St. Patrick’s Day in Milwaukee is one of my favorite times of the year. Parades and dancing, corned beef and story times, there’s no shortage of family-friendly St. Paddy’s Day events in the area, and we’ve got the inside scoop for you! Here’s a round up of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Milwaukee.
So, go grab your green and get ready for some Milwaukee St. Patrick’s craic (Gaelic word for fun or good time). Sláinte!
Lunch Time Entertainment at the Grand
March 8, 9, 10, and 11
Center Court, Shops of Grand Avenue
Each day features a different live music performer. Friday is the big day with a performance by Beglan Academy of Irish Dance, followed by a corned beef eating contest. What more could you ask for?
Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11
Downtown Milwaukee
The 51th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade will start at noon, at 3rd and Wisconsin, and finish at Water and Highland. The parade features more than 140 floats, bagpipe and marching bands, and Irish and Celtic organizations.
Bluemound Road Business Association’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11
On Bluemound Rd, between 51st and 64th Streets
What’s that you say? There’s already a parade on this list? Don’t you worry! This one starts at 3:00 PM, making it more than possible to hit up both parades. Trust me. We’ve done it. There’s nothing a toddler loves more than parades.
Shamrock Club Post-Parade Party
March 11
Irish Cultural Heritage Center – 2133 West Wisconsin Avenue
This is Milwaukee’s largest family St. Patrick’s Day party. The party will have four stages of entertainment featuring Irish music, dancing, and story times for the little ones. Plus, food and beverages available. Children under 10 are free, and everyone else is just $5. (Maximum family cost $15.)
Family Day in the Village
March 12
Milwaukee Irish Fest Center – 1532 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
This event has a ton of family-friendly activities including crafts for the wee ones, a performance by Irish dancers, live Irish music by Tallymoore, an appearance by Milwaukee Irish Fest mascots, family activities, plus food and beverages available for purchase!
Trinity Irish Dancer’s at the Betty Brinn
March 12
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Check out a special 20-minute traditional Irish dance performance, and then stay to learn the dance.
Snake Patrick Day
March 17
Schlitz Audubon Center – 1111 E. Brown Deer Road
Shake hands with a snake while eating green cake. Snuggle a salamander while nibbling a cookie. Celebrate Snake Patrick Day with your human and animal family!
Dinner at McBob’s
Anytime you’d like!
4919 W. North Ave
This is totally my opinion, but you should definitely trust me on this one: McBob’s has THE best corned beef in the Milwaukee area. Take the whole family there for dinner, or check out their corned beef hash on the weekends during brunch.
Milwaukee has a thriving Irish community that stays very active all year. If you’re interested in staying up-to-date on Milwaukee Irish events year round, be sure to check out the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin. And, don’t miss Milwaukee Irish Fest in August!
