11 Top St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Michigan
What better way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day than with a Michigan St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
All throughout Michigan, parades and celebrations honoring Emerald Isle promise a fun time for all. We’ve created a list of some of our favorite parades, please read carefully and take note of the dates.
Some of these parades are scheduled for the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day, and some are scheduled for the weekend after.
Read on for the best Michgan St. Patrick’s Day Parades and Erin Go Bragh!
Saint Patrick’s Day Parades in Detroit and Southeast Michigan
Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade
March 12, 2023 at 1 p.m
One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the country, this Detroit parade is the highlight of the year for many in Michigan’s Irish community. To see this fun celebration of the “Wearin’ of the Green,” head to Michigan Avenue in Detroit on Sunday, March 12, 2023. The parade starts at 1 p.m.
This is a huge celebration, so be prepared to have some fun. If you’re bringing the kids, think about buying tickets for the Family Fun Zone, where you can view the parade from grandstands in a reserved, family-friendly area.
You’ll find activities like face painting and step dancing, as well as water, coffee and hot chocolate, too. The Family Fun Zone is open from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm. Tickets are $12.00 per person or a Family Pack for $60.00 (6 tickets). Access is limited to 275 guests, so don’t delay in ordering. You don’t want to miss this St. Patrick’s Day celebration parade.
Pinckney St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18 at 11 a.m.
The Pinckney Annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade features two pipe bands the Michigan Scottish and Flint Scottish bands, as well as Irish dancers from the Michigan Irish Dance Academy. There’s also a 5K “Run for the Gold,” in the morning before the parade.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parades in West Michigan
Grand Rapids St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Sponsored by the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, the Grand Rapids Irish Parade starts at 11 a.m. in downtown Grand Rapids. The parade starts at 21 Library St. Northeast, continues West on Fulton, and north on Ottawa Ave.
The parade concludes at Calder Plaza with the celebration honoring the Grand Marshall and the Spirit of Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Kalamazoo
March 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
Head to Kalamazoo for the 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Kalamazoo. The parade begins on Burdick Street at Michigan Ave, traveling south to Cedar Street. This is a big parade, with more than 50 local groups and businesses participating!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Holland
March 11 at 12 p.m.
The community of Holland goes Irish for a day! The parade travels east down 8th Street from the 8th Street Marketplace (150 W. 8th St.) to the corner of 8th Street and College Avenue.
Celebrations continue along 8th Street at New Holland Brewing Company, Hops at 84 East, Curragh Irish Pub, and City Sen.
Irish dancers, bagpipers, and kilt-wearers are just a few of the parade highlights! Families and individuals wearing green are invited to carry Irish flags in the parade.
Muskegon’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Head to downtown Muskegon to celebrate the feast day of Saint Patrick and Muskegon’s Irish heritage. The annual Muskegon Saint Patrick’s Day parade returns for its 10th year. The parade begins at 11 and runs down western Ave. from 6th St. to 2nd street in downtown Muskegon.
A collection of nonperishable food items for local community non-profits will take place so if you go try and bring a canned good to donate.
You can spend the rest of the day drinking and eating with your friends on Western Ave. There is a shanty decoration contest, too.
Ludington Shamrock Parade
March 18, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
The Shamrock Parade, complete with colorful floats, starts at the corner of James and Melendy St. at noon.
It’s just part of a day-long St. Patrick’s Day celebration in downtown Ludington. You’ll find tons of family-friendly fun activities, beginning with an Irish jog race in the morning, a rainbow scavenger hunt, and much more. You’ll also hear live music by the Steel City Rovers beginning at 1 – 9 p.m. at The Mitten.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parades in Mid-Michigan
Grand Ledge St. Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade
March 11, 2023 at 2 p.m.
The whole town of Grand Ledge comes out for Saint Patrick’s Day. The parade starts at 2, but festivities in town beginning 11 and includes Irish dancers and bagpipers.
You can also try some Corned Beef and Guinness Beer at the Grand Ledge Opera House. There’s also a Stew cook-off. This is a family-friendly fun parade celebrating the wearing of the Green!
Clare Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18 at 12 p.m.
Part of the 48th annual Clare Irish festival which runs March 15 -18 in downtown Clare MI, this parade in mid-Michigan attracts thousands for a one-of-a-kind celebration. The weekend-long Clare Irish festival includes 5K games, a pancake breakfast, a recipe contest, live entertainment, and much more.
Bay City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 19 at 2:00 p.m.
The 68th Bay City Saint Patrick’s Day parade is a huge celebration for both the Irish and the Irish at heart. head to Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay region to see the floats, hear the bands, and celebrate the Green Isle.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parades in the Upper Peninsula
6th Annual Cup of the Day – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11 at 12:01 p.m.
Bring your floats, cars, trucks, pets, groups, bands, and yourself, and come be a part of the 6th Annual Cup of the Day, This Sault Ste. Marie’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Michigan’s eastern U.P. is a really good time!
The parade will start lineup around Pingatore Cleaners heading north on Ashmun Street and will end at the Farmers Market.
Be sure to stop down at Cup of the Day before or after the parade for great Corned Beef Sandwich specials and Irish-themed Lattes & Cappuccinos! Great drink specials all day long like a Nutty Irishman Latte; Irish Creme coffee for $1; or a Green Mint Cappuccino! Hot, iced, or frozen.
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