St. Patrick’s Day in Ann Arbor is more than just a holiday; it’s a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, community, and fun that brings the city to life every March. From downtown pubs and historic venues to family-friendly events and festive workshops, the city offers something for everyone looking to embrace the luck of the Irish. Whether you’re a longtime local, a University of Michigan student, or just visiting for the weekend, the sights, sounds, and flavors of St. Patrick’s Day make for an unforgettable experience. With live music, parades, specialty cocktails, and traditional Irish fare around every corner, Ann Arbor transforms into a lively hub of green-themed festivities that you won’t want to miss.

Best Irish Pubs & Bars Near Ann Arbor

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a stop at one of Ann Arbor’s beloved pubs. These popular spots are known for their festive atmosphere, traditional drinks, and special holiday offerings.

Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub

318 S Main St, Ann Arbor

Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub stands out as one of Ann Arbor’s most iconic destinations for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, offering an authentic Irish atmosphere in the heart of downtown. Each year, the pub hosts four days of festive fun, featuring live Irish music, traditional dancers, bagpipers, and a lively crowd dressed in green. From March 14th at 11 a.m. through March 17th at 11:55 p.m., guests can enjoy nonstop celebrations, along with classic Irish food favorites like corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie. A wide selection of Guinness, imported beers, and Irish whiskeys adds to the experience, making it easy to raise a glass in true Irish fashion. With its rich wood interior, welcoming staff, and packed event schedule, Conor O’Neill’s remains the centerpiece of Ann Arbor’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, so arriving early is highly recommended.

McShane’s Irish Pub

2203 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti

Just a short drive from downtown Ann Arbor, McShane’s Irish Pub in Ypsilanti is a popular destination for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with great food, drinks, and authentic pub charm. This lively neighborhood favorite is known for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and strong sense of community, especially during holiday celebrations. The menu features a mix of Irish-inspired classics and hearty pub fare, including comforting entrées such as shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, as well as a wide variety of pastas, sandwiches, and burgers. One standout is the Gaelic Club, made with honey-smoked turkey breast piled high with crispy hickory-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, Baby Swiss, sharp cheddar, Russian dressing, and blarney stone ground mustard on fresh-baked Italian white bread. Paired with a pint of Guinness or one of the rotating beer specials, McShane’s offers a festive and flavorful way to enjoy the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

Sean O’Callaghan’s Public House

821 Penniman Ave, Plymouth

Sean O’Callaghan’s Public House is a classic Irish pub in Plymouth, blending traditional charm with festive energy, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. Set inside a Victorian-style space with rich mahogany woodwork and handcrafted stained glass, the pub boasts a menu of hearty Irish and pub favorites like shepherd’s pie, lamb shank Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, and hand-battered fish and chips, alongside a wide selection of European and Michigan craft beers and more than 100 Irish whiskeys, bourbons, and single malt scotches. On St. Patrick’s Day, the celebration kicks off early: doors open at 7 a.m. with “Kegs & Eggs” breakfast served right away. 96.3 WDVD’s Blaine and Lauren broadcast live from the pub from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. to get the festivities started. Live music keeps the party going throughout the day, featuring performances from the Irish Music Institute from 9 a.m. to noon, and an Irish DJ, Mike Jones, spinning tunes into the evening from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., making it one of the area’s most vibrant spots to enjoy St. Paddy’s Day.

Blue Leprechaun

1220 S University Ave #109, Ann Arbor

Blue Leprechaun is a lively Irish-themed sports pub located in Ann Arbor, known for its welcoming atmosphere, great drinks, and casual menu perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day outing. Established in 2008 near the heart of the University of Michigan campus, Blue Leprechaun blends traditional pub vibes with the energy of a college crowd and plenty of big-screen TVs showing all your favorite games throughout the year. The menu features a variety of classic comfort foods and Irish-inspired favorites, from their hearty sandwiches and buffalo wings to char-grilled pizzas, salads, soups, wraps, and burgers, all of which pair perfectly with a pint of Guinness or one of the pub’s daily drink specials. With a long happy hour, affordable prices, and plenty of space to relax or cheer on a game, Blue Leprechaun makes a fun and festive stop on your St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl.

