Kansas City knows how to throw a party, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. On March 17, 2025, the city will transform into a sea of green, filled with shamrocks, leprechauns, and enough Irish cheer to make you feel like you’ve landed in Dublin. Whether you’re Irish by birth or just Irish for the day, Kansas City offers an unforgettable lineup of festivities. Let’s dive into what makes this day so special—and how you can celebrate it responsibly while keeping things eco-friendly.
The Parade: A Kansas City Tradition
The Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the crown jewel of the city’s celebrations. Starting at 11:00 AM sharp, the parade begins at Linwood and Broadway and marches south along Broadway to 43rd Street. This year’s theme, “Irish Wit & Wisdom,” promises clever floats and plenty of laughs. With hundreds of entries ranging from intricately designed floats to marching bands and Irish dancers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Grand Marshal for 2025 is Ronan Collins, a figure who embodies Kansas City’s Irish spirit. Honorees like Mike Murphy and the Cullinan Family will also be recognized for their contributions to the city’s vibrant Irish community. Expect live music, food trucks serving everything from corned beef sandwiches to Guinness cupcakes, and vendors selling festive green gear.
Pro tip: Arrive early! Roads close as early as 8:00 AM, and parking restrictions begin at 5:00 AM. The parade attracts around 200,000 spectators annually, so finding a good spot can be competitive.
Beyond Broadway: Other Parades in the Metro
If you’re looking for more local flavor—or can’t get enough of parades—Kansas City has several other St. Patrick’s Day events happening across the metro area:
- Brookside Warm-Up Parade (March 16): A family-friendly event featuring whimsical floats and local performers.
- Martin City Parade (March 10): Known for its laid-back vibe and community charm.
- Snake Saturday Parade in North Kansas City (March 16): A quirky celebration with unique floats and festival activities.
Each parade has its own flair, so feel free to pick one that suits your style—or attend them all if you’re feeling ambitious.
Eco-Friendly Celebrations: Green Beyond the Shamrocks
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about wearing green—it’s also a great opportunity to go green! Here are some tips to celebrate sustainably while still having a blast:
- Skip Single-Use Cups: With beer sales surging by over 150% on St. Patrick’s Day, reusable mugs or thermoses are a smart choice for sipping your favorite stout or Irish coffee.
- Eco-Friendly Food Choices: Try plant-based versions of classic Irish dishes like vegan soda bread or potato waffle sandwiches with tofu cream. For drinks, opt for dairy-free shamrock shakes or sour apple cocktails made with organic ingredients.
- Walk or Bike: Instead of driving between events (and dealing with parking headaches), consider walking or biking to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, it’s a great way to soak up the festive atmosphere!
- Natural Green Food Coloring: Skip artificial dyes and use spinach juice or matcha powder to make your shamrock cookies pop without harming the planet.
- Browne’s Irish Marketplace: The oldest Irish business in America is right here in KC! Stop by for authentic Irish groceries or grab a bite from their deli menu.
- O’Dowd’s Gastrobar: Known for its lively atmosphere and classic Irish dishes served with a modern twist.
- The Dubliner KC: A downtown favorite offering live music alongside its extensive menu of Irish favorites.
Irish Eats and Drinks: Where to Feast in KC
No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without indulging in some hearty Irish fare. Kansas City has plenty of spots where you can enjoy traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage or shepherd’s pie paired with a pint of Guinness:
What to Wear: Green Is Mandatory
Don’t be that person who forgets to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day—unless you enjoy getting pinched! From shamrock-covered hats to leprechaun-inspired costumes, Kansas Citians go all out when it comes to festive attire. If you’re feeling crafty, consider making your own outfit using eco-friendly materials like recycled fabric or thrifted clothing.
Family-Friendly Fun
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just for adults; there are plenty of activities for kids too! Many parades include kid-friendly zones with face painting booths, bounce houses, and games like “Find the Pot of Gold.” You can also host your own backyard party with DIY crafts like paper shamrocks or rainbow-colored slime.
Music and Dance: Feel the Rhythm
Irish culture is synonymous with music and dance, so make sure to catch some live performances during your celebrations. Many bars and venues in Kansas City will feature traditional céilí bands alongside contemporary acts playing everything from folk tunes to rock covers of Irish classics.
Road Closures & Logistics
Planning ahead is key if you want a stress-free experience on parade day. Midtown-Westport roads will close early, so check maps before heading out and consider using public transportation or rideshare services for convenience.
Kansas City knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style—whether it’s through dazzling parades, eco-friendly practices, or indulging in delicious Irish fare. So grab your green gear and join the festivities! This March 17th promises laughter, music, and memories you won’t want to miss!
Sources: mygreenmattress.com, thepioneerwoman.com, visitkc.com, kcirishparade.com, blog.axcethr.com
Header Image Source: kcirishparade.com
