Boulder’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Is Short, But the Party’s Huge! 🍀

A one-block parade, a beer garden, a puppy costume contest, and green eggs & ham? Here’s how to celebrate St. Paddy’s in Boulder this weekend! 🍻🎶🐶

🍀 Boulder’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: The Shortest Parade, the Biggest Party! 🎶☘️

🎉 Happy St. Paddy’s Day, Boulder! 🌞

Boulder is turning green this weekend with St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, live music, beer gardens, and even a puppy parade—because why not? 🍻🐶 Whether you’re looking for a lively night out, a scenic day hike before the festivities, or the best local breweries to raise a pint, we’ve got your weekend plans covered.

And if you’re visiting, this Boulder travel guide will help you make the most of your trip—from exploring Boulder’s neighborhoods to checking out MICHELIN-recommended restaurants.

So grab your green gear, make a game plan, and get ready to celebrate—Boulder style! 🍀🎶

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

🍀 Boulder’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day in Boulder is anything but ordinary. From the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it parade to beer gardens, live music, and even a puppy costume contest, this weekend is packed with festive fun. Here’s your guide to celebrating, Boulder-style.

  • 📍 1500 Block of Pearl Street

  • 📅 Saturday, March 15

  • 🕛 Parade starts at 12 PM (don’t blink!)

Boulder’s take on a St. Paddy’s parade is, well… compact. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for in energy! Expect:

  • 🍀 Irish dancers tapping their hearts out

  • 🎶 Bagpipers bringing the Celtic vibes

  • 🐕 Majestic Irish wolfhounds stealing the show

  • 🚲 Boulder’s famous cruiser bikes adding a local touch

  • 🪑 The Paddy ‘O Drill Team (yes, that’s a lawn chair drill team)

    It may be short, but trust us—it’s a must-see.

🍺 Beer Garden & Live Entertainment

📍 Pearl Street

🕛 After the parade - 6 PM

Once the parade wraps up, the real party begins! Stick around for:

🍻 A fantastic beer selection (because what’s St. Patrick’s Day without a pint?)

🌮 Food trucks serving up local & Irish-inspired bites

🎶 Live music to keep the party going all afternoon

🎭 Green-clad revelers bringing the energy

Raise a pint, enjoy some live tunes, and celebrate the Irish way!

📍 Cassiopeia Café

📅 Sunday, March 16

🕘 Yoga at 9 AM | Brunch & Shopping after

A Boulder twist on St. Paddy’s Day—start with a free yoga class before indulging in a green egg & pork belly sandwich. Bonus: Check out merch from local ski brand Hoohah.

📍 Boulder Social (Arapahoe & 38th St.)

📅 Saturday, March 15

🕛 Check-in at 11 AM | Parade at 1 PM

Yes, you read that right—Boulder is hosting a puppy parade. Bring your leashed, friendly pup in their best St. Paddy’s gear and join the fun! 🐕💚

💰 $10 donation per dog goes to POSO Dog Rescue, plus you’ll get a complimentary beer for your generosity.

🏃‍♂️ Lucky Leprechaun 5K

📍 Twisted Pine Brewing Company

📅 Sunday, March 16

🕘 Race starts at 9 AM

Work up an appetite for that post-run pint! The Lucky Leprechaun 5K is all about fun, featuring:

🎶 Live Irish music from Avourneen

💃 Irish step dancers from McTeggart Irish Dancers

🌯 Post-race breakfast burritos & beer (you earned it!)

Grab your greenest running gear and hit the course!

🍻 Ready to Celebrate?

Put on your best green, gather your friends, and enjoy the weekend! Whether you’re toasting with a Guinness, running for the beer, or dressing your dog as a leprechaun, Boulder has something for everyone.

☘️ Sláinte! See you at the parade (if you don’t blink and miss it 😉)!

🍴 Discover Boulder’s Best Restaurants here.

Explore Boulder’s MICHELIN-Recommended Restaurants here.

🛏️ Visiting friends or family in town? Share our guide to Boulder’s Best Hotels here.

🏔️ Boulder Trivia Time!

What percentage of Boulder's land is designated as open space and mountain parks?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

🎬 Boulder International Film Festival: March 13-16


Between the St. Paddy’s fun, don’t miss BIFF, one of the coolest film festivals in the world! From indie gems to Oscar-worthy films, this four-day event is a cinephile’s dream.

