Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day to honor the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. While this day is celebrated in many parts of the world, the festivities in Missouri are particularly noteworthy.
Missouri, known for its vibrant culture and community spirit, hosts a variety of events and parades that bring the state alive with the spirit of the Irish. From traditional music and dance to green-colored food and drinks, the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Missouri is a spectacle to behold.
Table of Events and Parades
Missouri’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is marked by numerous events and parades across the state. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Downtown St. Louis | March 17, 2024 | 12:00 PM |
| Irish Village | Ballpark Village, St. Louis | March 17, 2024 | 1:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Run | Downtown St. Louis | March 16, 2024 | 9:00 AM |
| Snake Saturday Parade | North Kansas City | March 16, 2024 | 11:00 AM |
| Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade | Brookside, Kansas City | March 16, 2024 | 2:00 PM |
Details of Events and Parades
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown St. Louis
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown St. Louis is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The parade features over 100 floats, marching bands, and performers, making their way through the heart of the city. Spectators can expect a lively atmosphere filled with Irish music, dance, and plenty of green!
Irish Village at Ballpark Village, St. Louis
The Irish Village at Ballpark Village is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Irish culture. Here, you can enjoy traditional Irish food and drinks, live music, and a variety of activities for all ages.
St. Patrick’s Day Run in Downtown St. Louis
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Run in Downtown St. Louis. This event attracts thousands of participants each year, making it one of the largest events of its kind in the Midwest.
Snake Saturday Parade in North Kansas City
The Snake Saturday Parade in North Kansas City is a family-friendly event that includes a parade, carnival rides, and plenty of food and drink options. The parade is known for its creative floats and enthusiastic participants.
Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade in Kansas City
The Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade is a community event that takes place the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the holiday with your friends and family.
Specific Places to Visit
- Downtown St. Louis: The heart of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Downtown St. Louis is home to the parade and the Irish Village.
- Ballpark Village: This entertainment district in St. Louis hosts the Irish Village, where you can enjoy traditional Irish food and drinks, live music, and a variety of activities.
- North Kansas City: Known for its Snake Saturday Parade, North Kansas City offers a family-friendly environment with a parade, carnival rides, and plenty of food and drink options.
- Brookside, Kansas City: The Brookside neighborhood hosts the St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade, a community event that takes place the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day.
Routes to Take
- Downtown St. Louis Route: Start your day at the St. Patrick’s Day Run, then make your way to the parade route. After the parade, head over to the Irish Village at Ballpark Village.
- Kansas City Route: Begin your day at the Snake Saturday Parade in North Kansas City, then head over to Brookside for the St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade.
Restaurants and Pubs
- McGurk’s Irish Pub: Located in Soulard, McGurk’s offers a traditional Irish pub experience with live music and an extensive menu of Irish fare.
- John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub: In O’Fallon, John D. McGurk’s is known for its authentic Irish food, live music, and outdoor garden.
- O’Dowd’s Gastrobar: Located on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, O’Dowd’s offers a modern take on the traditional Irish pub.
- Browne’s Irish Marketplace: Established in 1887, Browne’s in Kansas City is the oldest Irish business in North America. It’s a great place to pick up Irish goods and enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast.
Entertainment
St. Patrick’s Day in Missouri is filled with entertainment options. From the lively parades and runs to the traditional Irish music and dance performances at the Irish Village, there’s something for everyone. Many local pubs and restaurants also host live music events, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts well into the night.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear Green: Don’t forget to wear green, the color most associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
- Arrive Early: The parades and events can draw large crowds, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
- Stay Hydrated: With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Plan Your Transportation: With road closures and large crowds, it’s a good idea to plan your transportation in advance. Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services.
- Respect the Community: Remember to respect the community and clean up after yourself. Let’s keep Missouri beautiful!
Best Things to Do
- Participate in the Parade: Join the crowd and watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The vibrant floats, marching bands, and performers are a sight to behold.
- Visit the Irish Village: Experience the Irish culture at the Irish Village in Ballpark Village. Enjoy traditional Irish food and drinks, live music, and a variety of activities.
- Join the St. Patrick’s Day Run: Kick off your celebration with the St. Patrick’s Day Run. It’s a fun way to start the day and get into the festive spirit.
- Explore the Local Pubs: Visit the local Irish pubs and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Try traditional Irish food and drinks and enjoy live music.
- Visit the Historic Sites: Take some time to visit the historic sites in Missouri. Learn about the state’s rich history and culture.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A traditional Irish dish, corned beef, and cabbage is a must-try during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
- Irish Stew: Warm up with a bowl of hearty Irish stew, made with lamb, potatoes, and carrots.
- Soda Bread: Enjoy a slice of homemade Irish soda bread, a staple in Irish cuisine.
- Shepherd’s Pie: Another traditional Irish dish, Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting meal made with ground meat and vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes.
Drinks
- Irish Coffee: Start your day with a warm cup of Irish coffee, made with strong coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped with cream.
- Guinness: No St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without a pint of Guinness, a popular Irish dry stout.
- Irish Whiskey: Try some Irish whiskey, known for its smooth and light flavor.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: Enjoy a glass of Bailey’s Irish Cream, a creamy and sweet liqueur made from Irish whiskey and cream.
Other Details
Remember, St. Patrick’s Day is not just about the parades and the green beer. It’s a day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. So, take some time to learn about the history of St. Patrick’s Day and the Irish community in Missouri. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the festivities!
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Missouri is a day filled with fun, laughter, and a whole lot of green. Whether you’re participating in the parade, enjoying traditional Irish food and drinks, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. So, put on your best green outfit, grab your friends and family, and join in the celebration!
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17th.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on the death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
The tradition of wearing green on Saint Patrick’s Day is tied to folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who like to pinch anyone they can see.
Saint Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in Missouri for many years as a way to honor Irish heritage and culture.
Some traditional Irish foods include corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, soda bread, and Shepherd’s Pie.