Experience Downtown Blog
Cream City Goes Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 12:00 /
Downtown Milwaukee comes alive each year for St. Patrick’s Day, offering a vibrant mix of festive events and celebrations that bring the city together! From the iconic Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of the longest running in the nation, to lively pub crawls and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
☘️ Shamrock Shuffle
The 16th annual sold-out Shamrock Shuffle returns to four Downtown-area entertainment districts on Saturday, March 8. The Shamrock Shuffle event has donated over $113,000 to charities since it began in 2010. Tickets include a Shamrock Shuffle T-shirt, food & drink specials, no cover charges at bars, live Irish music and more!
☘️ Gaelic Storm: Roll Out the Barrel Tour
Gaelic Storm, a multi-national, Celtic juggernaut visits the Pabst Theater on Wednesday, March 12. Don’t miss their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for stagecraft.
☘️ ShamROCK Kick-Off Party
Get into the Irish spirit a wee bit early at the ShamROCK Kick-Off Party on Friday, March 14 at Lucky Clover Irish Pub, 1047 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.! This is the perfect way to jump into all the Irish festivities coming Downtown! From 5:30pm to 9pm, revelers will enjoy a night of live music from Frogwater, drink specials, and chances to win raffle prizes! Proceeds from raffle ticket sales support Westown Association’s efforts of producing free community events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
☘️ Mass at St. Patrick’s Church
On Saturday, March 15th at 8:30am, join the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin for the annual mass in honor of Saint Patrick. Mass will be held at the historic St. Patrick’s Church, 723 W. Washington St, and include songs, hymns, and readings in both English and Irish. In addition, the Shamrock Club Color Guard will stand the colors, and the liturgy will be sung by the Shamrock Club Choir!
☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 57th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns Saturday, March 15. Presented by Miller Lite, the parade features Irish dance performers, live music, embellished floats, and even Irish wolfhounds! Embrace Irish traditions and enjoy over 100 parade units in celebration of Milwaukee’s Irish heritage. The parade steps off at North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and West Wisconsin Avenue and ends at Water Street and Highland Avenue.
Interstate Parking will extend discounted parking to parade attendees. Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of $3 parking at The Avenue structure with entrances at 615 N. Plankinton and 258 W. Michigan St. Please also consider using ride share services or public transit such as The Hop and MCTS to travel safely and responsibly.
☘️ Post-Parade Party
After the March 15th parade, the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin invites guests to their Post-Parade Party ay the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave. From 2pm to 6pm, experience one of the biggest, family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which includes five dance schools, four bands, food, and a super raffle.
☘️ Miller Lite Free Rides
For those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Cream City, Molson Coors is once again partnering with the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) to activate the Miller Lite Free Rides program. Milwaukeeans will be able to access fare-free public transportation from 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, until the end of regular service on all routes.
☘️ The Craic
Now through March 16, The Rep invites guests to peer into one of South Kerry’s most welcoming pubs as four musicians ready themselves for one of their weekly Irish music sessions. When one of the band’s long-estranged members shows up for an unexpected reunion, all their unresolved rivalries, unaired grievances, and unspoken romances rise up. Filled with Irish spirit and humor, and featuring such classics as “Danny Boy” and “Whiskey in the Jar,” this World Premiere musical will have you raising a glass and shouting sláinte by the end of the show!
☘️ Red Hot Chili Pipers
Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent, and a show so hot it carries a health warning! The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a multi-platinum, award-winning Celtic rock back from Scotland, brings their “BAGROCK” sound back to Milwaukee on Friday, March 21. Catch them at Marcus Performing Arts Center.
☘️ Downtown’s Irish Pubs
Local bars and restaurants will again serve up Irish-inspired specials, while live music and cultural performances add to the spirited atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to raise a pint, enjoy traditional Irish dancing, or simply soak in the green-clad energy of the city, jig on down for some shenanigans. Downtown’s Irish watering holes include County Clare, The Harp, Lucky Clover Irish Pub, McGillycuddy’s, Mo’s Irish Pub and Trinity Three Irish Pubs.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Downtown Milwaukee’s St. Patrick’s Day events offer a fun and festive way to embrace Irish culture and community spirit. Whether you’re cheering on the parade, enjoying live music, or indulging in classic Irish fare, the city’s energy and excitement will make it a celebration to remember. As the streets fill with green and the sounds of laughter and music echo through Downtown, one thing is certain, Downtown Milwaukee sure knows how to do St. Patrick’s Day right!