Dust off the green gear and get ready to (sham)rock with this guide to Saint Patrick’s Day in the DFW metroplex! Even with the littlest of leprechauns in tow, moms and dads can still revel in the playfulness of Saint Patrick’s Day without the rowdy bars and block parties. Here are some family-friendly options to consider.
Check ahead for changes or cancellations.
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Family-Friendly Festivals + Events
Food, drinks, and tons to see — who doesn’t love a good festival, especially when it’s chock full of luck! Here are some popular Saint Patrick’s Day festivals and events to check out.
March 1 – 3
North Texas Irish Festival :: Fair Park :: Considered one of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S., attendees can expect live music, food demonstrations, beer and whiskey tastings, and traditional Irish storytelling among other events on various indoor and outdoor stages.
Rain or shine, the festival will welcome people (and dogs) all weekend long. Dogs must remain on short leashes, and a $1 donation to animal support groups is required.
Cost is $15 on Friday, $25 on Saturday and Sunday, and free for children ages five and under. Senior and military discounts available.
Want to keep costs down? Consider arriving during two designated happy hour time slots: Admission is FREE for everyone Friday, March 1 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Children ages six to 11 are FREE Sunday, March 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
One-day tickets available for $20 at area Tom Thumb and Albertson grocery stores.
March 16
Cowtown Goes Green :: Fort Worth Stockyards :: Armadillo races might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of St. Patrick’s day, but Fort Worth celebrates Irish culture in Western fashion at this all-day event in the Stockyards. From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., festivities include pony rides, Irish clog dancing, old west gun fights, a kids matinee rodeo at 1:30 p.m., an Irish-western parade at 4:00 p.m., and twice-daily cattle drives. Bring the cowboy hat, but don’t forget to wear green. Free admission.
Dallas St. Patricks’ Day Parade and Festival :: Greenville Ave, Dallas :: A staple for Dallasites, this kilt-studded event on Greenville Avenue starts at 9:00 a.m. with parade festivities beginning at 11:00 am. Grab your green Topo Chico and head to the designated family zones for food trucks, amenities, family-friendly activities, and bleacher seating. Free admission.
>> RELATED READ :: Save the Date :: March Kid-Friendly Events in Dallas <<
Lochland’s :: East Dallas :: Lochland’s serves up traditional Irish fare for the whole family Saturday and Sunday, March 16 – 17. Come during daylight hours for corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and personalized pints all weekend long. For a $10 cover, see the bagpipers, Irish dancers, and fiddlers in the beer garden.
St. Paddy’s Texas Style :: Wayne Ferguson Plaza, Lewisville :: Lewisville serves Saint Patrick’s Day Texas-style by combining the celebration with Texas State Independence Day. Experience the cultural mash up with the live vocal stylings of Celtic rock performers and country western singers, as well as corned beef and sauerkraut from a barbecue vendor. This family-friendly event also features face painters, axe throwing, a bounce house, and a rock wall. Bring lawn chairs or blankets in order to best enjoy the entertainment from the two main stages. Free admission.
World’s Only St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade & Palooza :: Mansfield :: The Pickle Capital of Texas, also known as Mansfield, is located about 25 miles southwest of Dallas. Yes, green beer can bring about St. Patrick’s Day cheer, but this event is dedicated entirely to PICKLES. The parade kicks off Saturday at noon, and although it’s highlighted as the main event, be sure to get there earlier to cheer on participants in the 5k, Kids K, and baby parade. Stay for the pickle juice drinking and pickle eating contests. Live music with food and market vendors will be onsite until 7:00 p.m. Free admission, parking, and shuttles.
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day Market :: Fort Worth :: Spend the afternoon at Martin House Brewing Company. Kids will love playing lawn games and getting their faces painted, while mom and dad will kick back to the live music and local beer. Free admission and parking, but bring extra cash for a flash tattoo. It just might be the year you get that lucky four-leaf clover!
>> RELATED READ :: St. Patrick’s Day Ideas for Kids at Home <<
Runs and Walks
Add a medal or three to your pot o’ gold this year by participating in these festive races. Whether a novice or a marathoner, all ages can participate in these long-running (no pun intended) St. Patrick’s Day staples.
March 2
North Texas Irish Festival Fun Run :: Fair Park :: Whether you’re Team Run or Team Sleep-in, this untimed fun run has 0K and 5K options for both kinds of personalities — don’t worry, you still get all the swag even if you don’t run. All registered runners get a free ticket to the festival and two beer coupons (juice for minors). Prices start at $40.
March 9
Irving St. Patrick’s 5K :: Irving :: All proceeds of this scenic 5K benefit the Irving Schools Foundation. Choose from an array of options like individual and team categories and an opportunity to donate as a spectator. Registered runners and walkers receive food and beverage coupons to use at the after-party inside Toyota Music Factory. Prices start at $64.99.
Paddy Dash :: Allen :: Celebrating its 15th year, this North Texas family tradition benefits the Frisco Sunshine Rotary club. Runners can choose between a 5K and Piddy Dash fun run. Prices start at $25.
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March 16
Pickle Run :: Mansfield :: The Pickle Run at James McKnight East Park begins at 8:00 a.m. for the 5K, and 8:45 a.m. for the Kids K one-mile fun run. Every year, race proceeds benefit City of Mansfield initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity, Feed the Kids summer program, animal shelters, scholarships for Mansfield ISD graduating seniors, and the Salvation Army. Prices start at $20. Register by March 10 to get the souvenir t-shirt.
St. Paddy’s Day Dash :: Greenville Ave :: The 5K event is known for its festive costumes, St. Patrick’s Day tutu contest, donut eating contest, celebratory post-race party, and some major cash prizes. Prices for timed, untimed, and virtual races start at $44. Serious about earning that victorious leprechaun hat? Then, check out the website’s training plan.
Shamrock Run 5K :: McKinney :: A McKinney staple, this 5K benefits The Warriors Keep, a McKinney-based non-profit that provides outdoor adventure therapy to veterans. Cash prizes awarded to both runners and stroller striders. Post-race events include green beer, a photo booth, costume contests, live music, and Irish dancing. Prices start at $35.
March 17
Cox Running Club Half Maraton & 5K :: Fort Worth :: If you’re looking to stretch your legs and your luck, run this 13-miler in Fort Worth. There are several race options including half marathon, 5K run or walk, 1-mile fun run, and a beer tour for spectators ages 21 and up. All runners get a finishers medal and wristband for Martin House Brewing Company. Prices start at $15.
Comment below if you know of any other kid-friendly Saint Patrick’s Day events in the DFW metroplex.
