13 ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day near Kansas City before & on the holiday
Kansas City’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade — always conducted on the holiday itself — draws crowds in the hundreds of thousands to midtown.
But if you don’t want to contend with that green-clad throng or if you want to avoid possible cold weather on Tuesday, March 17, (the forecast calls for a significant temperature drop after the weekend), you have other options. Parades and celebrations will take place throughout the area this weekend, including traditional parades in North Kansas City, Brookside, Shawnee and Martin City.
Here are 13 ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — even if you’re not Irish.
Parades
Snake Saturday Parade
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14
Where: North Kansas City, starts at 16th Avenue and Swift Street
Notes: Festival and carnival area will operate before, during and after the parade at Howell Street and 18th Avenue. Also, Life Unlimited 5K & 1-Mile Walk at 8 a.m. March 14.
Information: snakesaturday.com
Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14
Where: Brookside Shops, starts at 65th Street and Wornall Road
Notes: The 44th annual parade will include floats, cars, bands, drill teams, Irish dancers, bagpipers, horses and dogs.
Information: brooksidekc.org
Shawnee St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, March 15
Where: Shawnee, starts at Johnson Drive and Monrovia Street
Notes: The Irish American Club of Johnson County presents this 42nd annual parade through the heart of Shawnee.
Information: irishamericanclub.net
Martin City St. Patrick’s Parade
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15
Where: Martin City, starts at Washington and 135th streets
Notes: County music artist Travis Marvin will perform at noon, and a party at Rosehill Winery featuring live Irish music will begin at 1 p.m.
Information: martincity.org
Shortest and Smallest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 17
Where: 1123 W. Main St., Blue Springs
Notes: This will be the 49th brief spectacle of crossing the street in downtown Blue Springs.
Information: facebook.com
KC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 17
Where: Midtown, starts at Broadway and Linwood boulevards
Notes: This year’s theme is “Irish Kicks in 26: A Celebration of Sport,” and seven local coaches will serve as grand marshals.
Information: kcirishparade.com
Other events
Shamrock the Block
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 14
Where: Green Street, downtown Lee’s Summit
Notes: Free party will offer games, candy, food trucks and live entertainment.
Information: downtownls.org
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl & Block Party
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14
Where: Starts at Tin Roof, 424 Westport Road
Notes: This bar crawl features more than 10 stops; $15-$24.98.
Information: eventbrite.com
The Elders Hoolie
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14, and 7 p.m., Sunday, March 15
Where: Knuckleheads Garage Stage, 2715 Rochester Ave.
Notes: Kansas Music Hall of Famers The Elders have made this a St. Patrick’s Day tradition; $38.69-$61.78.
Information: knuckleheadskc.com
Highrish Fest
When: Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, March 15
Where: Incline on 9th, 1414 W. Ninth St.
Notes: Musical lineup includes KeyBoy and Park3rBoy; $18-$55.
Information: facebook.com
Shamrocks & Shenanigans
When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17
Where: KC Live!, 13th Street and Grand Boulevard
Notes: Live music starts at 3 p.m. with Los Angeles-based electronic dance music duo Bonnie x Clyde; general admission free, drink packages available.
Information: powerandlightdistrict.com
Nace Brothers St. Patrick’s Day Party
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 17
Where: Knuckleheads Saloon Stage, 2715 Rochester Ave.
Notes: Concert by the popular local band will be preceded by “the shortest parade in KC” at 5:30 p.m.; $20.34.
Information: knuckleheadskc.com
Shamrock Skate
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17
Where: Line Creek Community Center, 5940 NW Waukomis
Notes: You can save $2 off the $8 admission by wearing green; no skate rental fee.
Information: kcparks.org
