Celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day are already underway in Cincinnati, and it’s looking to be a perfect weekend for it.
With highs in the 60s and 70s coming up this weekend, there’s no better time to get out and party—although, unfortunately, St. Paddy’s Day proper will likely be the coldest day all month. Regardless, the Queen City will still be drinking.
Get outside in as much green as you can fit on your body and prepare for a great time with these major events.
Cincinnati’s 58th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, The Banks, downtown, 11:45 a.m.
The region’s longest-running Irish celebration returns for its 58th year, stepping off along Mehring Way near Paycor Stadium, turning north on Joe Nuxhall Way and concluding at The Banks. Former University of Cincinnati quarterback and Cincinnati sports broadcaster Tony Pike will serve as Grand Marshal, bringing hometown pride to the 2026 celebration. Guinness joins as presenting sponsor, reinforcing the event’s authentic Irish atmosphere. FOX 19 will broadcast the parade live from 12 to 1 p.m.
Irish Coffee Tasting at The Banks
Friday, The Banks, downtown, 5:30-8 p.m.
Five bars at The Banks want you to feel the luck of the Irish. Following their sold-out espresso martini tasting event two weeks ago, the Cincinnati Coffee Festival is bringing another caffeine-fueled event to the downtown area on Friday, March 13. Guests can pay $25 to get a free classic or specialty Irish coffee at Holy Grail, Moerlein Lager House, Killer Queen, The Park and Jefferson Social, with special discounts on food and other Irish-themed cocktails at each stop.
Friday, Newport on the Levee, Newport, 4-7 p.m.
Get ready for a shamrockin’ good time. Bagpipers, green beer, Irish dancing, face-painting, live music and performers and plenty more are at the Levee this Friday.
LepreCON: St. Patrick’s Day Block Party
Saturday, The Banks, downtown, 2 p.m.
Promising “the largest gathering of leprechauns in Cincinnati,” this free celebration on Freedom Way features live music, entertainment and food and drink specials at participating venues, including The Stretch and Killer Queen. Revelers are invited to paint the town green with festive attire, music and local favorites for an afternoon of fun following the parade.
Red Leprechaun’s Four-Day St. Patrick’s Bash
Saturday – Tuesday, Red Leprechaun Irish Pub, downtown
Popular downtown Irish pub Red Leprechaun is expanding to the road these next few days for a street-wide bash of all things St. Paddy’s. Events include live music, Guinness specials, a “split the G” competition, Irish food specials, merch giveaways, a ‘pour your own pint’ experience and more.
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
Tuesday, Over-the-Rhine, 4 p.m. to midnight.
Get ready for one of the luckiest Bar Crawls of the year this St. Patrick’s Day during Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl! Paint the city green from 4-10 p.m. with exclusive perks, including two or three complimentary drinks, a stylish Crawl With Us Stadium party cup, a bottle opener lanyard and more. Enjoy delicious food specials at select locations and take advantage of waived cover charges. Bars participating include Cobblestone OTR, Afterlife Bar, Liberty’s Bar & Bottle Shop, MOTR, Queen City Exchange, Revel OTR, and Rosedale. At 7 p.m., head to Nice Life for the Mid-Day Party, where great drinks, fantastic music and an unbeatable atmosphere will keep the celebration going strong. As the crawl ends, the thrill continues at the official after-party at Bloom OTR at 10 p.m., offering a dynamic atmosphere and a live DJ to keep the energy alive.
Tuesday, The Lackman, Over-the-Rhine, 3 p.m.-close
Get lucky at The Lackman, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with all-day drink specials and festive sips. Enjoy featured drinks, including $5 Guinness pints, $5 Irish Breakfast shots made with West Cork Irish Whiskey, plus a “Get Lucky” giveaway throughout the day. Whether stopping by early or celebrating late, Luck O’ the Lackman is the perfect place to raise a glass and enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Molly Malone’s St. Patrick’s Bash
Tuesday, Molly Malone’s, Covington, all day beginning at 7 a.m.
Get ready for one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Cincinnati area at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. On March 17, Court Street in front of the pub shuts down, and the Big Tent rises in the parking lot beside it, turning the area into a festival full of Irish music, dancing and fun.
The day kicks off bright and early with Kegs & Eggs at 7 a.m., and the first 100 guests receive a free souvenir shirt to start the festivities in style. Throughout the day, enjoy classic Irish food and drinks, from hearty fare to pints of green beer. Two stages rock with nonstop Irish music from 11 a.m. into the night, featuring Liam’s Fancy, Easter Rising, Bloody Tinth, Grey Dogs and Floyd & the Walkmen. With Irish dancers, bagpipers and a spirited crowd, the celebration comes alive in every corner.
St. Patrick’s Day at Nicholson’s
Tuesday, Nicholson’s, downtown, all day beginning at 10 a.m.
Celebrate the luck of the Irish at Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub this St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy classic Irish fare, festive drink specials and the sounds of bagpipes and Celtic dancing. Live music keeps the celebration going with Mike Oberst from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Eric Leyton from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Fin Tan from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring friends, raise a pint and join the downtown party for a St. Paddy’s Day full of music, fun and Irish tradition.
Saturday, Cincinnati Lager House, downtown, 9 a.m.
Join the Epilepsy Alliance Ohio as they host their annual Emerald Miles 5K Run/Walk at Cincinnati Lager House in memory of Dennis Stemler and everyone living with seizures. Your participation in this event helps the Epilepsy Alliance Ohio provide valuable services to our local community, including counseling, support groups, community education, group homes, Camp Flame Catcher for youth with epilepsy, an Adult Day Program and much more.
AHA Heart Mini-Marathon & Walk
Sunday, 5th and Lawrence St., downtown, 7:30 a.m.
The American Heart Association is holding several running-focused St. Patrick’s events this Sunday. Runners can choose between a half-marathon, 1K Steps for Stroke, 5K Heart Race, 15K Heart Mini, 1.5K Kids Race or the 5K Heart Walk.