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St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish heritage, culture, and community, and Milwaukee has deep Irish roots that make this day even more special.
From the founding of the Shamrock Club in 1960 to Milwaukee’s long-running St. Patrick’s Day Parade—one of the oldest in the country—Milwaukee has a rich Irish history.
But while there are countless ways to celebrate, not all events are ideal for families with young children.
That’s where we come in! We’ve put together a guide to Milwaukee’s best St. Patrick’s Day events for families, ensuring that you and your little ones can join in the fun. From festive parades to lively Irish dance performances, interactive crafts, and more, this list will help you plan the perfect kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
So, don your green, and let’s dive in!
1. 58th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
The 58th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, March 14 at noon.
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Milwaukee was one of the earliest parades in the United States, and it was the first to be held outside of the 13 original colonies. It was first celebrated on March 17, 1843, predating Wisconsin’s statehood and Milwaukee’s incorporation as a city!
The parade features more than 100 units, including Irish dancers, pipe and drum groups, decorated floats, and local dignitaries. The route begins at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and West Wisconsin Avenue and travels about 1.5 miles to North Water Street and East Highland Avenue.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly environment, we recommend outside of the The Avenue (275 W Wisconsin Ave.). There is $5 parking nearby at The Avenue structure (entrances at 615 N Plankinton Ave. & 258 W Michigan St.) and after you can head inside to grab lunch and play games at the 3rd St. Market Hall, play games.
Another great family spot would be near the review stand by the Milwaukee County Historical Society (910 N MLK Drive) where all eight of Milwaukee’s Irish dance school and other entertainers will stop to perform.
2. Parade Party at the St. Brigid Sunshine Center (Milwaukee)
Keep the St. Patrick’s Day celebration going after the parade at the Wisconsin Shamrock Club’s Parade Party on Saturday, March 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the St. Brigid Sunshine Center (formerly the Irish Cultural Heritage Center). This festive gathering marks the first official event at the newly named center and offers an afternoon of Irish music, dancing, food, and community celebration. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Activities and highlights include:
- Live Music & Irish Dance: Enjoy performances from talented musicians and award-winning Irish dance schools.
- Scholarship Raffle Baskets: Browse and enter to win a variety of themed raffle baskets supporting the club’s scholarship programs.
- Irish Food & Drinks: Warm up with classic Irish fare and beverages available at multiple bars.
- Shamrock Photo Booth: Capture a fun memory from the day with friends and family.
The center is currently undergoing renovations, but guests are invited to come see the progress and help celebrate this new chapter for Milwaukee’s Irish community. Tickets are available online through March 14 and will also be sold at the door.
3. Blue Mound Road St. Patrick’s Day Parade
This annual parade will take place on Saturday, March 14th at 3:30 p.m., starting at Blue Mound Road and North 68th Street, moving east on Blue Mound Road and finishing at 52nd St.
4. Luck, Laughs & Launches at Slingshot Bar (West Allis)
Families can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a playful afternoon at Bars & Rec’s Slingshot Bar in West Allis on Sunday, March 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This free Family Fun Day brings together festive activities, interactive games, and a live Irish dance performance for all ages.
Activities include:
- Shamrock Hopscotch: Jump through a shamrock-inspired hopscotch course.
- Rubber Chicken Finger Slingshots: Launch rubber chickens in this silly, laugh-out-loud activity.
- St. Patrick’s Day Photo Op: Snap a photo with a festive themed backdrop.
- Scavenger Hunt: Search for hidden treasures throughout Slingshot Bar.
- Irish Dance Performance at Noon: Enjoy a lively performance by dancers from the McNamara McCarthy School of Irish Dance.
Families can also reserve time in the venue’s jungle junkyard-style slingshot range if they’d like to try the signature launching experience during their visit.
5. Time to Paddy Family 5k/10k and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon
Date: March 21, 2026
Location: Estabrook Park, 4400 N Estabrook Pkwy, Milwaukee, WI
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the annual Time to Paddy 5k/10k and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon! This St. Patrick’s Day-themed event is perfect for runners of all ages and abilities, making it a fun family outing. Dress in your favorite green gear and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
6. Irish Family Day: Passport to Ireland
Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 11:00AM to 2:30PM
CelticMKE Center, 1532 N. Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa
Website
Back for another year, the Irish Family Day: Passport to Ireland will again transform all three levels of the CelticMKE Center into terminals, transporting guest travelers to Irish destinations.
Visit various Irish counties across three floors of the CelticMKE Center as it transforms into the Emerald Isle! Families can enjoy immersive activities and entertainment for a fun-filled afternoon.
– Irish-themed arts and crafts
– Irish dance performances
– Storytelling
– Music from the Irish Fest School of Music Family Session Group
– Irish instrument petting zoo (learn bodhrán drumming!)
– Meet Irish Fest mascots Paddy and Molly McFest
Irish dancers will perform on the main terminal stage, and live Irish music will fill the lower terminal. Also located in the lower terminal is the Celtic Café, which will be serving lunch, beverages, and snacks.
There will also be BOGO (buy one, get one free) coupons for 2026 Milwaukee Irish Fest available throughout the entire event.
TBD for 2026
- St. Patrick’s Day Storytime at Barnes & Noble
- Irish Heritage Night with the Milwaukee Bucks
Before you don your green and hunt for leprechauns, treat the family to a local favorite—Paczki Day is just around the corner! Here’s where to find the best paczki in Milwaukee.
Are we missing any local St. Patrick’s Day events for kids? Contact us at hello@mkewithkids.com
Get excited for St. Patrick’s Day with these interesting St. Patrick’s Day Facts For Kids and these hilarious St Patrick’s Day Jokes For Kids.
Plus, we’ve rounded up the best March Jokes For Kids and the best April Fools Pranks for Kids.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
