Nine St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Around the North

Don your green and raise a pint!

By Brighid Driscoll | March 9, 2024

Even though St. Patrick was a Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland, today's version of St. Patrick's Day is not exactly what we’d call theological. (Unless of course you have a religious experience with green beer.) No, St. Pat’s—or Paddy’s, but never Patty’s—has become a day of revelry, and northern Michigan has plenty of ways to celebrate. We’ve compiled a list of local holiday fun for grown-ups and families alike to observe the day. Sláinte!

MARCH 15

St Patrick’s Paint & Sip: Cadillac

Local soap and skincare maker Samantha Leifker is hosting a Paint and Sip party at Cadillac’s Sunset Shores Resort on Friday, March 15. “I started my skincare business last year and have been slowly but surely getting my name out there,” says Leifker of The Shepherds Fare, home of small-batch, wild-harvested products. “I wanted to do something that could help me get to know more people in the community, and Paint and Sip sounded like so much fun. I knew St. Patrick’s Day was coming up and thought it’d be perfect for having fun and having a drink.”

Embrace the holiday vibe with a Best Outfit Contest and enjoy games, giveaways, and lively Irish melodies throughout the event. Everything’s covered for the party, including painting supplies, two drink choices, and a spread of charcuterie, finger sandwiches, and desserts. Plus, take home your pick from Leifker’s selection of handmade soaps, all included in the $45 ticket. Her All-Natural Skincare Gift Basket with three bars of soap and Whipped Body Butter will also be for sale for $35. Tickets are going fast—sign up at theshepherdsfare.square.site.

St. Patrick’s Puzzling Party: Petoskey

Are you and your friends puzzle masters? Gather your crew and dive into the ultimate puzzle showdown at Stafford’s Perry Hotel in downtown Petoskey. Teams of four will race against time and rivals to piece together a 500-piece puzzle. Win a pot of gold with $500, $250, and $150 prize packs for the top three teams. Plus, everyone receives free swag bags, hearty appetizers, and drinks. The fun begins at 5:30pm on March 15. (Note: There is also a March 16 date—same time, same place!) Spots are limited, so sign up at grandpashorters.com ($150 per team) and let the puzzle-solving shenanigans begin!

MARCH 16

Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K: Traverse City

Grab your green and throw on those lucky socks for the 14th year of the Leapin’ Leprechaun in downtown Traverse City. The course starts on Lake Ave. in Old Town, and an afterparty at Brady’s Bar is sure to be a good time. Proceeds from the event support little leprechauns through a donation to the Munson Medical Center’s new Family Birth & Children’s Center. Participants will receive an LL5K T-shirt, professionally timed results, a beer (green if you’d like) at Brady’s, carbs at the finish line, and age group medals for first to third place. Register at leapinleprechauntc.com for the race on March 16.

Whiskey/Bourbon Cocktail Class: Traverse City

In Irish, the term uisce beatha—aka whiskey—literally translates to water of life. Get more than a taste of life at The Bartending Company’s (TBC) cocktail class hosted at The Cooks’ House on March 16. TBC owner Roman Albaugh will teach participants how to craft the perfect Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour, with no orange slices or maraschino cherries here.

“People don’t need to bring anything—they just need to show up with a good attitude and be excited to learn,” says Albaugh. “We’ll also go over the basic skills of bartending like how to pour, how to use a jigger, how to shake, how to get a tin separated, and in this class, how to stir a cocktail.”

Folks will make the two classic cocktails and then use their new skills to create a whiskey-based concoction of their own. Bring some friends, your partner, or just yourself. The class begins at 11am and will leave you feeling buzzy enough for a day of high spirits. Get tickets ($85) at mynorthtickets.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Crawl for a Cure: Bellaire

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Chain of Lakes Relay For Life puts on its annual St. Patrick’s Day Crawl for a Cure, “where fun meets fundraising in support of the fight against cancer,” in Bellaire. On Saturday, March 16, visit participating businesses in downtown Bellaire as you work through a bingo card with various tasks and challenges. Tickets are $30 per person or $100 for a group of four at mynorthtickets.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Pub Crawl: Cheboygan

Main Street in Cheboygan is going to be lively this year! The inaugural “Wee” St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 5pm, journeying from Nelson Street to The Opera House on Huron Street. Win prizes and enjoy family fun along the route. Following the parade, dive into Cheboygan’s beloved St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl, featuring themed drinks and live entertainment across downtown. Cap off the night at The Opera House with The Knockabouts hitting the stage at 7:30pm. Secure your tickets ($30 for adults, $25 for veterans, $15 for students) at theoperahouse.org and prepare for an unforgettable celebration of Irish spirit!

Blackthorn at Crooked Tree Arts Center: Petoskey

Immerse yourself in ethereal Celtic music with a show from Midwest band Blackthorn. From traditional tunes to lively jigs and contemporary hits, experience Ireland’s musical heritage on March 16 on the Crooked Tree stage.

Since 1984, Blackthorn has enchanted audiences across the Great Lakes. Crooked Tree Events Manager Michele Horn is a fan and excited for folks to experience what she calls one of Michigan’s finest Celtic bands. “With their blend of instruments and harmonies, experiencing Blackthorn transports you to the rolling hills of Ireland, where rich stories of the land’s heritage and people come to life,” she says. “We hope you'll celebrate the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities by joining us.” Get tickets ($10 for students, $30 for members, and $40 for non-members) at eventbrite.com.

MARCH 17

The Pub One-Year Anniversary: Traverse City

Head to downtown TC on St. Patrick’s Day to visit The Pub for their first anniversary party. They’ll be serving up Irish fare, offering $5 drink specials, and giving guests plenty of opportunities to test their luck with games from open to close. Bonus: From 4-7pm, The Broom Closet Boys will perform for any revelers looking to dance.

ALL WEEKEND

Hit the Slopes at Local Resorts

Yes, there’s still skiing to be had on St. Patrick’s Day! Carve through the snow surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere of green-clad enthusiasts and spirited celebrations. Whether it’s the themed runs, festive contests, or lively après-ski gatherings, the mountain transforms into a kaleidoscope of weekend cheer. Splash Down at Otsego Resort, Celts and Kilts at Crystal Mountain, Mardi Gras at Nub’s Nob, Spring Carnival at Caberfae Peaks, and Carnival Weekend at Boyne Mountain are all happening over St. Pat’s weekend.