Greater Milwaukee's 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade Guide

Parades across six counties offer families everything from Wisconsin's largest Irish celebration downtown to legendary small-town tailgating in the Irish hills.

St. Patrick's Day falls on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, but most parades step off the Saturday before—March 14—making it possible to catch multiple celebrations in a single weekend. This guide covers every parade and family-friendly event across Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha counties.

The greater Milwaukee region boasts a rich Irish heritage dating back to the 1840s, and these traditions remain vibrant today. From the 58th annual Shamrock Club parade through downtown Milwaukee to the legendary Town of Erin celebration in the rolling hills of Washington County, families will find events ranging from polished urban spectacles with 40,000+ spectators to charming community gatherings perfect for young children.

Milwaukee County

Downtown Milwaukee St. Patrick's Day Parade

The crown jewel of Wisconsin's Irish celebrations, the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the oldest in the United States—predating Wisconsin's statehood. The first Milwaukee parade marched on March 17, 1843, making this the first St. Patrick's Day parade ever held outside the original 13 colonies.

When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, stepping off at noon sharp. The parade runs approximately 90 minutes, concluding around 1:30 PM.

The Route: The 1.5-mile procession begins at N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and W. Wisconsin Avenue (300 W. Wisconsin Ave.), heads east on Wisconsin Avenue to Plankinton Avenue, turns north to Kilbourn Avenue, west to MLK Drive, north to Juneau Avenue, then east across the Milwaukee River to the finish at N. Water Street and Highland Avenue.

Best Viewing Spots: Wisconsin Avenue offers the widest sidewalks for families with strollers. The area near The Avenue shopping center (333 W. Wisconsin Ave.) provides nearby restrooms and shelter. Plankinton Avenue delivers excellent views of floats making the turn. The Water Street finish area tends to be less crowded.

Parking: Interstate Parking offers a $3 special parade rate at The Avenue Parking Structure (entrances at 615 N. Plankinton Ave. and 258 W. Michigan St.)—arrive between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM for this rate. Warning: All vehicles parked on the parade route will be towed starting at 7:00 AM. The Miller Lite Free Rides Program provides free MCTS bus fare from 6:00 PM Saturday until end of service. The Hop streetcar also serves downtown.

What Families Will See: Over 100 parade units including eight Irish dance schools, bagpipe and drum corps, Irish wolfhounds, festive floats, local celebrities, and the beloved Milwaukee Dancing Grannies (who collect donations for Hunger Task Force along the route). The parade draws an estimated 40,000 spectators annually.

Participation: Entry is by invitation only for groups—interested organizations can submit interest forms at saintpatricksparade.org. Individual volunteers can serve as banner carriers by registering at Eventbrite (search "2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade Volunteer Banner Carriers"). Volunteers must arrive by 11:15 AM and walk the entire 1.5-mile route.

Weather Policy: The parade proceeds rain, shine, or snow—no rain date. Pack accordingly: warm layers for cold weather, sunscreen for sunny days, and plenty of green attire.

Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Activities

The Shamrock Club Post-Parade Party at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center (2133 W. Wisconsin Ave.) runs from 2:00–6:00 PM and is highly recommended for families. Admission costs $10 per adult, $25 per family, and children 12 and under enter free. Four stages feature five dance schools, four-plus bands, storytelling, and a dedicated children's area with Irish stories and activities.

Weekend Schedule:

• Friday, March 13: ShamROCK Kick-off Party, 5:30–9:00 PM at Lucky Clover Irish Pub (1048 N. MLK Dr.)—free admission with live music

• Saturday, March 14: 38th Annual Mass in Honor of St. Patrick, 8:30 AM at St. Patrick's Church (723 W. Washington St.)

Contact: Parade Director Mike Boyle at parade@shamrockclubwis.com | saintpatricksparade.org

Bluemound Road St. Patrick's Day Parade

A more intimate neighborhood celebration along the Milwaukee-Wauwatosa border, this parade offers a second option for families who want a shorter, less crowded experience—or who want to catch two parades in one day.

When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 3:30 PM

The Route: The parade travels eastbound on Bluemound Road from 6501 W. Bluemound Road (Balistreri's Blue Mound Inn near 65th Street) to just east of 51st Street near Kelly's Bleachers.

Post-Parade: Kelly's Bleachers hosts a celebration featuring Irish-American food, Irish dancers, and a DJ.

Registration: Groups can register at bluemoundparade.com/unit-registration.

Washington County

Town of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade

This isn't just a parade—it's a pilgrimage for Irish enthusiasts to one of Wisconsin's most authentically Irish communities. The Town of Erin was settled by Irish immigrants, and its name derives from "Éirinn," the Irish word for Ireland. The 46th annual parade routinely draws crowds nearly double the town's 4,500 population.

When: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (actual St. Patrick's Day), at 11:00 AM. Road closures begin at 10:00 AM on County Trunk Highway K.

The Route: The approximately 1.5-mile route runs north along Highway K from Shamrock Lane to Highway 167. Staging begins at 9:45 AM on Shamrock Lane.

