Go Green for St. Patrick’s Day

Nine Up North celebrations

By Rachel Pasche | March 8, 2025

There’s no wrong way to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, which has evolved from religious feasts into a celebration of all things Irish. (In fact, historians say St. Patrick’s color was actually a blue—called St. Patrick’s blue—that can still be found on some ancient Irish flags.) Whether you prefer to don head-to-toe green or want to dance to traditional Irish tunes, explore the local festivities this holiday has to offer!

St. Paddy’s Day Weekend at the Pull Barn, March 14-17

Short’s Brewing Company is pulling out all the stops at the Pull Barn in Elk Rapids. Flannigan’s Goat Food Truck will be onsite, Irish-inspired beers will be on tap, and anyone who comes dressed like a leprechaun will get to pick from a “pot of gold” of prizes! And don’t miss Sunday’s themed crafts. shortsbrewing.com/event

Downtown Bellaire Crawl For a Cure, March 15

Combine a bar crawl, competitive bingo, and St. Patrick’s Day and you’ll get the Crawl for a Cure. This party with a purpose puts the fun in fundraising, with proceeds helping Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. Each participant receives a bingo card with tasks and challenges to complete for a chance to win prizes as they visit various breweries, pubs, and restaurants. Tickets ($30 for one, $100 for a group of four) can be found at mynorthtickets.com.

Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K Run, March 15

Run before you crawl (if you plan on heading downtown for the festivities later) at the Leapin’ Leprechaun race in Traverse City. Starting on Lake Street, the route weaves through neighborhoods, crosses Boardman River and follows the TART Trail. Costumes are encouraged, and each participant will receive a green T-shirt, timed results, medals, and post-race carbs. Registration is $30 and needs to be completed before March 7 to claim a shirt. runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/LeapinLeprechaun5K

Cass Street Crawl, March 15

Speaking of runs and crawls, the second annual Cass Street Crawl in TC features Irish music by Blue Footed Booby, which kicks off at North Bar at 1pm. Walk, jig, or crawl til you’re green as you sample food and drink specials at the participating locations, which include The Pub, North Bar, and The Parlor. (P.S. At the Parlor, enjoy an Irish menu with a classic reuben, a Celtic burger, shepherd’s pie, Guinness mac & cheese, and more.)

Double Header at Lake Ann Brewing, March 15

Lake Ann Brewing Co. has two bands ready to sham-rock for their St. Patrick’s Day Party. Rigs & Jeels starts off the fun from 3-6pm with a fresh spin on classic Irish tunes. Then, from 7-10pm, catch Empire Highway on the stage, described as “a fusion of rock, blues, and a touch of soul.” More info at lakeannbrewing.com/events.

AuSable Artisan Village St. Patrick’s Celebration, March 15

Get in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day through music, dance, and storytelling. The AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center is hosting a traditional Irish music duo called Shannon Lee at 7pm. Both artists—Hannah Harris and Alberto Whitmer—bring a love of Irish culture to their craft, with experience shaped through performance and study in Ireland. Bring the family and enjoy a night of Irish tradition! Tickets are $20; learn more at artisanvillage.org.

Celts and Kayaks, Crystal Mountain, March 15

Bring your shamrocks, green gear, and a sense of adventure for the snow kayak race at Crystal Mountain. Participants try their hand at kayaking down the mountain while they navigate a race course. Afterward, gather ’round to watch skiers navigate a slushy pit in the Slush Cup! Other events include a shamrock scavenger hunt, skiing leprechauns, and a slopeside DJ playing festive tunes. crystalmountain.com/event/celts-kayaks

Downtown Cheboygan St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, March 15

You’re invited to join in the parade! This “Wee” St. Patrick’s Day parade is open to anyone: Businesses, families, individuals, clubs—all you need to do is sign up. Prizes go to the entries with the best spirit. Following this playful pageant is a bar crawl through downtown Cheboygan with live entertainment and specials on food and drink. See more at cheboyganmainstreet.org.

Kennedy’s Kitchen, March 16

The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay welcomes Kennedy’s Kitchen, which creates traditional “Irish Kitchen Music.” This means pub songs, singalongs, and dance reels—essentially bringing you tunes “from the home, the hearth, and the heart.” Expect the band to play tenor banjo, guitar, bouzouki, bodhran, bass, fiddle, whistles, and even a kazoo. Catch the show on Sunday, March 16, at 4pm. Tickets are $25 ($20 for members) at thebaytheatre.com/special-events.

More Fun Up North

Ready to wear green but not go all out on St. Patrick’s? Here are a few other events on the horizon.

Raclette Dinner, Black Star Farms, March 14

Now, this isn’t Dubliner cheese, but we’ll allow it. Leelanau Cheese Company cheese makers and Black Star Farms have teamed up for a decadent meal. As you socialize and mingle, you can ask questions of the cheesemakers and buy some raclette to take home. Tickets are $65 at mynorthtickets.com.

Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery Experimental Beer Dinner, March 15

Want to try new beer, whether or not it’s green? Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery returns with its annual “Experimental Beer Dinner” to introduce the newest brews from their production team. You’ll get five beer samples along with paired small plates, and all five beers will be available for purchase at a discounted rate. Tickets are $50 at mackinawtrailwinery.com/shop-online.

Wine and Chocolate Tasting at Black Star Farms, March 15

If Guinness and corned beef aren’t your cup of tea, perhaps wine and chocolate are up your alley. Black Star Farms is hosting a guided tasting alongside Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate. Tickets are $40 at mynorthtickets.com.

Comedy with Katrina Brown, March 15

Buckle in for an evening of unfiltered fun with Katrina Brown at the Traverse City Comedy Club. Brown brings in her experience as the youngest of seven, mother of two, and proud possessor of her metal head to craft a show to appeal to all ages and demographics. Tickets ($25) can be found at mynorthtickets.com.