St. Patrick’s Day in Portland? Well, let’s just say it’s a good place to be. This year, St. Patrick’s Day is on Thursday, so you better believe that Portland will be partying all weekend long (and actually, even before). We’ll tell you some of the best places to go for a good time, including family-friendly events if you want to bring your kids along.
Races
Dirty Leprechaun Fun Run
March 12, 2016: Can you think of a better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than by running through mud? The Dirty Leprechaun Fun Run is a 5K held at Lee Farms in Tualatin, Oregon. In addition to lots of mud, the course includes over twenty obstacles.
And what kind of celebration would it be without food? It’s not all about the mud. Your race entry fee includes one mimosa, cider, or beer. Any additional item is $5. There will also be music, bonfires, and warm shower rooms. Come ready to have a good time!
Entry to the race is limited to the first 1,000 participants, so register now. Parking passes must be registered for in advance and are extremely limited. Go here to register (hint: use code AASDL for 15% off your entry fee).
The Shamrock Run
March 13, 2016: The Shamrock Run usually has around 35,000 participants, so it’s the place to go if you want to run with lots of other people. This popular event has sold out every year for the past six years, probably because it just sounds like a whole lot of fun.
The Shamrock Run began in 1979 and is the largest running and walking event in Oregon. It includes a 3K, 5K, 15K, and a half marathon, so pick whatever distance you prefer. The Blazers Leprechaun Lap is for children under 10 (it’s just 0.6 miles). The finish line at Waterfront Park is the scene of a big party, including music and food.
Go here to register; registration closes on March 7. You can also find information about each race, as well as information about the after party.
Celebrations for the Whole Family
Paddy’s Bar and Grill
March 17, 2016: Paddy’s Bar and Grill will be hosting its seventh annual St. Patrick’s Day party this year and invites all of Portland to come. As a bonus, the party benefits a good cause: the Children’s Cancer Association. This is one event that will definitely be fun for the whole family.
This is a true celebration of Irish culture. Be prepared to take in the wonders of Irish dancers, bagpipers, and great live music. And don’t forget traditional Irish food and drink. Enjoy staples like corned beef and cabbage along with Guinness lamb stew, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie. And there will be large amounts of Guinness and Irish coffee, of course!
Go here for more information about event festivities and cost.
The All-Irish Cultural Society of Oregon
March 17, 2016: The All-Irish Cultural Society of Oregon puts on the most authentic celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Portland. It’s now in its 75th year, and this is the society’s only fundraising event. Proceeds support the society’s mission of promoting Irish culture throughout the state.
There will be plenty of activities for children, including face painting, a coloring contest, and a puppet show. And it’s not just for kids—adults will enjoy good Irish food, music, and dancing. There’s even a stew dinner in the evening.
Go here for a full schedule of events, as well as information about cost and location.
The St. Agatha Catholic School Party
March 12, 2016: The St. Agatha Catholic School’s celebration has it all, especially if you’re a kid. Children will march in a parade through Sellmore and Westmoreland before heading back to the school.
Once at the school, kids will love the old-fashioned carnival (including games and prizes). And adults can enjoy the delicious food and Guinness beer in the beer garden.
Go here for a full explanation of the fun.
LepreCon
March 19, 2016: Heard of SantaCon? This St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl is closely related to that event. Attendees will go to locations throughout Portland in full St. Patrick’s Day attire. The more illuminated you are, the better. And costumes are NOT optional.
Photos are all-important, so make sure to document your traipse through town. There will be plenty of music along the way to keep you going. This is one event you can participate in after all the others are over.
See more information on the event’s Facebook page here.
St. Patrick’s Day in Portland
It looks like it will be hard to decide just how to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Portland this year. There are so many fun events for everyone. Just remember the two most important things: stay safe and have a great time!