Missoula Prepares for Big St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and western Montana is getting ready for a weekend full of Irish-themed fun. 

St. Patrick’s Day Events Happening Around Missoula

This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday, March 17. Because it lands during the week, many of the big celebrations in Missoula will actually take place the Saturday before—March 14. 

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And as usual, the city has plenty of events planned for all ages throughout the day. 

A Full Day of St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Missoula 

The festivities begin bright and early Saturday morning at St. Francis Xavier Church hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Mass at 8 a.m. 

The Run for the Luck of It, a fun run starting at 9 a.m. at the Missoula Fairgrounds. The race is organized by Run Wild Missoula and is a popular way for locals to kick off the holiday. 

Missoula’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

By midday, downtown Missoula will turn festive for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Higgins Avenue. The parade begins at noon and typically draws large crowds downtown.

Families can also stop by the beloved A Carousel for Missoula, where free rides will be offered from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. next to Dragon Hollow Playground. 

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Sports fans may want to check out an Irish hurling exhibition match taking place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Washington–Grizzly Stadium. 

Later in the afternoon, adults can enjoy a whiskey tasting from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Rhino Bar. 

The evening wraps up with the Friends of Irish Studies West banquet and auction from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown. 

Don’t Miss the Music 

Throughout the day, the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band will be performing at several of the events. If you’d like to catch them live, we’ve included a full schedule of their appearances below. 

Between the parade, music, food, and family activities, Missoula will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day all weekend long. 

So whether you’re Irish or just Irish for the day, get out and enjoy the festivities. Sláinte!