  • 📍 Main Venue: Boulder Theater

  • 🎥 Catch films before they hit the big leagues

  • 🎤 Meet filmmakers & industry pros at Q&As

  • 🎉 Legendary BIFF parties & events

Whether you’re here for the Guinness or the great films, Boulder has something for everyone this weekend! 🍀🎬

🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder: Weekend Buzz 🎭

🎵 Friday, March 14

💰 Free Events

🎨 Bending the Arc Exhibit Opening Reception – Explore art focused on equality & social justice. @ Museum of Boulder, 4-6 p.m. (Free)

🍹 College Night – Cheap drinks, good vibes. Just show your student ID! @ Avanti F&B, 9-11 p.m. (Recurring Fridays, Free)

💵 Ticketed Events

🎭 Matilda the Musical – Roald Dahl’s classic comes to life. @ Boulder High School, 7 p.m. ($15 adults, $10 students)

🎨 Open Wall 2025 – Local artists showcase & sell their work. @ BMoCA, 6-9 p.m. (Pay What You Want)

🌿 Saturday, March 15

💰 Free Events

🚶‍♂️ CU Main Campus Stroll: Paths, Buildings & Notable Trees – A guided campus walk. @ University of Colorado, 9-11 a.m. (Free)

🛍️ Saturday Market – Local vendors, food, and community. @ The Riverside, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Recurring Saturdays, Free)

👰 Boulder Brides of March – A wedding dress bar crawl because why not? @ Pearl Street, 8-11:45 p.m. (Free)

💵 Ticketed Events

🎭 The Pirates of Penzance – Swashbuckling comedy meets opera. @ CU, 7 p.m. ($15+)

🎶 An Evening with Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas – Scottish fiddle meets cello magic. @ eTown Hall, 7-9:30 p.m. ($35-$50)

🎭 Boulder Ballet School Storybook: “The Journey of the Country Mouse” – A charming children’s ballet. @ Dairy Arts Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m. ($26 adults, $16 kids)

🎤 Dairy Comedy in the Boe – Featuring comedian Al Jackson. @ Dairy Arts Center, 8:30-10 p.m. ($15)

🎸 G. Love & Special Sauce – A night of blues, hip-hop, and funk. @ Fox Theatre, 8 p.m. ($39.50-$45)

🎶 The Wellermen – Sea shanties & folk music. @ Velvet Elk Lounge, 8-11 p.m. ($25)

🎟️ Sunday, March 16

💰 Free Events

🏃‍♂️ Lucky Leprechaun 5K – Run, drink, repeat. @ Twisted Pine Brewing, 10 a.m. (Free)

🍀 Lá Fhéile Pádraig - A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Irish music, dance & food. @ The Riverside, 2-7 p.m. (Free)

💵 Ticketed Events

🎶 Mariee Siou in Concert – Dreamy folk vibes. @ eTown Hall, 7-9:30 p.m. ($20-$35)

🎸 Sue Foley – Women of Blues – A blues legend takes the stage. @ Roots Music Project, 7-9 p.m. ($35-$40)

📅 With so much happening this weekend, which event are you most excited for? Let us know! 🎶🍻

🌤️ Boulder Weather Outlook

Friday, March 14AM Showers 🌧️ | High: 53°F | Low: 29°F | 🌬 NW 19 mph

A wet and breezy start to the weekend, but expect skies to clear later in the day.

Saturday, March 15Partly Cloudy ⛅ | High: 51°F | Low: 33°F | 🌬 NW 14 mph

Cool but dry—ideal for outdoor St. Patrick’s Day festivities (or a cozy pub stop).

Sunday, March 16Mostly Sunny ☀️ | High: 65°F | Low: 41°F | 🌬 W 14 mph

Finally, some real spring vibes! Great day for a patio beer or a sunny hike.

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day!)Partly Cloudy ⛅ | High: 75°F | Low: 47°F | 🌬 WSW 16 mph

Warmest day of the week—if you’re celebrating, expect Boulder to be thriving outdoors!

🍻 Weekend Tip: The chilly start makes Friday perfect for a warm drink indoors, but by Sunday and Monday, it’s all about soaking up the sunshine! 🌞

🌿 Outro: The Answer + A Fun Fact!

If you guessed 45%, you’re spot on! Nearly half of Boulder’s land is designated as Open Space and Mountain Parks, ensuring breathtaking views, endless hiking trails, and protected natural habitats for generations to come.

Fun Fact: Boulder was the first city in the U.S. to tax itself to preserve open space back in 1967. Today, the city’s 46,000+ acres of open space provide locals and visitors with some of the best outdoor recreation in the country. Check out Boulder’s best hikes here!

That’s a wrap for this week! Whether you’re hitting the trails, exploring Boulder’s top restaurants, or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy the weekend and soak up everything Boulder has to offer! 🍀🌄

The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🏔️🐝

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