2016 Michigan St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
It doesn’t matter if your ancestors didn’t wear kilts and dance the jig. On St. Patrick’s Day, we’re all Irish at heart! There are lots of places around Michigan to celebrate The Wearin’ O’ the Green. Here are just a few for 2016 Michigan St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations:
Boyne Falls
Boyne Mountain Ski Resort’s Carnival Weekend, March 18th through the 20th, combines St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras into one wild weekend celebration, affectionately called Crazy Daze by attendees. It’s a must-do for Boyne regulars. The party gets started Friday night at the Snowflake Lounge. Saturday it moves outside for the famous On-Hill Party. There’s also a costume contest and a Saturday night dance. Sunday finishes off with the Slush Cup. Who will skim and who will be soaked? This event isn’t recommended for kids.
Boyne City
Boyne City was founded by Irish Immigrants. They honor their history every year with The Boyne City Irish Heritage Festival. It begins March 13th and runs through the 20th. Daily family-friendly events include music, film, lectures, food, dance and even an opportunity to, “learn to speak Irish.” Visit the website for a full list of events.
Traverse City
Traverse City celebrates St. Patrick’s Day March 12th with two events. First, runners put on their best Irish costumes for the Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Warehouse District. Then at 1:30 a parade kicks off on Hall Street.
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids celebrates with Irish on Ionia, an open-air festival that begins at 7 a.m., March 19th in downtown. The first 200 people through the gate will get a free Eggs and Kegs brunch at The Waldon Public House, G.R.’s newest Irish eatery. The day-long event runs through 11 p.m. and includes live music, Irish dancing and of course beer. Advance general admission tickets are $15 and available online. The event is for people 21 and up.
Kalamazoo
March 12th the Irish American Club of Kalamazoo host a parade that begins at 11:00 a.m. on the Burdick St. Mall in downtown. Immediately after the parade, you can attend an authentic Irish Hooley at Bell’s Brewery. The festivities will include Irish step dancers, music and a kilt contest.
Detroit
The 58th annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at noon March 13th. It’s the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Michigan with 65,000 people showing up to march or watch the parade. The route begins at 6th Street and Michigan Ave. and ends at 14th Street. Everyone is welcome to march.
Bay City
Bay City holds its 62nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 20th. The parade steps-off at 2 p.m. at Center and Park Avenues. A queen and princess event takes place the night before at Garber High School Auditorium. Following the parade on Saturday there is a special Mass at St. John’s Church. Saturday night, Lumber Baron hosts an Irish Ceili with dancing and a silent auction.
