News Summary
Grand Rapids is gearing up for an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a plethora of events including record-breaking festivities at the Holiday Bar, a vibrant parade, and the much-anticipated Irish Off Ionia street festival. The community will come together to honor local figures and enjoy Irish culture through wonderfully curated activities leading up to the official holiday on March 17. Don your green attire and join in on the joyful celebrations!
Grand Rapids Gears Up for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations with Record-Breaking Festivities and Parades
Ah, Grand Rapids! A city known for its vibrant culture is all set to paint the town green this St. Patrick’s Day! The excitement is palpable as the charm of the Emerald Isle comes to life, with festivities planned that are bound to exceed all expectations. With countless ways to celebrate, this year promises to be a particularly festive occasion.
Record-Breaking Revelry at the Holiday Bar
Kicking things off, the Holiday Bar celebrated its own version of St. Patrick’s Day this past Saturday with a fun event dubbed “Fake Patrick’s Day.” Talk about a party! The turnout was massive, smashing the bar’s visitor record by welcoming a whopping crowd. The highlight of the day was the food, with over 860 hand-breaded chicken tenders served—doubling last year’s counts! The kitchen whipped up a delicious selection of Irish fare, featuring corned beef and cabbage, Guinness battered fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and let’s not forget the always popular green beer.
The Holiday Bar has been a vital part of this neighborhood for an incredible 120 years, emphasizing its strong community ties. It’s safe to say this beloved establishment knows how to throw a party!
Parade Plans and Community Honorees
Fast forward to Saturday, March 15, when the city will spring into action for the much-anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Marching off at 11 a.m. from Monroe at Lyon and wrapping up at Monument Park, the parade promises a fantastic showcase of local spirit. A special treat this year is the Grand Rapids Police Pipe Band, taking the stage for their very first parade performance!
As parades often do, this one will feature some esteemed local figures. David Doyle has been named the Grand Marshal, thanks to his remarkable contributions to projects like the John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The honor of Spirit of Ireland goes to Judy Doyle, who is celebrated for her dedication to Irish traditions and tireless community service.
The event is brought to the community thanks to sponsorship from the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the City of Grand Rapids. What a great way to blend the community’s love for Irish culture with local pride!
Irish Off Ionia – A Street Festival Not to Miss
But wait, there’s more! Michigan’s largest St. Patrick’s Day street festival, now enthusiastically known as Irish Off Ionia, is set to keep the celebrations going from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Calder Plaza. Think live music, engaging Irish dancers, and a feast of festive food and drinks. Let’s not forget that this event is 21 and over, so it’s a perfect spot for the adults to celebrate.
Exciting Events on the Calendar
The festivities continue with the Irish Jig 5K race that will be recognized as one of Michigan’s prominent road races. Whether you’re running, cheering, or just enjoying the festive atmosphere, this event is not to be missed!
For those with a creative flair, there’s the Suds & Salami! St. Patrick’s Charcuterie workshop happening on March 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This is where you can unleash your inner gourmet and have fun with friends while crafting stunning charcuterie boards.
If you’re in the mood for celebrating with friends, why not join a Grand Rapids St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl? It kicks off at 1 p.m. on March 15, complete with drink deals and themed events in local bars.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, mark your calendars for the St. Moscatty’s Comedy Drag Show on March 16 featuring performances by the fabulous Miss Moscato.
Looking Ahead to the Official Day
With so many delightful events lined up leading up to the official St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, Grand Rapids is truly ready to embrace the joy and festivities of this beloved holiday. As the community gathers to celebrate, there’s sure to be laughter, joy, and a whole lot of Irish spirit in the air!
So grab your friends, don your best greens, and get ready for an unforgettable celebration in Grand Rapids this March. Cheers to the festivities ahead!
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: 2025 Grand Rapids St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- MLive: How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Grand Rapids
- Fox17: Grand Rapids Hosts Michigan’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day Festival
- WoodTV: 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parades and Festivals in West Michigan
- Image Resource
- Wikipedia: St. Patrick’s Day
