Best Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Indianapolis 2025

This past week, we were given my daughter's travel soccer schedule. I almost croaked when I saw that we will be out-of-town nearly every weekend in the Indianapolis area for the next three months. We were warned that our team will enjoy 3-4 hour breaks between most games. As much as I enjoy lounging around a soccer field, four hours is a long time, so I started looking for unique experiences around the Indianapolis area this spring.

The first place I always check out when plan a trip to Indianapolis is Visit Indy. Since our first overnight tournament is on St. Patrick's Day weekend, we are packing our green and embrace what Hoosiers affectionately refer to as 317 Day.

Here are some fun things I found to do around Indianapolis for St. Patrick's Day weekend.

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Scott Crone

43rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Friday, March 14th

Parade

Indianapolis takes 317 Day pretty seriously, and the big event in town is the parade and block party downtown. According to the website, it's a family-friendly parade with Irish-themed floats and helium balloons, marching bands, music, Irish dancers, catholic schools, Irish organizations, local companies and non-profits. The parade starts at 10 around the corner of North and Pennsylvania St. in downtown Indianapolis.

Tent Party

From 12:15 - 3 pm, enjoy free performances by Highland Reign and A Beautiful Day in the tent. The tent is located at North Street just steps from the Parade starting line at North and Pennsylvania and there will be food trucks nearby.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Scott Crone

Bar Crawls

Okay, this one isn't so family-friendly but it would be great for a grownup getaway! There will be plenty of St. Paddy's Day parties in Indy. Why commit to just one? I know, it can be expensive to ride share from place to place but never fear, there is a better way! Hop on one of the bar crawls happening in the city and 'paddy' like it's 1999 the safe way. Plus, there are drink specials, waived covers, and surprises in store for bar crawl participants.

Scott Crone

5k/10k Run

For those of you who like to run (cough, no thanks) you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Indianapolis this March by pounding the pavement.

Shamrock Run and Walk is a 4 Mile Run through near Northside neighborhoods on Saturday, March 15. There will be a post-race celebration at the Bottle Works District (Finish Line) with live Music, food available at The Garage (Bottleworks), and a beer garden.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Time to Paddy Race is another race that is on Sunday, March 23rd, so you can party hardy on St. Patrick's Day week and redeem yourself the following Sunday.

Join us for the annual Time to Paddy 5k/10k and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon! A St. Patrick-themed run that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes great swag (designer shirt, custom medal), chip-timing, live results and awards, free photos, a "biggest team" contest, a kids' dash, great post-race food, and plenty of fun! Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one! Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Scott Crone

Grab Some Irish Grub

In our younger years, my husband would always treat me to a Pacer's game and dinner at an Irish restaurant for my birthday each year. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I didn't really care about the game - I just enjoyed spending time with him. And in January, there isn't much else to do anyway! Shepherd's pie is his favorite - his regular order at O'Reilly's Irish Bar. Turns out, there is no shortage of Irish pubs in Indianapolis! I did a quick Google search and here's what I found.

1. O'Reilly's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Address: 36 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN
Website: O'Reilly's Irish Pub

2. Manley's Irish Mutt

Address: 7041 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN
Facebook: Manley's Irish Mutt Facebook

3. McGilverys Pub & Eatery

Address: 3009 N High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN
Facebook: McGilverys Facebook

4. Red Lion Grog House

Address: 1043 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Website: Red Lion Grog House

5. SNUG

Address: 210 S Audubon Rd, Indianapolis, IN
Facebook: SNUG Facebook

6. Murphy's Pubhouse South

Address: 6120 Thompson Rd, Indianapolis, IN
Facebook: Murphy's Pubhouse Facebook

7. Aristocrat Pub & Oxford Room

Address: 5212 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Website: Aristocrat Pub

8. Chatham Tap Mass Ave

Address: 719 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Website: Chatham Tap

9. Loughmiller's Pub & Eatery

Address: 301 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN
Facebook: Loughmiller's Pub Facebook

10. Brockway Pub

Address: Carmel, IN
Website: Brockway Pub

11. Billy O'Neal's Pub & Eatery

Address: 7445 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN
Facebook: Billy O'Neal's Facebook

12. Union Jack Pub

Address: 921 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Website: Union Jack Pub

13. The Rathskeller

Address: 401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Website: Rathskeller

Though technically a Bavarian restaurant, there will be live Irish music, dancing, and food.

Scott Crone

Ready to go to Indianapolis for 317 Day? Thanks to our friends at Visit Indy, we are giving away a couples getaway. Keep scrolling for details on how to win an overnight stay from Tru by Hilton in Downtown Indianapolis, gift card to the Rathskeller restaurant (where the Irish Dancers perform) and $30 to Sun King Brewery for some themed St. Patrick’s Day beer.

Schedule of Events for Indianapolis's 317 Day 2025

Scott Crone

Official Greening of the Canal

Thursday, March 13
Food and live music: 5:00 p.m.
Greening of the canal: 5:45 p.m.

Indianapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Friday, March 14
Parade: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
North Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania

Indianapolis St. Partick’s Day Tent Party

Friday, March 14
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
North Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania
Irish music, food trucks, beer and more

Shamrock Run and Walk

Saturday, March 15
Registration starts: 9:30 a.m.
Race Starts: 11:00 a.m.
4-mile run
Starts at 748 Mass Avenue (IFD Union Hall) and ends at 906 Carrollton (Bottleworks)

SNUG Irish Pub

Weekend celebrations including live music
210 S Audubon Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46219

Rathskeller

Celebrations happening Friday, March 14, Saturday, March 15 and Monday, March 17
Entertainment includes Irish dancers and the Gordon Pipers
401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Golden Ace Inn

Indy’s oldest Irish pub
Holds an “Irish Extravaganza” every year, including music, food, and drinks
- Specific details TBA
2533 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46201

And also check out these other fun events from Visit Indy.

Win a Trip to Indianapolis to Celebrate 317 Day

Want to win a trip to Indianapolis to celebrate 317 Day? Our friends at Visit Indy are making it happen!

Here’s how to play:

Playing is easy: Download our app, turn on EXCLUSIVE notifications, and keep an eye out for leprechaun alerts. See one? Click the notification, enter their name, and you're in!

Want even more chances? Sign up for our daily newsletter—a sneaky leprechaun will pop up each day, giving you another shot to win!

More ways to win: Click and complete any of the activities below to earn additional entries. If you're entering from multiple devices, make sure to use the same email address.

The Prize:

A stay at Tru by Hilton in Downtown Indianapolis
A $50 gift certificate to The Rathskeller Restaurant
A $30 gift certificate to Sun King—perfect for enjoying some green beers!

Start playing now for your chance to celebrate 317 Day in Indy!