Boulder’s St. Paddy’s Weekend Guide ☘️
☘️ Boulder Goes Green This Weekend
Happy Friday, Boulder! 🌞
St. Patrick’s Day lands midweek this year, but Boulder is getting the party started early. This weekend brings a mix of quirky parades, Irish music, costumed pups, and even a sea of green runners taking over the streets. If you’re looking for festive ways to celebrate Irish culture (or just wear green and have a good time), here’s what’s happening around town.
Want more local recs? Check out our Things to Do in Boulder, Best Restaurants, and Date-Worthy Spots for even more ideas.
What color was originally associated with St. Patrick before green became the holiday’s symbol?
Click an option to vote
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🍗 Craving: Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
A longtime Boulder staple just off Pearl Street serving big plates of Tex-Mex favorites and some of the city’s most famous margaritas. Expect sizzling fajitas, loaded enchiladas, and a lively atmosphere—especially on the rooftop patio with views of the Flatirons. It’s the kind of place where one margarita often turns into two.
📍 1101 Walnut St, Boulde ⏰ 11 AM – 10 PM 💰 $20–30
🍀 St. Patrick’s Celebrations Around Boulder
Photo from Boulder Street Social
From tiny parades to puppy parties, Boulder’s celebrations are full of personality.
🐶 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Parade
📅 Saturday, March 14
⏰ Activities start 11 AM | Parade at 1 PM
🎟️ $10 per dog donation
Arguably the cutest St. Patrick’s event in Boulder returns this weekend. The St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Parade invites locals to dress up their dogs in shamrocks, leprechaun hats, or full Irish regalia for a short parade around Arapahoe Ave. and 38th Street.
Highlights include:
🐕 Costume contest with prizes
📸 Party photos with Reagan Elizabeth Photography
🐶 Adoptable pups from POSO Dog Rescue
🍺 Irish fare and beer specials for humans
🐾 A special puppy menu
Every participating dog raises money for POSO Dog Rescue, making this one festive event that also supports animals in need.
🎺 The World’s Smallest St. Patrick’s Parade
📅 Saturday, March 14
⏰ Parade begins at 12 PM
🎟️ Free (After-party $10–$15)
Leave it to Boulder to host one of the quirkiest St. Patrick’s traditions around.
The World’s Smallest St. Patrick’s Parade may be tiny in length, but it’s big on spirit. Expect bagpipes, Irish dancers, cruiser bikes, wolfhounds, and the legendary Paddy ‘O Drill Team marching down Pearl Street.
After the parade, the celebration continues at the Odd Fellows Lodge with a fundraiser after-party featuring live Irish music by Avourneen, food, and plenty of festive cheer.
🏃 Lucky Leprechaun 5K Fun Run
📍 Twisted Pine Brewing Company
📅 Sunday, March 15
If your idea of celebrating involves fresh air and a little movement before the beer, the Lucky Leprechaun 5K is Boulder’s most energetic St. Paddy’s event.
Runners will kick off the morning dressed in their best green gear before celebrating at the finish line with:
🍀 Irish breakfast burritos
🍺 Twisted Pine beers including Irish Red Ale and Nitro Stout
🎶 Live Irish music by Avourneen
💃 Performances by McTeggart Irish Dancers
Expect a festive crowd, lots of costumes, and a lively post-run party.
What's Happenin' in Boulder
Friday, March 13
Saturday, March 14
Sunday, March 15
Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar
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💘 Date Spot in Boulder
Boulder dates blend nature and culture effortlessly. Stroll Pearl Street Mall for coffee and people-watching, wander the Boulder Creek Path, or catch golden hour beneath the Flatirons at Chautauqua Park. For something laid-back, North Boulder’s breweries and eateries keep things casual and cozy.
👉 Vote and we’ll share the top picks—chosen by locals—in an upcoming issue. 💌
🍻 See You Out There
Whether you’re cheering on costumed dogs, watching the shortest parade in the world, or running through town dressed like a leprechaun, Boulder has plenty of ways to celebrate Irish culture this weekend.
Wear something green, bring your friends, and enjoy the festivities.
Trivia Answer: B) Blue.
Early depictions of St. Patrick and Irish royal symbolism used “St. Patrick’s Blue.” Green later became the dominant color because of Ireland’s nickname — The Emerald Isle — and the tradition of wearing shamrocks.
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See you Monday, Boulder ☘️
— Ben
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