Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Dallas

In a city more famous for rodeo wranglers and fictional oil executives (remember J.R.?), Dallas, Texas seems an unlikely place to properly celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. However, it takes more than green beer and shamrocks to entertain these loyal cowboys. In the state where bigger is better, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dallas are no exception. Want to celebrate St. Pattie’s Texas style? Plan on clearing your calendar through March, as festivities last through the entire month.


March 3-5, 2006
The North Texas Irish Festival is the perfect place to set the tone for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. As the largest Irish musical event in the southwest (over 75,000 people attend), the North Texas Irish Festival features traditional Irish musicians, dancers, and vendors.

This year, the theme of the festival is “Heirs of Erin.” Some of the featured acts will be: Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, The Makem Brothers, Robbie O’Connell, and John Williams.

Rates for the event are as follows:
• Friday Night $10
• Saturday or Sunday $15
• 3 Day Pass $30
• Children 11 and under Free

March 11, 2006
Revelers who enjoy a more quirky parade will certainly appreciate the Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade. With 1500 participants, the parade—which begins near Blackwell at 10 a.m.—boasts celebrity judges (yet to be announced) and silly awards. “Least Likely to Finish” to “The Toilet Bowl Award” are among 17 awards handed out at the post party and award ceremony directly after the parade on Yales Boulevard. Official festivities don’t end until 6 p.m., so plan on staying a while. After that, you can continue your St. Patrick’s Day celebration into the wee hours at Jack’s Pub.