Whether your family is Irish or not, St. Patrick’s Day is always a fun excuse to get out and celebrate. In Indianapolis and nearby suburbs, the 2026 lineup includes downtown traditions, a family-friendly Westfield event and a few festive gatherings that may appeal more to older kids or adults.
St. Patrick’s Day Family-Fun Guide in Indianapolis for 2026
Greening of the Canal
Date/Time: Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 5-6 p.m.
Location: Ohio Street Canal Basin, Ohio and West Street, downtown Indianapolis
This free downtown kickoff starts St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Indianapolis. Families can watch the canal turn green and catch live entertainment and guest speakers before the official greening. The event organizers also list food trucks along Ohio Street. It is short, central and easy to pair with a walk downtown, though parking nearby is paid.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Tent Party
Date/Time: Friday, March 13, 2026 | Parade: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tent Party: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: North Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania, downtown Indianapolis
The annual downtown parade remains one of the city’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day traditions. Organizers describe it as family-friendly, with Irish-themed floats, marching bands, dancers, balloons and community groups. For families, the parade is the main draw, while the tent party runs longer before and after. It is free and open to the public.
Father Glenn’s St. Paddy’s Day Party
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Sullivan Hardware & Garden, Keystone location, 6955 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis
Sullivan Hardware’s annual party returns to its Keystone location with live entertainment, Irish-inspired food and drinks. The 2026 lineup includes the Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers, Irish dancers from the Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance and live music from the Tommy Duke Band. The event is held outdoors rain or shine. It can work for families stopping by during the day, but the atmosphere is more of a general community party than a kids-only event.
St. Patrick’s Day Party at Daniel’s Vineyard
Date/Time: Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 4-7 p.m.
Location: Daniel’s Vineyard, 9061 N 700 W, McCordsville, IN 46055
Daniel’s Vineyard is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party with live music from Toy Factory, food specials and festive drinks. Children are welcome, according to the event listing, but this one is clearly geared more toward adults and older kids since the live music, dancing and bar are inside the event area. Tickets are required for ages 10 and older.
Shamrock Run & Walk
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | Registration and packet pick-up: 9:30 a.m.; Race start: 11 a.m.
Location: Starts at IFD Union Hall, 748 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis; finishes at Bottleworks District, 906 Carrollton Ave., Indianapolis
This event is a 5K run/walk through Indianapolis neighborhoods and is better for families with kids who want an active way to celebrate. Organizers offer a family discount for groups of three or more. In 2026, the post-race celebration is set for Bottleworks, with live music, food and a beer garden after the finish.
Shamrock Drop
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | Noon-3 p.m.
Location: Grand Junction Plaza, Westfield
For families with younger kids, this is one of the more clearly kid-friendly picks on the list. Westfield’s annual Shamrock Drop is a free event with live Irish music, a scavenger hunt, crafts, airbrush tattoos and prize opportunities. Organizers also note carnival games as a paid attraction, along with food and beer vendors on site.
Know of another family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day event in the Indianapolis area? Let us know at [email protected].
