Downtown is going green — Emerald Isle green, that is. St. Patrick’s Day is next week, but this weekend is celebration central. We don’t have a big river to dye green like Chicago, and our parade hasn’t been around as long as Boston’s — which dates back to 1724. But the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 5K and more are happening downtown, along with plenty of options to wet the shamrock at bars and restaurants all over town. After all, this is the time of year that anyone and everyone likes to be Irish whether they have any true ancestry. Here’s an overview of the downtown festivities where you can join the fun. Erin go bragh!
5K for St. Patrick’s Day
This popular race has been happening for 42 years, and it gets started at 10 a.m. Primarily running up and down Tejon Street, it’s one of the flatest courses in town. Save on registration with a 4 Leaf Clover 4 Pack if you have a have a family or group.
Leprechaun Fun Run
This is the cute one, as the kids take to Tejon Street at 11 a.m. The littles run a half-mile. The big kids go 1 mile. And they all get their own race shirt and bib number.
St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast and Reception
Would you rather eat than run? Join and support Mt. Carmel Veteran’s Service Center, and enjoy a hearty breakfast at Cowboys Nightclub. It is served at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and you can watch the parade from Cowboys front patio and upstairs patio.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Here’s the big event. In fact, it’s the biggest parade in the Springs. Make sure you have your spot along the sidewalk before the parade rolls at noon. If you want the best seats around, get tickets for in the St. Pat’s Viewing Stands at Pikes Peak Avenue where you’ll sit on bleachers and hear the announcer. But if it’s a pint you prefer, find your spot at Paddy O’Pub at Bijou beside Acacia Park. The pop-up bar will be pouring beer, whiskey and good times. Fire Chief Randy Royal will be this year’s Grand Marshal. And keep an eye out for Lenny the Leprechaun!
Get all the details on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and events at csstpats.com.
More Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub
Jack Quinn’s is always a favorite spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and the downtown Irish pub starts celebrating its birthday early. This year marks 28 years, so on Thursday, March 12, you can enjoy happy hour drinks all day and live music by the Sleeping Giants at 6-9 pm. But come Saturday, there’s live music all day from Blackthorn, Balleyhooley, The McDeviants and more. The Celtic Steps will perform. The Pikes Peak Highlanders will play their drums and pipes. And upstairs will host family celebrations all day, including face painting, a balloon artist and more family fun. Of course, you can watch the parade from the front patio. And come back on Tuesday, the actual St. Patrick’s Day, for more live music, Celtic dancing and more all day.
COATI Uprise
COATI always loves a party, and they’ll be all in on St. Paddy’s all day on Saturday with their Kiss Me, I’m Kinda Irish celebrations. There will be pop-up vendors, DJs and live music from 10 a.m. till close. And, yes, you can get green beer and green cocktails.
Phantom Canyon
Wear something green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from the top o’ the morning til the bottom o’ the night at Phantom Canyon’s Shamrocks and Shenanigans. March 14-17, you can get food and drink specials, and traditional Irish dancers will perform on Saturday at 3 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
You can take the party all over town with food and drink specials from more than 10 venues around downtown. Check in at COATI between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Then you can walk them all with friends and fellow crawlers.
You can find more St. Patrick’s Day festivities like the Cask and Clover special menu at Lumen8 Rooftop Social and the St. Paddy’s Day Cabaret at La Burla Bee. Sláinte!
