This year Kansas City will be celebrating big, as always, this St. Patrick’s Day. In March, the following parades and festivals guarantee a rowdy good-time! After or before the parades, be sure to stop by one of the many Irish Pubs in KC, for some traditional or Irish-themed breakfast, lunch, or beer.
Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 17th at 11:00 a.m. until approx 1:00 p.m., Route: Broadway from 33rd Street (Linwood) to 43rd Street Map
The Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been entertaining Kansas City every year on St. Patrick’s Day since 1974. The parade was thought of in 1973, when a group of friends got together for a quick (or otherwise) drink at Hogerty’s Cocktail Lounge in downtown Kansas City and decided a Parade downtown was just what the City needed; and so it began again.
Every year they have a theme, which may reflect Kansas City’s Irish heritage, or build upon current events. These theme’s normally set the stage for the parade, last years theme was “No Small Potatoes: A Tribute to the Wee Irish”, while this years theme is “40 Years of Fáilte”. On top of a great theme, each year the participants in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade compete for prizes. Each participating group is judged versus others in their same category. The categories are family, band, business, drill team, media, organization, trade, and school. Quality and creativity prevails here, so this should make for a good show for spectators. So, be sure to join Kathy Quinn, this years Grand Marshall, for a spectacular good time!
St Patrick’s Day Festival, Power and Light District, March 17, 2012, All-day event.
Power and Light District will be celebrating their 4th annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival with all the shamrocks, foods, and green beer this year! The celebration kicks-off early at McFadden’s on Raigan Road with an Irish Breakfast. After breakfast, journey over to KC LIVE at 11:00 a.m. for games, contests, and giveaways. Enjoy some delicious green beer and corn beef & cabbage sandwiches, as your entertained beginning at 1:00 p.m. with great music from Patrick Lentz Band, DJ Steve Serrano, Dole Wite and DJ Pauly D! This is a free event but is only for 21 and older crowd.
2012 Brookside 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade, March 10th at 2:00 p.m., Route: Start at 65th and Wornall, North on Wornall to 63rd St., East on 63rd St to Main, South on Main St. to Meyer Blvd., West on Meyer Blvd. to Brookside Rd. Map
The 2012 Brookside 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Warm-up Parade gears Kansas City to, warm-up, their Irish celebration! A fun, family friendly event with great floats, entertainers, and leprechauns. This years theme will be “Leapin’ Leprechauns”, hopefully we will see plenty in this amusing procession!
Irishpalooza 2012, March 11th 2:00 p.m., Route: Start at Washington & 135th St., ends at 135th St. and Holmes Rd. Map
Irishpalooza is Martin City’s St. Patrick Day Parade and considered Kansas City best little fun parade! With Gary Lezak as the Parade’s Grand Marshall, this year should be fun for all with great awards given; like the Best Dressed Pet contest, Best Float or Most Humorous Float.
There will be plenty of fun things to do for kids; such as face painting, Prince and Princess Contest, and Fluakner Ranch Kiddie Korral.
After the parade, enjoy some great music from The Kelihans, one of KC’s most notable Irish Bands, plays from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the Post-Parade Party Tent at Jess & Jim’s Steakhouse north parking lot on 135 th St., which will be serving adult beverages and Jess & Jim’s own corn beef & cabbage.
Emerald Isle St Patrick’s Day Parade, March 10th at 1:00 p.m., Route: Green, Third and S.E. Main streets in Downtown Lee’s Summit, MO Map
The Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Lee’s Summit is a must-do event, and closer to home for those in the eastern part of the Kansas City metro area. The parade is a fun event, along with other activities to create a full day of festivities.
New this year is a Traditional Irish Breakfast, which takes place the morning of the parade from 8-11 a.m. at Mingle, 209 S.E. Main St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 10 and younger, if purchased in advanced. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 816-246-6598. Tickets purchased at the door are $12 for adults and $7 for ages 10 and younger.
A Bits O’ Gold Coin Hunt takes place at 10:30 a.m. in the City Hall Plaza, 220 S.E. Green St. Kids 8 and under are eligible to participate. No registration is necessary. Prizes will be awarded. They also have a coloring contest for Kids in preschool through sixth grade. To enter the Emerald Isle Coloring Contest click here to download the coloring sheet and contest information. The deadline to enter is Feb. 27, 2012.
The fun continues after the parade with the Emerald Isle Pub Crawl. Downtown businesses also will have their doors open as they celebrate and showcase spring decor.
These are but a few fun parades and festivals in the Kansas City area to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. So, put on something green and head to one of these great parades or events for a full day of festivities.