San Antonio loves a celebration — our dedication to Fiesta is proof of that! — and as a metropolis we discover many causes to have fun all year long. With the early springtime solar comes St Patrick’s Day, the right excuse to go right down to the Riverwalk and revel within the enjoyable ambiance.
St Patrick’s Day celebrates the seventeenth Century patron saint of Eire, falling every year on the day of his demise, March 17. Cities with shut connections to Eire, and huge populations of Irish People, have continued to have fun the day with meals, enjoyable, and festivities. Whether or not you name it St Patrick’s Day, St Patty’s, St Pat’s, or St Paddy’s, it’s an ideal excuse to attempt one thing new and revel in some festive enjoyable with the youngsters.
The town of San Antonio celebrates St Patrick’s Day a bit early this yr — the weekend of 15-16 March 2025 — and there are some nice methods to have fun St Patrick’s Day in San Antonio!
1. See the River Flip Inexperienced!
Watch the long-lasting San Antonio river go inexperienced for St Paddy’s in spectacular vogue! An unimaginable 25 gallons of eco-friendly dye are poured and distributed to show the river emerald inexperienced, mirroring the legendary River Shannon in Eire.
There are three alternatives to look at the river dyeing this yr: at Museum Attain at 11 a.m – 12 p.m on Saturday fifteenth March; and downtown from 1-3 p.m on Saturday fifteenth March and 1-3 p.m on Sunday sixteenth March.
Children will love the energetic ambiance, boats, and watching the water flip inexperienced! Should you don’t wish to keep for (or go downtown) for the parade, watch the river dyeing at Museum Attain and head to the Witte Museum, DoSeum, or San Antonio Zoo afterwards. My son likes to cross over the emerald inexperienced river on the Brackenridge Zoo practice!
2. Take within the River Parades
Floats adorned with Irish flags, shamrocks, mascots, and Irish leisure will float down the newly-green San Antonio river throughout the St Patrick’s Day river parade. The enjoyable could be considered from wherever alongside the parade route, and these occasions are free to attend.
On Saturday fifteenth March, you may see the floats and take in the occasion ambiance at Museum Attain from 2 – 3 p.m, and downtown on the Riverwalk from 5.30 – 6.30 p.m. A number of bagpipers will play conventional Irish music, whereas the boats make sure the even distribution of inexperienced dye via the river.
Should you’re heading the the parades, you’ll want to put on your greatest emerald inexperienced clothes, leprechaun apparel, inexperienced beads, glasses, and hats!
On Sunday sixteenth March, there isn’t a formal parade on the river, however the Harp & Shamrock Society (who’ve been internet hosting the parade occasions within the Alamo Metropolis since 1969) will host floating leisure and music from 2 – 6 p.m.
3. Take pleasure in Stay Leisure on the Arneson River Theatre
Benefit from the occasion at Arneson Theatre on the Riverwalk, which has a packed line-up of leisure on each Saturday fifteenth and Sunday sixteenth March. From viewers participation video games to Irish dancers, scheduled occasions, and performances by the Kelly Irish Singers and Brian Ralph — there’s something for everybody on the rainbow stage.
Festive drinks and snacks will likely be out there for buy at close by La Villita (see under) or you may take your individual.
4. Crown the 2025 Riverwalk Royalty
This yr’s River Stroll Royalty will likely be topped throughout the St Patrick’s Day parade. Since July 2024, the 2025 River Stroll Royalty Candidates have been on a mission to lift funds for the San Antonio Hospitality Basis, a nonprofit that helps gasoline the desires of future hospitality leaders at UTSA, St Phillip’s School, and past.
5 potential Queens and three potential Kings will collect on the Arneson Theatre, the place titles will likely be awarded primarily based on their unimaginable fundraising efforts. The newly topped King and Queen will then be part of the parade on a float! The coronation takes place at 5.45 p.m on Saturday fifteenth March.
5. Pawticipate within the Fortunate Canine Vogue Present
Additionally on the Arneson Theatre, catch the Fortunate Canine Vogue Present 3.45 – 4.15 p.m on Sunday sixteenth March. You’ll have to register your pup upfront, and all entrants ought to costume to impress of their St Patrick’s Day apparel!
The winner will likely be named the 2025 Fortunate Canine and obtain a grand prize. It is a enjoyable household occasion that everybody can get pleasure from!