St. Patrick’s Day Parades & Community Celebrations

While Ann Arbor doesn’t host a large-scale city parade, the City, local organizations, and the surrounding communities organize events and themed gatherings in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Mentioned below are just a few of them.

Time to Paddy 5k/10k & Lucky 13.1

Kensington Metropark East Boat Launch, 42 524091 #83.644642, Milford
March 7th

Held annually in early March, the Time to Paddy 5K/10K & Lucky 13.1 takes place on Saturday, March 7th. It is one of the most energetic and family-friendly ways to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day season in the Ann Arbor area. Race day begins early with packet pickup from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., followed by the Kids Dash at 7:55 a.m. and the National Anthem and official race starting at 8:00 a.m. Participants receive great swag with every registration, including a designer race shirt, custom finisher medal, chip timing with live results, free race photos, and complimentary snacks at the finish line. The event welcomes all paces and fitness levels, offering 5K, 10K, half-marathon, 1-mile, kids’ dash, and virtual options, making it accessible to individuals and families alike. With youth pricing, detailed age-group awards, and an encouraging community atmosphere, Time to Paddy is more than just a race; it is a spirited celebration of health, inclusion, and Irish-themed fun.

Shamrocks & Shenanigans

Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub, 318 S Main St, Ann Arbor
March 8th

Shamrocks & Shenanigans, this year held on March 8th and starting near Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub, is a fun and festive annual charity event in Ann Arbor that supports Save A Heart, an organization dedicated to helping patients and families at the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. The event features a Kids’ 1K at 9:45 a.m. and a 5K run/walk at 10:15 a.m., with all 5K finishers receiving custom medals and Kids’ 1K participants earning a festive medal and ice cream at the finish. Packet pickup is available on March 7th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the pub and again on race morning starting at 8 a.m. behind Conor O’Neill’s in the parking lot at the corner of Ashley St and William St. The downtown course offers a scenic tour of Ann Arbor. After the race, participants can enjoy water, snacks, awards, and a celebratory post-race gathering in the pub, featuring music, food, and drinks. All proceeds from the event go directly to Save A Heart, helping fund travel, lodging, family expenses, and clinical research while easing the financial burden for families navigating congenital heart care. Register for the event here.

Feelin’ Lucky Brunch at Uplift Ann Arbor

210 S 1st St #100N, Ann Arbor
March 8th, 12–3 p.m.

Feelin’ Lucky Brunch at Uplift Ann Arbor offers a vibrant, inclusive way to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day season with a mix of fabulous entertainment, great food, and festive cocktails. Held on Sunday, March 8th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and priced at $35 per person, this popular drag brunch features over an hour of glamorous performances by some of Michigan’s most creative entertainers, along with playful mini-games hosted by charismatic emcees. Guests enjoy an all-inclusive brunch buffet catered by Fed Up, featuring favorites such as scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, breakfast potatoes, mini pancakes with maple syrup and chocolate sauce, and fresh-cut fruit. Doors open at noon, the buffet begins at 12:15 p.m., and the first performance starts at 12:25 p.m., setting the tone for an afternoon filled with laughs, cheers, and high-energy fun. With $6 mimosas, bottle service, and a full bar featuring Irish coffee and Bellinis, Feelin’ Lucky Brunch is a standout community celebration for anyone looking to add sparkle and spirit to their holiday weekend.

Pinckney’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 14th

Pinckney’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a beloved local tradition that brings Irish cheer to the charming streets of downtown Pinckney each March, typically kicking off at noon on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day with festivities starting even earlier in the morning. For this year, that means the celebration will be on Saturday, March 14th. Spectators gather along Main Street and around Town Square to enjoy bagpipers, local marching units, floats, and plenty of green spirit as the parade winds through town, celebrating community and Irish heritage with fun for all ages. Before the parade, activities like the Run for the Gold 5K and kids’ races help set a festive tone, and local businesses along the route often join in with specials, face painting, and music. After the procession, the sound of pipes and drums continues in the Town Square as families and friends soak up the lively atmosphere and celebrate together at this spirited small-town event, which has become a highlight of the season.

