Celebrate the Luckiest Day of the Year in DSM with 20+ St. Patrick’s Day Events

Today is your lucky day — we are dropping 20+ fun things to do in Greater Des Moines (DSM) to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day that you will not want to miss! Not only is the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade taking place on the holiday, but you can find fun events like a St. Patrick’s Day kids run or cookie decorating class. There is truly something for all ages to enjoy on or around Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in DSM.

St. Patrick’s Day Events, Food and Shopping in Greater Des Moines

• Iowish & St. Pat’s Apparel at Raygun in Downtown DSM: Stop into a favorite Historic East Village t-shirt shop for this year’s Iowish shirt, pint glass, can cooler and more.
• Cy-Rish State T-Shirt at Iowa State University in Ames: The Iowa State University Book Store has a Cy-Rish State t-shirt and a green trucker hat that’s perfect for ISU fans celebrating the holiday.
• St. Patrick's Day Thrifting at St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines: Check out all the green at St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines
• Green Mint and White Chocolate Drinks at Twisted Bean Coffee Company in Des Moines or Ankeny: Grab a holiday drink from Twisted Bean Coffee Company — the Shamrock White Chocolate Frappe, Shamrock White Mocha, Shamrock Iced White Mocha, Peachy Energizer, Shamrock White Chocolate Chiller and Shamrock Hot Chocolate are all on the menu.
• St. Patrick’s Irish Settlement & Catholic Church in Cumming: Visitors are welcome year-round to tour the grounds of the church and cemetery in the Madison County community of Cumming. This local tourism spot has been a National Register of Historic Places location since 1978 and represents the Irish immigrant and Catholic culture in the area.
• Leprechaun Lounge Pop-Up at Whiskey River in Ankeny: Stop by Whiskey River for seasonal cocktails, over-the-top decor, Irish chaos and more in The District - Prairie Trail.
• St. Patrick's Day Event with Des Moines Association of the Deaf (DMAD) in Des Moines: Wear green and bring a green food or drink to share on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. until Midnight at the DMAD location. 
• Friday Flavors - Shamrock Shake Blonde at Fenders Brewing in Polk City: Each Friday brings small-batch beers with just one keg available! Tapping starts on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 4:30 p.m., so kick off the weekend with the Shamrock Shake Blonde, a light and crisp option with mint and vanilla.
• St. Patrick's Day Pre-Party at Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee: Taste various Irish liquors during the Pre-Party at Mickey’s Irish Pub on Saturday, March 14, 2026, featuring a bagpipe and drum band, corned beef and cabbage, mini green beers and so much more.     
• Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K in Downtown DSM: The Marathon & Half-Marathon begin at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, while the 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. Kids can participate in a 5K Fun Run or 100-Meter the Kids Dash at 8:15 a.m. You can still register to participate — shamrock gear included, and special goods await at the finish line, including a 16-ounce pint glass, shamrock sugar cookie and more! Save up to 25% off until Wednesday, March 11.
• Brunch Cocktails at Either/Or Eatery & Patio in Des Moines: On Saturdays and Sundays, Either/Or offers brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Stop in around St. Patrick’s Day to try an Irish Coffee.
• St. Patrick’s Day Party at Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee: A second St. Pat’s celebration at Mickey’s Irish Pub will take place at Mickey’s Irish Pub on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 beginning at 8 a.m. with a breakfast buffet. There will be balloon creations, green beer, live music and more.     
• St. Patrick’s Day Party at Smash Park in West Des Moines: Check out the Giant Pong Tournament at 1:30 p.m., Glow Pickleball after 9 p.m. and more during the free St. Patrick’s Day Party from 11 a.m. to Midnight on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Smash Park this year.
• St. Pawtrick's Day Bingo at Animal Rescue League of Iowa in Des Moines: Join the ARL for a night of Buddy Bingo and shamrock shakes on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 6 p.m. Every game purchased provides one day of care for a pet in need.
• St. Patrick's Family Glow Bowling Party at Warrior Lanes in Waukee: The party starts at Noon on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Up to five guests per lane, shoe rental, pizza and a pitcher of pop are included with your lane purchase. Reserve it early — event sells out quickly!
• Kegs N Eggs at Confluence in Downtown DSM: Wear green or other festive attire to the Kegs N Eggs event at Confluence on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 9 – 11 a.m.     
• Saint Patty’s Day Paw-Ty at Paws & Pints in Des Moines: Bring your pup the Saint Patty's Day Paw-Ty from 4 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. If you’ve never been to Paws & Pints, read through these helpful tips for your first visit ahead of the holiday.
• St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt in Newton: Grab a checklist from Gezellig Brewing Company, Gray Moon Public Market or 2nd Ave. Social on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 5 p.m. and turn your completed Scavenger Hunt form in by 9:30 p.m. If you're the winning group, you'll receive a gift card to each location!   
• St. Patrick’s Day 3-Day Event at Magee’s Irish Pub in Ankeny: Dress up and head to Magee’s Irish Pub in Ankeny Sunday, March 15 through Tuesday, March 17, 2026 for three days of Irish fun at Magee's in The District – Prairie Trail. There's also a Des Moines Irish Session Live! on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. featuring the best local Irish and folk musicians.
• St. Patrick’s Day at Uptown Garage in Ankeny: Wear your green and join Uptown Garage Brewing Company from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 for St. Patrick’s Day this year.
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown DSM: This year’s annual parade will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Noon. The parade is hosted by The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Central Iowa.
• Themed Drinks at Founders Irish Pub in Bondurant: Every weekday from 3 – 6 p.m., this Irish pub offers a Happy Hour. St. Pat's falls on Taco Tuesday this year so grab a fried bread dough taco for $7.99!
• Luck of the Zoo: Zoo Brew Pop-Up at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines: Join Blank Park Zoo for a special Zoo Brew Pop-Up Happy Hour on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. to sample Irish craft beer and hear The Des Moines Irish Session.
• Irish Coffee at Hobnob in Downtown DSM: Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar offers an extensive menu within Hotel Fort Des Moines but try the Irish Coffee any time on or around St. Patrick’s Day this year.

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