How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Ann Arbor Area
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated each year on March 17th, is a time for the world to come together and honor Irish culture with a splash of green, festive parades, and plenty of revelry. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area, you’re in luck! The city and surrounding communities offer a range of fun and unique activities for celebrating this beloved holiday. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, here are some top ways to make the most of St. Patrick’s Day in the Ann Arbor area.
Join In On Pinckney’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations by attending the Pinckney St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. This annual event brings the community together for a vibrant procession featuring local bands, dancers, creative floats, and costumed participants. The parade begins at 12:00 p.m., winding through downtown Pinckney and creating a festive atmosphere that embodies Irish spirit. After the parade, join the crowds at local restaurants and pubs for post-parade celebrations, enjoying food, drinks, and live music. The Pinckney St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the perfect way to dive into the festive spirit, with lively sights, sounds, and Irish cheer filling the streets. After enjoying the parade, keep the celebration going with great food, drinks, and live entertainment at local hotspots…
Visit Local Pubs for Irish Food and Drink
Ann Arbor has a variety of pubs and restaurants offering special St. Patrick’s Day menus featuring traditional Irish dishes and drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or a hearty Guinness, you’ll find no shortage of Irish-themed options. Some favorites in Ann Arbor include Conor O’Neill’s, Blue Leprechaun, and McShane’s Irish Pub.
Conor O’Neill’s
For a classic Irish pub experience in Ann Arbor, Conor O’Neill’s is the place to be! Located in the heart of downtown, this lively pub offers an authentic Irish atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Ireland.
The St. Patrick’s Festival at Conor O’Neill’s is a four-day celebration from March 14th through St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th, packed with Irish-themed dishes, live music, festive drinks, and an unbeatable atmosphere. Enjoy classics like corned beef and cabbage, hearty shepherd’s pie, and crispy fish and chips, all while raising a pint of Guinness or Irish whiskey with friends.
The festive vibe at Conor O’Neill’s is always lively, with friendly staff, live music, and an energetic crowd ready to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration unforgettable. Whether you’re popping in for a pint or spending the whole festival soaking up the Irish charm, this pub is a must-visit for St. Patrick’s Day in Ann Arbor!
☘️ Don’t miss out—grab your green gear and join the fun! ☘️
The Blue Leprechaun
For a fun atmosphere and a youthful crowd, The Blue Leprechaun is another great choice to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ann Arbor. This popular college bar offers a festive vibe that’s perfect for those looking to join in the revelry with a group of friends. On St. Patrick’s Day, expect drink specials, Irish-inspired fare, and plenty of music to keep the energy high throughout the day and night. Whether you’re grabbing a green beer or indulging in some hearty pub food, The Blue Leprechaun will provide plenty of opportunities for celebration.
McShane’s Irish Pub
McShane’s Irish Pub in Ypsilanti is another great option for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Known for its cozy pub atmosphere and authentic Irish fare, McShane’s is the perfect place to enjoy classic dishes like bangers and mash or a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. The pub is also known for its live music, which adds to the lively ambiance, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the holiday with friends and fellow revelers.
Arbor Brewing Company
Session Room – Ann Arbor: 3685 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Corner Brewery – Ypsilanti: 720 Norris St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Plymouth Taproom – Plymouth: 777 W Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth, MI 48170
For beer lovers, the Arbor Brewing Company is the place to be. The brewery celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a range of Irish-inspired brews, including limited-edition seasonal beers like Irish stouts and lagers. There’s often live music, and guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere while sipping on local brews.
Be sure to check with individual venues for their St. Patrick’s Day hours and special events!
Take a Stroll Through Downtown Ann Arbor to Enjoy the Green and the Craic
St. Patrick’s Day in Ann Arbor is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the festive energy of the city. Head downtown to take in the lively atmosphere, where locals don their best green attire, businesses showcase spirited decorations, and street musicians add a festive soundtrack to your stroll.
