St Patrick's Day Festivities in the Twin Cities

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Holy Mass
Hibernians' St. Patrick’s Day Mass
Thursday, March 17, 9:00 a.m.
Cathedral of St. Paul

Archbishop Harry Flynn will be the principal celebrant for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Mass sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. There is a breakfast offered in the Cathedral hall afterwards ($10 per person).

St. Olaf St. Patrick’s Day Mass
Saturday, March 17, noon
St. Olaf Catholic Church, 215 S. Eighth St., Mpls.

The very best way to honor St. Patrick is to participate in holy Mass. St. Olaf's packs the pews for their annual St. Patrick’s Day Mass.

Parades
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – St. Paul
Thursday, March 17, Noon
Downtown St. Paul

In 1967, a few pals sitting around Gallivan’s bar decided to have a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and it’s been a hit since. The 41st annual parade features Mr. Pat, Miss Shamrock, the Shamrock Princesses, and the Blarney Brothers. Irish clans come from far and wide to march, and there’s plenty of good, clean family fun to be had. Expect Irish and non-Irish alike dressed in all shades of green, kilted pipers, big Irish families, shamrock-sportin’ sweeties, any-excuse-to-drink partiers, and nary a snake in sight. The parade begins at Fourth and Sibley Streets and heads west to Rice Park.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Minneapolis
Thursday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.
Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

This smaller parade starts at Nicollet Mall (Nicollet and 13th Street) and travels to 5th Street. Buy a St. Patrick's Day button for $2 to benefit diabetes patients.

Cultural events
St. Patrick’s Day Open House

Friday, March 16, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 12:30 program
University of St. Thomas, O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library Center
(Special Collections Reading Room - Room LL09)
Cost: FREE

The University of St. Thomas' O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library Center and Center for Irish Studies co-host this annual open house that features readings and the display of new and rare Irish books from the university’s Celtic Collection. (Note: This is the day before St. Patrick’s Day.)

IMDA St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration
Saturday, March 17, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Landmark Center, 75 W. Fifth St., St. Paul
Sponsored by the Irish Music and Dance Association Cost: $5 adults; $3 seniors and kids (ages 6-12); under 6 years FREE

This 26th annual celebration features entertainment for all ages—live music and dance troupes on three stages, traditional food, children’s activities, language and genealogy seminars, vendors and exhibitors, theater, and a tea room.

The same group is sponsoring a full afternoon of dancing on the previous Sunday:
Day of Irish Dance
Sunday, March 11, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

St. Patrick's Day Children’s Matinee
Saturday, March 17, 2:00 p.m.
Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul
Presented by Minnesota Public Radio
Cost: $10 per person

You and your wee ones are invited to an afternoon of Irish stories, live music and assorted visual shenanigans. Artistic director George Sand promises a magical experience filled with Irish tales of elves, leprechauns, and fairies, with narration by famed Minnesota author Erin Hart, music by Laura MacKenzie and Ross Sutter, and puppetry by Eric Ruin. The second half will include Irish dancing.

Irish Ceili Dance
Saturday, March 17, 6:30 p.m. dance instruction, 7:00 p.m. dance
C.S.P.S. Hall, 383 Michigan Street (and W. 7th), St. Paul
Sponsored by the Minnesota Folk Arts Alliance
Cost: $9.00 at the door; seniors and children (ages 6-16) $4.50; children under 5 FREE.

This 16th annual Ceili dance is one of the largest Irish dances of the year and will feature Barra, a traditional four-piece ensemble. The dance is held at the CSPS Hall, a historic vaudeville hall built around the turn of the century with a wonderful wooden dance floor. All the dances are taught and beginners are welcome. Beverages (soda, water, beer) and desserts will be available. You don’t need to bring a partner.