Strike gold with this St. Patrick’s Day guide full of fun things to do with kids, including family-friendly events, activities, and festive ways to celebrate together.

1. GO TO A ST. PATRICK’S DAY LOCAL EVENT

You can always dress in green around the house and create your own St. Patrick’s Day parade at home or in the neighborhood… but if you’re looking for Birmingham festivities, we’ve got you covered. (Events in order of date)

Irish Cultural Dinner

When: Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m.

Where: Stadium Club in the Protective Stadium

How much: $75/person or $800/table of 8

Details: Dine on a feast of traditional Irish food while being serenaded with Irish music.

16th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Beef O’Brady’s

When: Saturday, March 14 from noon until “they shut us down”

Where: Beef O’ Brady’s in Helena (4300 Helena Rd.) and Beef’s at The Grove (5519 Grove Blvd., Hoover)

How much: $20 for ages 13+ (kids ages 12 and under are free)

Details: Celebrate with live music, kid-friendly activities, and Irish food and drink!

Photo by Downtown Birmingham

42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

When: Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Parade starts at 1:30 p.m.)*

Where: Kicks off on 10th Ave. and will wind through Brother Bryan Park and up 20th Street S. (Five Points area)

How much: Free! Food available for purchase.

*Parade is dependent on weather conditions.

St. Patty’s Party @ The Edge

When: Saturday, March 14  from 5:30–7:30 p.m. 

Where: The Edge (819 Green Springs Hwy., Homewood)

How much: Free to attend, food available for purchase

Details: Enjoy live music from Sam Holt at this St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

St. Patrick’s Day 5K

When: It has been postponed due to weather.

Where: Downtown Birmingham

How much: $27

Details: A race raising money for Children’s of Alabama. Keep an eye out for the new date!

St. Patrick’s Day Slaying Murder Mystery Dinner

When: Saturday, March 14 from 6–9:30 p.m.

Where: Eatin’ in the Attic (117 Main Street W., Hartselle)

How much: $64.80

Details: Dress up, dig into an Irish-themed dinner, and help solve the mystery that’s sure to keep you guessing all night long!

St. Patrick’s Day Dish Gardening

When: Tuesday, March 17 from 10–11:30 a.m.

Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

How much: $35 supply fee

Details: Join Allison Creel of Blue Rooster Farms to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in this indoor gardening workshop. Participants will each create a seasonal dish garden to take home using a selection of hardy indoor plants, spring bulbs, and some wee surprises. Allison will give winter pointers for keeping your indoor plants at their best. Perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike—no green thumb required. All materials provided.

Shamrockin’ at The Summit

When: Tuesday, March 17 from 5–8 p.m.

Where: North Italia parking lot at The Summit

How much: Free! Drinks available for purchase

Details: Enjoy festive photo ops, live music (as in, bagpipes and drums!), an Irish dance performance, face painting and balloon animals, and a pop-up bar with green beer and themed cocktails.

2. MAKE EASY ST. PATRICK’S DAY CRAFTS

It doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun and memorable. Here are a few ideas perfect for younger kids:

  • DIY leprechaun hats
  • Shamrock handprint art
  • Rainbow paper chains
  • Pot-of-gold mason jar decorations
Remind your kids you’re lucky to know them!

3. GO ON A “POT OF GOLD” SCAVENGER HUNT

Who says Easter eggs are the only thing you can hunt for in the backyard? Hide chocolate coins or small prizes and let the kids loose to find them. If you’re wanting a sugar-free option, set them on a scavenger hunt to find 4-leaf clovers, a rainbow, an Irish flag, and other holiday-related items. (This can also be done inside if it’s yucky weather out!)

Check out this article for more fun kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day activities to try.

4. BAKE A LUCKY TREAT

I always feel lucky after snagging a sweet treat. Need some inspo? Here are some kid-approved ideas:

  • Shamrock sugar cookies
  • Green pancakes for breakfast
  • Rainbow cupcakes
  • Mint chocolate brownies

Let kids decorate the baked goods with sprinkles and gold candy for extra luck!

Maybe the pot of gold is at the end of the book…

5. READ IRISH-THEMED KIDS BOOKS

Celebrate St. Patty’s day with a storytime. The Jefferson County Libraries and Shelby County Libraries have plenty of festive reads. You can also read the real-life Saint Patrick’s prayer and talk to them about all he did for Christianity. Here’s just a few book ideas:

  • How to Catch a Leprechaun
  • Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato
  • The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day 
  • The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day 
  • Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase

We hope you have a lucky day! Don’t forget to wear green so you don’t get pinched!