St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish heritage, culture, and community, and Milwaukee has deep Irish roots that make this day even more special.
From the founding of the Shamrock Club in 1960 to Milwaukee’s long-running St. Patrick’s Day Parade—one of the oldest in the country—Milwaukee has a rich Irish history.
But while there are countless ways to celebrate, not all events are ideal for families with young children.
That’s where we come in! We’ve put together a guide to Milwaukee’s best St. Patrick’s Day events for families, ensuring that you and your little ones can join in the fun. From festive parades to lively Irish dance performances, interactive crafts, and more, this list will help you plan the perfect kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
So, don your green, and let’s dive in!
1. 51st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
Milwaukee is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of Irish culture with the 56th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Scheduled for Saturday, March 15th, 2025, the parade will fill downtown Milwaukee with the spirit of Ireland, featuring over 100 parade units, including Irish dance groups, pipe and drum corps, and local dignitaries. It will step off at the corner of MLK Dr. and W. Wisconsin Ave.
2. Parade Day Party
Following the parade, the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center will host Milwaukee’s largest, family-friendly Parade day party from 2-6 p.m.
The event will offer four stages of continuous entertainment, including performances by four dance schools, six bands, and a super raffle. Details on admission and the entertainment lineup are available at mkepostparade.us.
3. Irish Family Day: Passport to Ireland
Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 11:00AM to 2:30PM
CelticMKE Center, 1532 N. Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa
Website
Back for another year, the Irish Family Day: Passport to Ireland will again transform all three levels of the CelticMKE Center into terminals, transporting guest travelers to Irish destinations.
With the help of friendly volunteer pilots and flight attendants, families will travel to eight different counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland with a provided passport in hand. Each county will feature an activity that celebrates Irish culture, history, and traditions. From arts and crafts to storytelling and more, families are also sure to learn something along the way. Travelers will get their passports stamped at each station, earning a prize at the end of their journey.
Irish dancers will perform on the main terminal stage, and live Irish music will fill the lower terminal. Also located in the lower terminal is the Celtic Café, which will be serving lunch, beverages, and snacks.
There will also be BOGO (buy one, get one free) coupons for 2025 Milwaukee Irish Fest available throughout the entire event.
4. Time to Paddy Family 5k/10k and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon
Date: March 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Estabrook Park, 4400 N Estabrook Pkwy, Milwaukee, WI
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the annual Time to Paddy 5k/10k and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon! This St. Patrick’s Day-themed event is perfect for runners of all ages and abilities, making it a fun family outing. Dress in your favorite green gear and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
TBD for 2025
- St. Patrick’s Day Storytime at Barnes & Noble
- Irish Heritage Night with the Milwaukee Bucks
Before you don your green and hunt for leprechauns, treat the family to a local favorite—Paczki Day is just around the corner! Here’s where to find the best paczki in Milwaukee.
Are we missing any local St. Patrick’s Day events for kids? Contact us at hello@mkewithkids.com
Get excited for St. Patrick’s Day with these interesting St. Patrick’s Day Facts For Kids and these hilarious St Patrick’s Day Jokes For Kids.
Plus, we’ve rounded up the best March Jokes For Kids and the best April Fools Pranks for Kids.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.