayna Lee says to bring cash for the parade t-shirts that will be sold! There is also face-painting and other St. Patrick’s Day treats.
Food
Five Bar & Tables, Ingredient
Start your morning with brunch before the parade, or enjoy lunch after. Five Bar will have traditional corned beef and cabbage, beef stew, and lots of soda bread. Check the event itinerary for more details!
Dempsey’s Pub
St. Patrick’s Day is a huge deal for Dempsey’s, so you can bet they go all out. They will be serving their signature corned beef and hash along with a myriad of drink specials including $2 green PBR, $4 bombs, $3 16 oz Budweiser and Bud Light, and $1 off all Irish whiskey. They will be open for an extra two hours in the morning.
Conroy’s Pub
Conroy’s will be serving up the traditional corned beef and cabbage for your St. Patrick’s Day feasting.
Event Itinerary
Songs from Ireland: Carswell & Hope/Ashley Davis & Friends
Where: Liberty Hall
When: Thursday, March 16, 6:30pm-10:00pm
– Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit early at Liberty Hall. Featuring original songs by Ashley Davis and Carswell & Hope plus music by Van Morrison, Damien Rice, Thin Lizzy, Sinead O’Connor, The Cranberries, U2 and more.
St. Patrick’s Day Pre-Post Parade Party
Where: Laugh Out Loud Family Zone
When: 10:00am-6:00pm
– There will be a scavenger hunt with prizes, free green lemonade, staff-led crafts in the art room, Irish music and dancing in the karaoke room and story times throughout the day.
St. Patty’s Day Kick Off Brunch
Where: Five Bar and Tables, Ingredient
When: 10:30am
– Start your morning off with brunch at Ingredient and Five Bar. The menu includes $10 plates of traditional corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and soda bread, $3 cup or $5 bowl of hearty beef stew with soda bread, $3 Guinness cans, $3 shots of Jameson Irish whiskey, and $5 domestic pitchers. Enjoy live music all day!
LFK’s Dirty 30 St. Patty’s Day Party
Where: Five Bar and Tables, Ingredient
When: 12:00pm-11:00pm
– All the festivities from brunch carried on through the day!
St. Patrick’s Day Party with Red Money
Where: The Bottleneck
When: 12:00pm-9:00am
– There is an $8 cover to join in on the garage-rock party. Doors are at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm!
Ad Astra Running Irish Mile
Where: Massachusetts’s St.
When: 12:15pm-12:45pm
– This race takes place right before the parade, so you get the added bonus of excited parade spectators cheering you on! Age group winners receive Ad Astra gift certificates and overall and masters winners receive a cash prize.
St. Patio Show
Where: Replay Lounge
When: 2:00pm-8:00pm
– The Replay will have an afternoon and night full of local music and great drink specials.
2:00pm- James Rose Jr. and Friends
2:50pm- Tyler Gregory
3:40pm- Carswell & Hope
4:30pm- Feast Ov Fools
5:20pm- Red Sky Home
6:10pm- Cowgirl’s Train Set
7:00pm- Nicholas St. James
7:50pm- Brody Buster Band
St. Patrick’s Day Party
Where: Slow Ride Roadhouse
When: 4:00pm-12:00am
– There will be live music with DJ John and Video Jerry.
Early Show
Where: Jackpot Music Hall
When: 5:00pm-7:00pm
– Gnarly Davidson, Signals Midwest, and Dark Satellites will be playing.
The Crumpletons in Concert
Where: The Eldridge
When: 7:30pm-10:00pm
– Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by dancing the night away in The Eldridge’s Big 6 Ballroom, lower level. We host The Crumpletons, a popular local band playing hits from the ‘60s including covers of hit songs by the Beatles and The Rolling Stones!
Midsummer Night’s Dream + Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
Where: Lawrence Arts Center
When: 8:00pm
– This year’s spring ballet is Shakespeare’s classic story of a Midsummer Night’s Dream, adaptation inspired by George Balanchine’s full length version which premiered in 1962. This classic tale will be brought to life by the Art Center’s own Shannon Pickett and ballet dancers of all ages.
Duran Jones and the Indications
Where: Replay Lounge
When: 10:00pm-2:00am
– Durand Jones and the Indications will be taking over the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Replay at 10pm!
Rolling Foliage St. Patrick’s Day Show at the Jackpot (LATE)
Where: Jackpot Music Hall
When: 10:30pm-12:00am
– The party continues at the Jackpot with Rolling Foliage. The cover is $5 and you must be 18 to join in.
Kate Hartland
I am a senior at KU writing both creatively and strategically. I pay attention to words, details, pancakes, style, and Jayhawk basketball.
