Shamrock Run and Walk today in Indianapolis will feature a four-mile course winding through the Near Northside neighborhood, ending at the Bottleworks District with a celebration featuring live music, a beer garden and food available for purchase at the Garage Food Hall.
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Get ready to go green.
St. Patrick’s Day is upon us, and even for those who don’t share an Irish heritage, it’s a chance to soak in the culture and have a little fun. In greater Indianapolis, They’ll put on some rousing céilí music, order up heaping piles of bangers and mash, and pour a pint of Guinness during what promises to be a spirited weekend.
People gathered this week in downtown Indianapolis for the “greening” of the downtown canal and lined the streets for the floats, marching bands, bagpipers and dancers in the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
In the small pubs and bars throughout central Indiana, people will pack in to listen to reels and jigs as Celtic music takes center stage.
From beloved traditions to community block parties to authentic celebrations of culture, here are some of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day events sure to be filled with shenanigans:
McGinleys’ Golden Ace Inn
Details: All day Saturday and Sunday, 2533 E. Washington St., Indianapolis.
What: St. Patrick’s Day is a time when anyone can pretend to be Irish. But the Golden Ace is the real deal. The longtime family-owned bar on Indianapolis’ east side was founded by Irish immigrants in 1934, and their St. Patrick’s parties have become renowned as some of the best and most authentic in the country.
Gather inside the intimate pub, or take part in the massive heated tent party outside. Music will be playing all three days, including sets by Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, Brigid’s Cross, J.P. & the Donegal Boys and many local Irish acts. Celebrate authentically with Mass at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. You must be 21 or over to attend. Leave your credit cards at home, though; the bar only accepts cash.
Shamrock Run and Walk
Details: 11 a.m. Saturday, Indianapolis Fire Department Union Hall Local 416, 748 Massachusetts Ave.
What: For local residents who want physical challenge, people are invited to take part in one of the oldest and longest-running races in Indianapolis. Participants don their greenest gear and circle a new four-mile route through the city’s Near Northside, starting at the IFD Union Hall before finishing at the Bottleworks District.
After the run, celebrate your accomplishment with live music from Irish singer/songwriter Katherine Nagy with guest Tim Wright, U2 tribute act A Beautiful Day and the Po’ Boys. Food will be available to purchase inside the Garage Food Hall while a beer garden is set up outside. All proceeds support youth athletic programs in need.
St. Patrick’s Irish Stew
Details: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville.
What: Mallow Run embraces the tastes of the Emerald Isle as part of its Winter Warm-up Weekends. Visitors to the winery can purchase a bowl of savory stew, rich with beef, potatoes and onions, along with freshly baked bread. While filling your stomach and sipping on wine, enjoy music from a pair of local musicians — John Ryan performs from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday while Robin Embry performs classic rock and Americana from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
