Dust off the green gear and get ready to (sham)rock with this guide to Saint Patrick’s Day fun in Dallas! Even with the littlest of leprechauns in tow, moms and dads can still revel in the playfulness of Saint Patrick’s Day. Here are some family-friendly options to consider.
Check ahead for changes or cancellations.
Family-Friendly Festivals + Events
Food, drinks, and tons to see — who doesn’t love a good festival, especially when it’s chock full of luck! Here are some popular Saint Patrick’s Day festivals and events to check out.
March 3 – March 5
North Texas Irish Festival :: Fair Park :: 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 dogs) all weekend long. Dogs must remain on short leashes, and a $1 donation to animal support groups is required. Cost is $15 (Friday) and $25 (Saturday and Sunday) for adults and $10 for ages 6 to 11; Free for children five and under accompanied by an adult. Senior and military discounts available. Want to keep costs down? Consider arriving during two designated Happy Hour time slots. Admission is FREE for everyone Friday, March 3 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Children ages six to 11 are FREE Sunday, March 5 from 11 to 12 pm. One-day tickets available for $20 at area Tom Thumb and Albertson grocery stores.
March 11
Dallas St. Patricks’ Day Parade and Festival :: Greenville Ave, Dallas :: A staple for Dallasites, this highly-attended event on Greenville Avenue starts at 9:00 a.m. with parade festivities beginning at 11:00 am. Last year the Festival Zone and the Comerica Family Zone offered food truck amenities, family-friendly activities, and bleacher seating. 2023 details TBA. Free admission.
March 16
St. Patricks Day Vendor Fair :: Chicken N Pickle, Grand Prairie :: Want an excuse to see what the pickleball rage is all about? Hosted by Happily Ever Sip & Shop Markets, make plans to attend this family-friendly St. Patrick’s inspired event with local vendors. From face-painting to craft classes, this evening has a little bit of fun for all ages. Free
March 17 – 18
World’s Only St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade :: Mansfield :: 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 parade kicks off Saturday at noon, 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 with food and market vendors will be onsite. Friday’s festivities include a cornhole tournament among other activities. Free admission.
March 18
Cowtown Goes Green :: Fort Worth Stockyards :: March 18 :: Free admission :: 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, a kids matinee rodeo 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 all-day event.
St. Paddy’s Texas Style :: Wayne Ferguson Plaza, Lewisville :: St. Paddy’s Texas Style is the perfect blend of love for Celtic and Texas cultures. This family-friendly event is an outdoor carnival-style celebration with inflatables, live music and food trucks. Bring lawn chairs or blankets in order to best enjoy the entertainment from the two main stages. Free admission.
>> READ MORE :: St. Patrick’s Day Ideas for Kids at Home <<
Runs and Walks
Add a medal or 3 to your pot o’ gold this year by participating in these festive races. 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 4
North Texas Irish Festival Fun Run :: Fair Park :: Whether you’re team run or team sleep-in, this untimed fun run has 0K to 5K options for both kinds of personalities. Proceeds benefit nonprofits Friends of Fair Park and Southwest Celtic Music Association. Prices start at $30.
March 11
St. Paddy’s Day Dash :: Greenville Ave :: 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. Prices start at $42.
Shamrock Run 5K at Tupps Brewery in McKinney :: A McKinney staple, this 5K benefits The Warriors Keep, a McKinney-based non-profit that aims to educate and assist veterans. Post-race events include green beer, live music, and a vendor market. Prices start at $35.
March 18
Irving St. Patrick’s 5K at Toyota Music Factory :: All proceeds of this 5K run benefit the Irving Schools Foundation. Choose from an array of options like individual and team categories and an opportunity to donate as a spectator. Prices start at $54.99.
Pickle Run at Rose Park in Mansfield :: The Pickle Run benefits the City of Mansfield initiatives, such as Habitat for Humanity, Feed the Kids summer program, and scholarships for Mansfield ISD graduating seniors. Options include a 5K, 10K, and a KidsK one-mile fun run. Prices start at $20.
Paddy Dash at Frisco Square :: Celebrating its 15th year, this Frisco family tradition benefits the Frisco Sunshine Rotary club. Runners can choose between a 5K and fun run. Prices start at $20.
If you know of any other kid-friendly Saint Patrick’s Day events in Dallas for 2023, please share below!
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