Officials will turn Indianapolis’ downtown canal green during the annual Greening of the Canal on Thursday. The event will feature Irish entertainment in addition to the greening ceremony.
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Get ready to go green.
St. Patrick’s Day is coming up fast, and even for those who don’t share an Irish heritage, it’s a chance to soak in the culture and have a little fun. They’ll put on some rousing céilí music, order up heaping piles of bangers and mash, and pour a pint of Guinness during what promises to be a spirited weekend.
People will gather in downtown Indianapolis for the “greening” of the downtown canal. Revelers of all ages are planning on lining the streets for the floats, marching bands, bagpipers and dancers in the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
In the small pubs and bars throughout central Indiana, people will pack in to listen to reels and jigs as Celtic music takes center stage.
From beloved traditions to community block parties to authentic celebrations of culture, this year’s St. Paddy’s parties are sure to be filled with shenanigans:
Hoosier Lottery St. Patrick’s Day Kickoff Celebration
Details: 5 p.m. Thursday, Canal Walk, 400 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis
What: The neon green plume of water shoots into the air, and slowly but consistently, the downtown canal turns a deep shade of green. The annual Greening of the Canal kicks off Indianapolis’ St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a significant event for the city’s Irish heritage because many Irish immigrants worked to build the original canal in the 1800s. The event will feature live entertainment by Irish dancers, bands, and bagpipers, while a contingent of honorees, including the Irish Citizen of the Year, will add green dye to the canal.
McGinleys Golden Ace Inn
Details: All day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2533 E. Washington St., Indianapolis
What: St. Patrick’s Day is a time when anyone can pretend to be Irish. But the Golden Ace is the real deal. The longtime family-owned bar on Indianapolis’ east side was founded by Irish immigrants in 1934, and their St. Patrick’s parties have become renowned as some of the best and most authentic in the country.
Gather inside the intimate pub, or take part in the massive heated tent party outside. Music will be playing all three days, including sets by Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, Brigid’s Cross, J.P. & the Donegal Boys and many local Irish acts. Celebrate authentically with Mass at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. You must be 21 or over to attend. Leave your credit cards at home, though; the bar only accepts cash.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Tent Party
Details: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, downtown Indianapolis; tent party starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs to 3 p.m.
What: The centerpiece of the region’s festivities has always been Indianapolis’ St. Patrick’s Day parade. Irish-themed floats, school marching bands, pipe and drum bands and plenty of other cultural organizations march through the city, while thousands of spectators cheer and take in the sights.
The celebration actually starts early in the morning, with the heated parade tent and block party with food trucks, live entertainment and beer garden on North Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania streets. As an added bonus, Johnson County-centric band Highland Reign will be performing at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Wee Irish Mile
Details: 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, downtown Indianapolis at North Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania streets.
What: Before the St. Patrick’s Day parade gets going, burn off some of that Guinness and shepherd’s pie with a quick mile-long run or walk. Participants in the all-ages event are asked to don their best Irish garb, including kilts and leprechaun outfits. Registration is $20 per person at IndyStPats.com, with all proceeds granted to youth athletic programs in need.
Shamrock Run and Walk
Details: 11 a.m. Saturday, Indianapolis Fire Department Union Hall Local 416, 748 Massachusetts Ave.
What: For local residents who want a more physical challenge than the Wee Irish Mile, people are invited to take part in one of the oldest and longest-running races in Indianapolis. Participants don their greenest gear and circle a new four-mile route through the city’s Near Northside, starting at the IFD Union Hall before finishing at the Bottleworks District.
After the run, celebrate your accomplishment with live music from Irish singer/songwriter Katherine Nagy with guest Tim Wright, U2 tribute act A Beautiful Day and the Po’ Boys. Food will be available to purchase inside the Garage Food Hall while a beer garden is set up outside. All proceeds support youth athletic programs in need.
St. Patrick’s Irish Stew
Details: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville
What: Mallow Run embraces the tastes of the Emerald Isle as part of their Winter Warm-up Weekends. Visitors to the winery can purchase a bowl of savory stew, rich with beef, potatoes and onions, along with freshly baked bread. While filling your stomach and sipping on wine, enjoy music from a pair of local musicians; John Ryan performs from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, while Robin Embry performs classic rock and Americana from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Cookie Decorating Class
Details: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Teal Canary, 199 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood
What: Looking for a way to get festive in a more serene setting? Join Christy Booker from the Blissful Bakery in Greenwood as she walks you through making a set of fun St. Patrick’s Day-themed cookies. Participants will walk through the process of cookie decorating, from outlining to flooding to finishing touches, on leprechauns, pots of gold and more. Tickets are $65 and include complimentary refreshments, all tools and supplies, and instruction.