Best Viewing: Anywhere along Highway K between Shamrock Lane and Highway 167 offers good views. The area near Erin Inn Irish Pub (6102 Donegal Road, Hartford) provides pre- and post-parade activities. The route is legendary for tailgating—spectators line the entire route.

Getting There: Local farms allow parking, and bus service runs from nearby towns. BuB's Irish Pub in Germantown offers bus transportation (arrive by 8:00 AM). Foolery's in downtown Okauchee typically provides shuttle service as well.

Important Family Note: This parade has a more adult atmosphere known for tailgating and celebrations. However, there are calmer sections of the route. For safety, individual parade entries do not throw candy—all candy distribution is reserved for the final float only.

Registration: Entry costs $25. Forms are available at Erin Inn Irish Pub or online. Mail entries to: Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade, c/o Erin Inn, 6102 Donegal Road, Hartford, WI 53027-9772. Deadline is typically March 11–13.

Related Events: Erin Inn features the Irish band SCRUBBERS starting at 9:00 AM, a 70-foot outdoor bar in a covered tent party area, Bloody Mary specials, and BBQ food served throughout the day.

Waukesha County: Pubs and festivities without parades

Waukesha County doesn't host dedicated St. Patrick's Day parades, but residents are well-served by the Bluemound Road parade on their border and numerous family-friendly celebrations throughout the area.

Family-Friendly Events

Brookfield Public Library hosts a free McNamara McCarthy School of Irish Dance performance on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) at 6:30–7:00 PM. On March 23 at 2:00 PM, Celtic harpist Jeff Powers performs "Harp & Stories."

North Pillar Brewing Co. in Pewaukee opens 11:00 AM–7:00 PM on Sunday, March 15, with Glencastle Irish Dancers performing at noon.

A.J. O'Brady's Irish Pub in Menomonee Falls (N88W16495 Main St.) hosts Trinity Irish Dancers at 3:00 PM on St. Patrick's Day, with authentic Irish food including Guinness stew and bangers and mash.

Matty's Bar & Grille in New Berlin (14460 College Ave.) features Trinity Irish Dancers at 2:15 PM on March 17.

Smiley Barn in Wales/Genesee hosts a free St. Patrick's Day Gold Coin Hunt on March 17 from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM—perfect for young children.

Restaurant Highlights for Families

Raised Grain Brewing Company (Waukesha) offers $3.17 green pints and a "Leprechaun-thon" movie marathon. Rox Bar & Grille in Pewaukee features a Shamrock Shake weekend (March 15–17) with corned beef and cabbage. Rochester Deli in Waukesha (143 W. Broadway) serves grilled Reubens and corned beef sandwiches all month.

Ozaukee County

Grafton Lucky 5K Run/Walk

Ozaukee County's main St. Patrick's Day event combines fitness with festivity in downtown Grafton.

When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:00–10:30 AM

Where: 1308 Wisconsin Avenue, Downtown Grafton, WI 53024

Registration: Adults (13+) pay $35 (price increases after February 28); youth (12 and under) pay $20. Register at graftonlucky5k.com or runsignup.com. Youth registration deadline is March 13 at 11:59 AM.

What's Included: Long-sleeve tech top for all entrants, finisher medal, post-race festivities with food, music, and green beer. Prizes awarded for "best dressed/most festive." The event is family and stroller friendly with age group awards for participants 10 and under through 80+.

Port Washington Celebration

Port Washington has historically hosted St. Patrick's Day festivities, though specific 2026 details require confirmation. Past events have included an Irish breakfast starting at 5:00 AM, an art contest, and an evening parade at 5:30 PM traveling east on Grand Avenue. Check visitportwashington.com for updates.

Cedarburg Note

Despite its reputation for community festivals, Cedarburg does not host a St. Patrick's Day parade or festival. Local pubs including Anvil Pub & Grille, Silver Creek Brewing Company, and TJ Ryan's Tavern likely offer St. Patrick's Day specials—contact directly for 2026 plans.

Racine County: 18 years of downtown tradition

Downtown Racine St. Patrick's Day Parade

Racine's 18th annual parade brings Irish tradition to the lakefront city with a festive procession through the downtown district.

When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, noon–1:00 PM

The Route: The parade starts at State Street and Main Street, proceeds south along Main Street, turns west onto Sixth Street, and concludes near City Hall.

Parking: Four downtown ramps offer $3.50 all-day parking: Lake Avenue Ramp, Shoop Ramp, Civic Centre Ramp, and McMynn Ramp. Parade participants can park at the City Hall Annex lot (800 Center St.) starting at 9:00 AM with shuttle service to the start.

What Families Will See: Traditional Irish music, Celtic performances, bagpipers, the Lighthouse Brigade marching group, Root River Rollers, dance groups, floats, and leprechauns throwing candy. The parade features 35+ units and draws thousands of spectators.

Registration: Applications due Friday, March 6, 2026. Apply at racinedowntown.com/events or pick up forms at the Downtown Racine Corporation office (425 Main St.). Email submissions to eventsmanager@racinedowntown.com.

