(Photo by Kevin Stillman)
From raucous block parties to traditional Celtic dancing, it doesn’t take the luck of the Irish to find the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Texas. Grab your green, say your Irish goodbye and head to as many of these locales as you can manage so you can celebrate with the best of ’em.
St. Patrick’s Day River Parade and Festival
SAN ANTONIO: Mar. 17-18
Floats release 110 pounds of environmentally friendly green dye into the San Antonio River, transforming a 2.5-mile stretch that’s temporarily renamed “The River Shannon.” Enjoy live music on the Arneson stage and a family-friendly festival of food, games, artisan vendors, activities and more in La Villita. The River Walk, 210/227-4262.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
SHAMROCK: Mar. 17-19
The “official” celebration for the state of Texas goes all weekend long with festivities including a parade, a dance featuring the Drake Hayes Band, a carnival, the Miss Irish Rose beauty contest and a Donegal beard-growing contest. 207 N. Main St., 806/256-2501.
World’s Only St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade and Palooza
MANSFIELD: Mar. 17-18
Celebrate St. Patrick’s weekend in the Pickle Capital of Texas with a massive parade—plus a pet parade, a street party, multiple races, live music, and the audacious well-preserved Pickle Queens. Downtown Mansfield, 100 block of N. Main St., 817/988-0104.
St. Patrick’s Day Express
JEFFERSON: Mar. 18
Grab some green punch as you climb aboard the St. Patrick’s Day Express, an antique narrow-gauge train running along the scenic Big Cypress Bayou. The historic depot will be decked out in green. Historic Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin St., 866/398-2038.