6. Lace Up for the 2025 Emerald Run 5K
Whether or not you’re a seasoned runner, motivated by the New Yr to make wholesome modifications, or simply desire a problem for you and the youngsters, the Emerald Run is a good way to get transferring within the stunning spring climate! Take pleasure in simply over 3 miles (5km) of the scenic San Antonio River Stroll from a distinct perspective — this enjoyable, festive, and fitness-filled morning will begin your St Paddy’s day celebrations off the proper manner.
Convey the luck of the Irish with you and costume in emerald inexperienced, shamrocks, and leprechaun apparel! All health ranges are welcome, whether or not you’re a walker, jogger, or aggressive runner. You’ll be able to join forward of time — common registration prices $35 till March 8; late registration is $40, and allows you to choose up your race packet proper up til the day earlier than the race (March fifteenth).
The race begins and ends at VFW Publish 76, 10 tenth St, San Antonio 78215.
7. Eat Irish Grub
Raised in Scotland and a several-time customer to Eire, I can attest to the deliciousness of Irish meals! What higher event to attempt it than St Patrick’s Day?
Head to Durty Nelly’s on the Riverwalk for a real Irish pub ambiance, a pint of Guinness, and a few conventional fare. Children are welcome within the day, however (particularly on St Pat’s) you may count on a rowdier crowd by night. Pattern Guinness beef pie, Reuben sandwiches filled with corned beef, and basic fish and chips — saving room for Irish Creme Donuts after all, generously glazed with Bailey’s.
One other hotspot is Waxy O’Connor’s, an genuine Irish pub fairly actually transplanted to the guts of downtown San Antonio. Their massive patio is ideal for household eating on a sunny spring day! Take pleasure in Irish classics like potato and leek soup, bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, and shepherds pie. Don’t neglect a aspect of chips and curry sauce (arguably, this may stop any hangover!) and Irish brown bread and butter. Parade revellers can count on a heat welcome, and they’ll additionally be celebrating St Patrick’s Day on the precise day (the seventeenth) with a full day of enjoyable, beginning at 11 a.m!
For a extra elevated spin on pub grub, attempt Francis Bogside: their scotch egg is to not be missed! Throughout city, you’ll discover conventional Irish fare and a festive ambiance at The Cottage Irish Pub on Broadway, and Kennedy’s Public Home off 1604/Blanco.
8. Rejoice Tradition on the Competition in La Villita
The Mexican market celebrates St Patrick’s Day in its usually vivid and colourful manner — with the Harp & Shamrock Society’s legendary Passport to Eire occasion, household pleasant actions, dwell leisure, and native distributors. Take pleasure in some tasty and festive treats when you store from native artisans, who arrange their stalls within the historic La Villita.
Open from 1:00-6:00 p.m on each Saturday fifteenth and Sunday sixteenth; admission is totally free.
9. Rejoice at Dwelling!
If heading downtown doesn’t attraction, have fun St Paddy’s at residence with your loved ones this yr. Problem your youngsters to attempt one thing new, and get them concerned in making festive dishes — whether or not you go for a hearty shepherds pie (the fixings of which can be found at HEB) or flip their favourite meals inexperienced, it’s all the time enjoyable to get youngsters within the kitchen! Inexperienced pancakes with golden syrup, clouds of whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles are the right option to begin the day (or weekend) with a smile.
Do a leprechaun scavenger hunt inside or exterior, and provide a prize for whoever finds probably the most golden cash
Tie-dye some white T-shirts with emerald inexperienced dye for a enjoyable, nostalgic memento
Make rainbows — create these easy however efficient shamrock sun-catchers, or make colourful “magic” rainbows utilizing strips of kitchen towel, coloured pens, and two glasses of water
Create a rainbow balloon arch
Have an Irish dance-off!
Just a few extra festive concepts…
Get into the Irish spirit(s) with the March particular cupcake at native favourite Chook Bakery — made with the Irish holy trinity of Jameson Whisky, Guinness, and Baileys. Out there in full dimension and mini cupcakes, they make an ideal occasion favor or hostess reward. Shamrock sugar cookies and mini celebration desserts can be found from the counter or to order.
Try your native department of SAPL for St Patrick’s Day books (and flicks) for all youngsters of all ages.
Scour the Goal greenback spot, Walmart, or 5 Under for occasion provides to make a enjoyable tablescape for breakfast or dinner. Hats, headbands, and chocolate cash make nice prizes on your leprechaun scavenger hunt!
I hope this listing has impressed you to shake your shamrocks and embrace St Patrick’s Day with your loved ones this yr! Whether or not you have fun downtown subsequent to the (albeit quickly) emerald inexperienced waters of the San Antonio river, or at residence over breakfast, might the luck of the Irish be with you.