Related Racine Events

St. Patrick's Day 5K & Paddy's Day 0.08ishK: Both races start at 10:00 AM near Pepi's Pub and Grill—register at stpatsday.5k.run. Top finishers can join the parade procession.

ShamROCKs and Shenanigans: Festival Hall (5 Fifth St.) hosts live music, Irish food, whiskeys, and beers from 1:30–7:00 PM after the 5K.

5th Annual St. Paddy Pub Crawl: Saturday, March 7 (week before parade), 3:00 PM–midnight, featuring 20 downtown venues with green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and a scavenger hunt. Free shuttle bus available; parking at Lake Avenue Ramp and McMynn Ramp for $2 all day.

Contact: Downtown Racine Corporation at Events@racinedowntown.com | racinedowntown.com

Kenosha County

Eric Olson Memorial St. Patrick's Day Parade

Kenosha's 2nd annual parade builds on the tremendous success of its 2025 debut, which drew thousands of visitors with 70+ parade entries.

When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:00 AM

The Route: The approximately 1.2-mile route starts at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue near Simmons Island, proceeds south on Sixth Avenue through downtown, and ends at Library Park (711 59th Place).

Parking: Free parking in the ramp on Eighth Avenue and 56th Street. Free street parking throughout downtown (unless otherwise prohibited). Questions: (262) 654-7307.

What Families Will See: Irish dancers, marching bands led by the Kenosha Area Pipes and Drums Association, floats with candy, colorful decorations, and horse-drawn carriages from Valleycroft Farms.

Family Fun Fest: Following the parade at Library Park, families can enjoy a petting farm, face painting, cookie decorating, and a leprechaun hunt.

Children's Parade: At 1:00 PM, Swede's restaurant (510 56th St.) hosts a traditional children's parade featuring decorated bicycles, wagons, and St. Patrick's Day creativity—a charming addition for young participants.

Registration: Applications due Friday, February 13, 2026, by 4:00 PM. Available at the Mayor's office or online at kenosha.org. Submit to Kenosha City Hall, 625 52nd St., Room 300. Sponsorships ($250–$1,000) available through Kris Kochman at kkochman@kenosha.org or (262) 653-4177.

Additional Kenosha Events

Dyeing of the Harbor Green Ceremony: Saturday, March 14 at 8:30 AM at Kenosha Harbor near Anna's on the Lake (5159 Sixth Ave.). Parade chairman Mick Kelly—a native of Ireland—and Mayor David Bogdala participate in this colorful tradition.

St. Paddy's Guinness Beer Run: 10:00 AM through downtown with Guinness checkpoints, finishing at Captain Mike's.

Kenosha Area Pipes and Drums Association "Kenosha Krawl": The 20+ member group of firefighters, police officers, and sheriff's deputies performs at multiple venues throughout the day. A portion of proceeds benefits the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation's Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth.

Contact: City of Kenosha at (262) 654-7307 | kenosha.org | visitkenosha.com

Planning your St. Patrick's Day weekend

Saturday, March 14 parade schedule at a glance

Time Event Location 8:30 AM Dyeing of the Harbor Kenosha Harbor 9:00 AM Grafton Lucky 5K Downtown Grafton 10:00 AM Racine 5K & Guinness Run Downtown Racine & Kenosha 11:00 AM Eric Olson Memorial Parade Downtown Kenosha 12:00 PM Downtown Milwaukee Parade Downtown Milwaukee 12:00 PM Downtown Racine Parade Downtown Racine 1:00 PM Children's Parade Swede's, Kenosha 2:00 PM Post-Parade Party ICHC, Milwaukee 3:30 PM Bluemound Road Parade Milwaukee/Wauwatosa border

Tuesday, March 17 (actual St. Patrick's Day)

Time Event Location 11:00 AM Town of Erin Parade Highway K, Town of Erin 2:15 PM Irish Dancers Matty's Bar, New Berlin 3:00 PM Irish Dancers A.J. O'Brady's, Menomonee Falls 6:30 PM Irish Dance Performance Brookfield Library

Weather across all events

Every parade in the greater Milwaukee area operates under a "rain, shine, or snow" policy—none have rain dates. Pack layers, waterproof footwear, and embrace the Wisconsin spirit.

Conclusion

The greater Milwaukee area offers remarkable diversity in St. Patrick's Day celebrations for 2026. Families seeking the full spectacle should head to downtown Milwaukee's Shamrock Club parade—with 100+ units and 40,000 spectators, it delivers Wisconsin's largest Irish celebration plus an excellent family-focused post-parade party. Those wanting a more intimate community experience will find Kenosha's Eric Olson Memorial Parade particularly welcoming, with its dedicated children's parade and Family Fun Fest. For a uniquely Wisconsin experience, the Town of Erin parade offers authentic Irish-American heritage in a setting unlike anywhere else—though families should be prepared for a more adult atmosphere. With four major parades all stepping off on Saturday, March 14, ambitious families could theoretically catch Kenosha (11:00 AM), Milwaukee (noon), and Bluemound Road (3:30 PM) in a single day, then return Tuesday for the legendary Town of Erin celebration.

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