While you’re exploring, don’t forget to stop by local boutiques and shops offering St. Patrick’s Day-themed merchandise. Many stores will have special discounts or holiday sales, making it easy to find green apparel, shamrock jewelry, and unique gifts to celebrate the occasion. Whether you’re shopping or simply soaking up the Irish charm, downtown Ann Arbor is the place to be on St. Patrick’s Day!
Take the Family to a Kid-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Event
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just for adults! If you’re celebrating with little ones, Ann Arbor offers several family-friendly activities to enjoy. Domino’s Petting Farm will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring crafts, activities, and chances to win free visits, discount coupons, and feed bags. Plus, kids wearing green get a $2 discount on admission!
For an active and festive way to kick off the celebrations, families can participate in the Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K Run/Walk on March 9 in downtown Ann Arbor. Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to dress in their best green attire for this fun race, which benefits Save A Heart, supporting patients and families at the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
Volunteer or Participate in a Charity Event
While St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with lively celebrations, it’s also a great time to give back. If you’re looking for a way to combine festivity with philanthropy, consider supporting a local cause this holiday.
For those who enjoy staying active, the Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K Run/Walk on March 9 (mentioned above) is a fantastic way to get involved while benefiting Save A Heart, which supports patients and families at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. But if running isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to embrace the spirit of giving.
Join the Legacy Land Conservancy’s Volunteer Training & Season Kick-Off on March 15 to learn how you can help preserve Ann Arbor’s natural spaces. Or, take part in a GIVE 365 group project, where volunteers help clean and maintain local parks. If you’re passionate about environmental conservation, the Natural Area Preservation (NAP) program also welcomes volunteers for habitat restoration efforts throughout the year.
For those looking to make a difference in the broader community, the Ann Arbor Jaycees offer a variety of service projects and volunteer-led initiatives. Whether it’s lending a hand at a local food pantry, assisting with charity drives, or working on community improvement projects, there are plenty of ways to give back.
However you choose to celebrate, taking time to support a cause can make St. Patrick’s Day even more meaningful, because spreading kindness is always worth toasting to!
End Your St. Patrick’s Day with a Warm Drink or a Classic Bite
After a day of celebrating, wind down with a comforting drink or a delicious bite at one of Ann Arbor’s favorite local spots. Whether you’re craving a cozy Irish coffee to warm up the evening or a classic corned beef sandwich to wrap up the festivities, these beloved establishments offer the perfect way to end your St. Patrick’s Day on a satisfying note.
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, a beloved local café, is a fantastic spot to wind down after a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day in Ann Arbor. Known for its cozy ambiance and expertly crafted drinks, Sweetwaters offers a wide variety of coffee, tea, and specialty beverages that will help you relax and enjoy the festive spirit. On St. Patrick’s Day, you might find some seasonal offerings like an Irish coffee, a delicious blend of coffee, whiskey, and cream that will warm you up on a chilly evening.
In addition to their beverages, Sweetwaters also offers an array of tasty pastries and desserts, making it the perfect place to treat yourself to a sweet bite after a day of celebrating. Whether you’re sitting by the window to watch the world go by or enjoying the charming interior, it’s a great spot to reflect on the day’s festivities with friends or family.
Zingerman’s Deli
Zingerman’s Delicatessen, an iconic Ann Arbor institution, offers special St. Patrick’s Day fare. Their Corned Beef & Cabbage Meal is available exclusively on March 16th and 17th, providing a convenient way to enjoy traditional flavors without the hassle of cooking.
For those who prefer to celebrate at home, Zingerman’s offers a St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich Kit. This kit includes all the essentials to craft their famous Reuben sandwiches, allowing you to bring the deli experience to your own kitchen.
Whether dining in or taking out, Zingerman’s Deli provides delicious options to enhance your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Final Thoughts
Ann Arbor may not be a major metropolis, but it certainly knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. With a combination of parades, lively pub crawls, live music, and festive food, the city offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re spending the day with friends, family, or solo, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience Irish magic right here in southeastern Michigan. Sláinte!
