Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Iowa City Area

Do you have the luck o’ the Irish? Are you on the lookout for leprechauns? Have you had your annual Shamrock Shake?

If you’re looking for all things St. Patrick’s Day, you’ve come to the right spot! With any luck, you’ll be able to get decked out in green and enjoy St. Patty’s Day locally! There are several things to do in a socially distanced fashion, ahead of and on St. Patrick’s Day.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Iowa City Area

Saturday, March 13

2021 Corridor Running’s Shamrock Shuffle

What: Join Corridor Running virtually for its 7^th annual Shamrock Shuffle! The Shuffle is 3.17 km (get it?!?) or about 2 miles. Run, walk, go alone, grab a friend . . it’s up to you!
Who: All ages
When: Saturday, March 13 – Saturday, March 20, 2021
Where: Anywhere
Cost: $15 per runner. Register online.

46^th Annual SaPaDaPaSo St. Patrick’s Day “Drive-By Parade”

What: A COVID-friendly take on an Eastern Iowa tradition! Come circle the racetrack at Hawkeye Downs and see the stationary parade entries! Be one of the first 200 vehicles and get a free swag bag filled with goodies! You’ll stay in your vehicle the whole time.
Who: All ages
When: 2 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021
Where: Hawkeye Downs, 4400 6^th St. SW, Cedar Rapids
Cost: Free!

St. Patrick’s Day Kid’s Night Out

What: A fun evening for the kids at the Iowa Gym-Nest
Who: Kids ages 3-12
When: 4-8 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 2021
Where: Iowa Gym-Nest, 2550 Holiday Road, Coralville
Cost: $30 for the first child, then $10 for each additional child

Wednesday, March 17

St. Paddy’s Day Patio Party at Tin Roost

What: Tin Roost is opening up their giant patio for a St. Paddy’s Day Party! They’ll be featuring Irish cocktails, Ruebens, and other great food specials. Half-price Whiskey & Wings, too, since St. Paddy’s Day falls on a Wednesday!
Who: All ages
When: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Where: Tin Roost, 840 W. Penn St., North Liberty
Cost: Food and drinks  

Special Zoom ABC: A Book and a Craft

What: Be green this St. Patrick’s Day! Join the Coralville Library on Zoom for this special ABC (A Book and a Craft) with Jane Wilch, the Recycling Coordinator at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center. Read a book, talk about some easy ways you can make a difference, and share craft ideas with recycled materials. Don’t forget to bring your recycling questions! Attendees may win a door prize!
Who: All ages
When: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Where: Online
Cost: Free! but registration is required. Call the library to get your Zoom link! (319)-248-1850.

Don’t feel like venturing out? Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home!

1. Wear green!
2. Make a copycat Shamrock Shake
3. Take a virtual tour of Dublin, Ireland!
4. Play some Irish music . . . how about The Cranberries or some Flogging Molly? Maybe an Irish jig?
5. Bake Irish soda bread
6. Read an Irish fairy tale, folk tale, or fable
7. Check out Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Festival, March 12-17. Learn more and watch online.
8. Check out some more ideas for family-friendly ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Whether you’re Irish or not, whether you’re heading out or staying home, there are plenty of things for you to do this St. Patrick’s Day in the Iowa City area!

Related: Check out some other ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from Iowa City Moms!