(1) Green River Revival and Color Me Green 5k at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Where: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway
When: Sat., March 16. 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Color Me Green 5K Trail Run: $35+. Green River Revival: free
Celebrating its tenth year, the Green River Revival will entice guests who wish to be Irish for a day. Start off the morning with yoga and the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run before enjoying a bite and live music beside the green river.
(2) 23rd Annual Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival
Where: Parade: starts at North Tryon Street. Festival: South Tryon between 3rd Street and Stonewall Street
When: Sat., March 16. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: free
Join thousands of spectators Uptown for the annual St. Paddy’s Day parade, which kicks off at 11 a.m. with musical groups, schools, cheerleading and drill teams, as well as police, fire, and elected officials. After the parade, Irish music and dancers, bagpipers, and traditional Irish culinary delights will entertain crowds at the Charlotte Goes Green Festival.
(4) St. Patrick’s Day Run on the Greenway with Dunkin’ Donuts
Where: 701 South Kings Drive (Dunkin Donuts)
When: Sat., March 16. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: free
Coffee, donuts, and free swag will motivate runners with a 1 or 3-mile run at the greenway near Freedom Park. Refuel with a cup of complimentary coffee after the race featuring the Explorer Blend, which is exclusive to Charlotte. Other samples include Irish Crème Coffee and Mint Brownie Square. Space is limited; sign up here.
If you’d prefer to run in your favorite spot, let the luck of the Irish guide you during a virtual race. The first annual Shamrocks & Shenanigans Virtual 4 Mile Run/Walk allows participants to set their pace and compete with runners across the country. Tickets start at 29+. Register here. Or, join the 2019 Luck of the Irish 5K. Ticket proceeds benefit the National Hemophilia Foundation, so you’ll run for a cause! Tickets start at 20+. Register here.
(5) 7th Annual Celtic Festival
Where: 201 South College Street
When: Sat., March 16 – 17. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 adults, $9 seniors, free for ages five and under
Authentic music, traditional Irish and Scottish dancers, and Celtic warriors will entertain guests at the Historic Latta Plantation during the Celtic Festival. Sample traditional flavors from food trucks, sip a craft beer in the beer garden, or purchase goods from weavers, spinners, and artisans. Tickets must be purchased at the gate.
(6) Lucky Charms Eating Contest
Where: 201 South College Street
When: Sat., March 16. 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $10
If speed-eating cereal is your sport of choice, head to Carolina Ale House to compete for a prize. The first three individuals to finish a bowl of Lucky Charms will receive a CAH gift card. Enter here.
(7) Shamrockin’ South End #rocktherailtrail
Where: 200 East Bland Street
When: Sat., March 16. 1 – 8 p.m.
Cost: free
Gather friends for an Irish stroll along the Rail Trail. Registration is free, and includes a bandana and map with food and drink specials at participating South End venues like Tavern on the Tracks, Gin Mill, and Mac’s Speed Shop. Check out the full list and register here.
(8) Leaping Leprechauns at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve
Where: 2900 Rocky River Road
When: Sun., March 17. 2 – 4 p.m.
Cost: free
An afternoon of family fun awaits at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, where leaping leprechauns will share facts about resident wildlife! Call 980-314-1119 to register.
(9) Shamrockin’ The Village
Where: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way
When: Fri., March 15. 4 – 11 p.m.
Cost: free
Head to the Ballantyne Village to enjoy Irish food and drink features, games, giveaways, and live music in the courtyard with performances by Parks Brothers, U-Phonik, Ceol Na Gael Irish Pipe Band, and Ghosts of Bannockburn Acoustic.
(10) St. Patrick’s Day Cookie Decorating Class
Where: 8356 Charlotte Highway
When: Fri., March 15. 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Cost: $20
If you’re spending the holiday with little ones, kick off the weekend at The Southern Oliveto prepare and decorate themed gluten-free cookies. Admission includes supplies, four cookies to take home, and cookie decorator instructions. Register here.