Each holiday brings the opportunity to participate in unique celebrations with your kids. St. Patrick’s Day has no shortage of fun festivities. Whether you’re lucky enough to be Irish or just love celebrating the holiday, there are plenty of kid-friendly ways to mark St. Patrick’s Day in Des Moines.
You can find more seasonal fun in our Spring Break Guide, on our Event Calendar, and be sure to sign up for our FREE Weekend Fun Guide so you can get our best weekend event picks delivered to your inbox.
Editor’s Note: Please visit event websites to double check dates and times in advance to confirm your activity before heading out.
Here are a few family friendly ways to celebrate Irish culture and St. Patrick’s Day with kids in Des Moines:
St. Patrick’s Day Events & Activities
Celtic Music Association presents Heron Valley
In the quiet, farthest reaching parts of Scotland; authentic, skillful, energetic Celtic music has been passed down from generation to generation. Heron Valley capture the iconic sounds of the bothies, village halls and kitchen ceilidhs. The group will be on stage at Holy Trinity Hall on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $30.
Foy School of Irish Dance Annual Hooley– FREE
Join the Foy School of Irish Dance on March 3, 2024, as they kick off the St. Patrick’s Day Season with their Irish Dance Hooley. Their annual Hooley (a celebration of Irish music and dance) is at the Ballard High School Auditorium with shows at 12:30 and 3:30 pm. Tickets are not required – a free-will offering will be taken at the door. Enjoy Irish dance, music and plenty of craic!
The High Kings & Gaelic Storm at Hoyt Sherman Place
This is a co-headlined event featuring the Celtic juggernaut, Gaelic Storm, which has enjoyed 20 years of success. Gaelic Storm attributes their continued success to their fanatic audience, drawing in a well-diversified crowd. The High Kings have held the position as the distinctive voice of Irish folk music across the world for the last 15 years. They continue to sell out venues globally, gathering an ever-growing army of loyal fans. They will be on stage Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $39.
Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
A family friendly St. Paddy’s marathon, half marathon and 5K, appropriate for all ages at the Iowa State Capitol Grounds. The marathon starts at 7:15 am and half marathon & 5K start at 8:30 am on March 16, 2024.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – FREE
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade turns out the crowds to celebrate the holiday in Downtown Des Moines. Starting at 12:00 noon on March 16, 2024 the parade has a NEW route which runs from the Brenton Skating Plaza west on Grand Avenue to 8th Street. The parade fills the streets with costumed marchers, Irish step dancers, bagpipes, drum corps, and more.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Foy Irish Dancers at Central Library – FREE
Stop by the Central Library after the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade for some hot chocolate and a performance from the Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance. Get into the St. Patrick’s day spirit with some Irish dance and music on Saturday, March 16, 2024 starting at 1:30 pm.
St. Patrick Family Bowling Party
Bring your little leprechauns to Warrior Lanes on Sunday, March 17, 2024 for a safe, fun-filled afternoon of Glow-in-the-Dark bowling. This is an alcohol-free event. $54.95 per lane includes: bowling (2 hours), shoe rental, large one topping pizza and a pitcher of soda. Maximum of five bowlers per lane. Pre-Paid Non-Refundable Reservations are required by March 15, 2024.
GPS Pot of Gold
Participants will learn how to use a handheld Global Positioning Unit then use the GPS to find hidden “gold treasures” in the park. With a little leprechaun luck, along the way they will also find some information about the wildlife that calls Pioneer Park home. This event will be held on March 17, 2024 and is hosted by Des Moines Parks and Recreation. The fee is $10 and registration is required.
Celtic Music Association presents Dàimh
Taking their name from the Scottish Gaelic word for kinship, ‘Gaelic Supergroup’ Dàimh (pronounced dive) are a 5 piece band based in Lochaber in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; an area as much renowned for its scenic beauty as for its rich musical and cultural heritage. They will be on stage at Franklin Junior High on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $30.
A Bit of Leprechaun Magic at Home
Enjoy a Hearty Irish Inspired Meal
Dinner: Dine in or order carry out from an Irish Restaurant in Des Moines.
Irish Inspired Faire: Enjoy traditional and not so traditional St. Patrick’s Day inspired foods from local eateries.
Drink Green Drinks: Skip the green beer for the kiddos and add some green food coloring to light colored sodas like ginger ale, cream soda or sparkly water.
Play St. Paddy’s Day Games
Hot Potato: Play a game of hot potato or consider a “potato hunt” (think: Easter egg hunt but with small potatoes).
Treasure Hunt: Help the Leprechaun find his “Pot o’ Gold” on a treasure hunt. Have the kids search for gold chocolate coins or Rolos that you’ve hidden around the house. Make it even more challenging and create a few clues for them to follow.
Make St. Patrick’s Day Crafts
Potato Prints: Cut shapes out of potatoes, dip them in paint and stamp onto paper. You can also cut Bell Peppers and use them as a stamp. Their shape is perfect to make a shamrock.
Catch a Leprechaun: Have the kids set a trap for a leprechaun. Give them a shoe box and see what they come up with.
Research Your Family History
As the saying goes, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether or not your family can trace roots to the Emerald Isle, St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to discover your name’s origin and work on your family tree.
Enjoy Irish Inspired Music and Movies
Ireland has a rich cultural history all its own. Get your Irish eyes smiling by listening to music by Irish artists, such as U2 or Enya or you can watch Disney’s Brave.
Learn About the History of St. Patrick’s Day
Explore the meaning of St. Patrick’s Day and test your family on some Irish trivia. Do you know why the shamrock is a symbol of St. Paddy’s Day?
What are your family’s St. Patrick’s Day plans? Let us know!
