There’s no one way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dallas. From family-friendly festivals to events catered specifically for those 21 and up, Dallas has it all. And after several years of shutdowns, I think it’s safe to say that many of us are ready to paddy.
FAMILY FUN
Even with the littlest of leprechauns in tow, moms and dads can still revel in the playfulness of St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some family-friendly options to consider:
March 4–6
The family-friendly North Texas Irish Festival returns to Fair Park to commemorate 40 years of Irish and Celtic celebrations. Considered one of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S., attendees can expect live music, food demonstrations, beer and whiskey tastings, and traditional Irish storytelling among other events on various indoor and outdoor stages. Rain or shine, the festival will welcome people (and their dogs) all weekend long. Dogs must remain on short leashes and a $1 donation to the SPCA is required.
Want to keep costs down? NTIF 2022 admission is FREE on Friday from 6 to 7pm, and discounted single-day tickets can be purchased at area Tom Thumb or Albertsons stores for $15. Children 11 and under are always free, as are those who come dressed in full ceremonial leprechaun dress and a pot of gold! Visit the link and their social channels for lots more event info.
March 12
After a two-year hiatus, the 41st Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival resumes with Dirk Nowitzki as parade Grand Marshal. This highly-attended event on Greenville Avenue starts at 9am (with parade festivities beginning at 11am). You’ll want to visit the Festival Zone at 5111 Greenville Ave. for food trucks and family-friendly activities. The Comerica Bank Family Zone located at Lovers Lane and Greenville Ave. provides bleacher seating along the parade route and more family fun. 9am–3pm. Free!
If you’re looking for a spirited adults-only celebration, tickets for the official concert featuring the Toadies are on sale for ages 21+ only. 10am–5pm. From $24.
March 12
The AT&T Discovery District St. Patrick’s Day Block Party ft. MATT AND KIM is new and sounds great. It’s a FREE outdoor block party in the plaza with live music all day, a live broadcast of the Lower Greenville parade on the gigantic media wall, costume contest, drink specials, performances by Irish Folk dancers, a kid’s zone, and more. 10am–10pm.
March 12
St. Paddy’s Texas Style at Wayne Ferguson Plaza in Old Town Lewisville invites families to attend a carnival-style celebration with zip lines, live music, Fletcher’s-famous corny dogs and other yummy food vendors. Bring lawn chairs or blankets in order to best enjoy the entertainment from the two main stages. Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome to attend, as well. 1–8pm. Free!
March 18–19
The Pickle Capital of Texas, also known as Mansfield, is located about 25 miles southwest of Dallas. Yes, green beer can bring about St. Patrick’s Day cheer, but this event is dedicated entirely to PICKLES. The World’s Only St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade kicks off Saturday at 1pm, and although it’s highlighted as the main event, be sure to get there earlier to cheer on participants in the baby parade and pet parade.
Live music, a performance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, a pickle juice drinking contest, and pickle eating contest are among the day’s festivities. Food and market vendors will be onsite. FREE to attend, including free parking and complimentary shuttle services. 9am–7:30pm.
March 19
Celebrate Irish culture with a bit of western flair at Fort Worth’s Cowtown Goes Green. This family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Stockyards includes a beer garden, pony rides, Irish dancing, and an Irish-western parade immediately following the 4pm cattle drive as the grand finale. Bring the cowboy hat, but don’t forget to wear green to this FREE all-day event. 10am–8pm.
RACES + WALKS
Add a medal or 3 to your pot o’ gold this year by participating in any of these 5K, 10K or 1-mile runs/walks. Novice to marathon runner, a St. Patrick’s Day fun run can sometimes be the best excuse to enjoy an extra glass of green beer.
March 5 :: Dallas
The North Texas Irish Festival Fun Run is a non-timed 5K for people and their dogs. Proceeds benefit nonprofits Friends of Fair Park and Southwest Celtic Music Association. The $35 fee includes a t-shirt, bottle-opener medal, one ticket to the North Texas Irish Festival and a coupon good for two beers for those 21 and older.
March 12 :: Dallas
The St. Paddy’s Day Dash offers timed and non-timed registration for live or virtual participants. The 5K event is known for its festive costumes, St. Patrick’s Day tutu contest, celebratory post-race party, and some major cash prizes. Participants can choose the beneficiary of their proceeds from among 7 charities. The $45 registration fee includes a t-shirt, finisher’s medal, and bib in addition to a few other perks. FYI, price increases to $59 on race day.
March 12 :: Irving
The Irving St. Patrick’s 5K at Toyota Music Factory is a 5K and 1-mile family fun run event. All proceeds benefit the Irving Schools Foundation. Choose from an array of options: individual and team categories, live or virtual participation, and an opportunity to donate as a spectator. Fees start at $29.99 and include a t-shirt, finisher’s medal, group awards, and a lot of other extras.
March 12 :: McKinney
The Shamrock Run 5K has become a McKinney staple. The course starts and finishes near Tupps Brewery, and post-race events include green beer, live music, and a vendor market. Proceeds benefit The Warriors Keep, a McKinney-based non-profit that aims to educate and assist veterans. The $35 registration fee includes a t-shirt and finisher’s medal. Price increases after March 5
March 19 :: Mansfield
The Pickle Run has three options for interested runners: 5K, 10K and a KidsK 1-mile run. All proceeds benefit City of Mansfield initiatives, such as Habitat for Humanity, Feed the Kids summer program, and scholarships for Mansfield ISD graduating seniors. Fees start at $20 for children and $25 for adults, depending on the event, and include a t-shirt and pickle medal for race finishers.
March 19 :: Frisco
The Frisco Paddy Dash 5K and fun run celebrates its 14th year in 2022. Proceeds benefit the Frisco Sunshine Rotary. Fees start at $15 and include a t-shirt and custom finisher’s medal. Runners can also earn cash prizes and group awards.
{Read More: St. Patrick’s Day Ideas for Kids at Home}
If you know of any other kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events in Dallas for 2022, please share below!