Shake Your Shamrocks: Cookie Decorating Workshop

Ann Arbor Public Schools Community Education & Recreation (Rec & Ed), 1515 S 7th St, Ann Arbor
March 17th, 6–8 p.m.

Shake Your Shamrocks: Cookie Decorating Workshop, held by Ann Arbor Public Schools Community Education & Recreation, offers a creative and relaxed way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for teens and adults looking to try something hands-on and festive. Held on March 17th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., this one-time class, led by Tabitha Stapleton of Sugar Shack Bakery, is open to participants in 9th grade through adulthood. During the workshop, guests learn professional icing techniques such as outlining, flooding, and adding detailed finishing touches while decorating six Irish-themed cookies. The cost is $59 and all supplies, as well as piping tips, decorating tools, edible glitter, and packaging for safely transporting finished treats are included. Participants leave with a beautifully boxed set of decorated cookies to share or keep, making this workshop a fun option for friends, date nights, or solo creatives looking to add a sweet, artistic twist to their St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

St. Patrick’s Day Live Music & Entertainment

Ann Arbor and its nearby communities come alive with live music during St. Patrick’s Day, offering everything from traditional Irish tunes to energetic shows that get everyone dancing. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy auditorium session or a full-scale concert, talented performers bring the spirit of Ireland to life, making these additional options to enjoy the holiday celebrations.

Black Jake & The Carnies St. Patrick’s Day Show

The Rumpus Room, 510 N Main St, Chelsea

Black Jake & The Carnies bring high-energy, anything-can-happen entertainment to Chelsea with their St. Patrick’s Day show at The Rumpus, running from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17th. Doors open at 7 p.m., with music starting at 7:30 p.m., setting the stage for a wild night of dancing, shenanigans, and Irish-themed fun. Known as “The Original Kings of Crabgrass,” the Southeast Michigan band blends bluegrass, punk, honky-tonk, spaghetti western, and Vaudeville into a fast-paced, carnival-like experience that keeps crowds moving from the first note. Described as “pure bottled lightning,” their performances feature playful stage antics, constant crowd interaction, and infectious energy. Guests can expect green beer, flowing Guinness, and a packed dance floor as the band delivers its signature bluegrass-punk sound, making this show a standout community celebration for anyone looking to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day with live music and lively atmosphere.

An Irish Celebration: Martin Hayes & the Common Ground Ensemble

Hill Auditorium, 825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor

An Irish Celebration: Martin Hayes & the Common Ground Ensemble brings world-class Irish music to Ann Arbor in an elegant and inspiring concert setting on Friday, March 20th. Taking place at 7:30 p.m. at historic Hill Auditorium, with tickets starting as low as $14, this exceptional performance features legendary fiddler Martin Hayes leading a wide-ranging musical celebration just days after St. Patrick’s Day. Joined by his innovative ensemble, Common Ground, Hayes blends traditional Irish melodies with elements of improvisation, jazz, avant-garde, and contemporary classical music. The evening also includes outstanding guest performers, traditional sean-nós singing, and Irish dance, creating a rich and immersive cultural experience. Known worldwide for his soulful, rhythmically entrancing interpretations, Hayes brings both deep tradition and modern artistry to the stage, making this concert a must-see event for music lovers and anyone seeking a meaningful way to celebrate Irish heritage.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Ann Arbor!

From lively pub celebrations and world-class concerts to creative workshops and community parades, Ann Arbor and its surrounding communities offer countless ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true festive spirit. Whether you’re raising a pint at your favorite Irish pub, dancing to live music, decorating cookies with friends, or cheering on runners and performers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your green gear, gather your crew, and embrace the luck, laughter, and local charm that make this holiday so memorable. Here’s to great memories, good company, and a celebration filled with joy. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Ann Arbor!