Bill Schierl

The Wisconsinite’s Guide: St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Bill Schierl
The Wisconsinite’s Guide: St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner (Tuesday, March 17th, in fact)! Do you have any plans? If not, you should...it’s St. Patrick's Day! And no, just replacing your morning coffee with a Shamrock Shake doesn’t count. 

 

 Irish heritage runs deep in Wisconsin, and we’re proud of that. For proof, check out these amazing St. Patrick's Day celebrations happening throughout the Badger State! 

 

  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Downtown Milwaukee, WI 

Near the Milwaukee area this weekend? Head downtown on Saturday, March 14th to witness one of Wisconsin’s largest (and oldest) parades. With over 100 unique groups featuring Irish dance teams, traditional bands, and even local celebrities, you’ll be glad you turned out for it! 

 

Plus, the parade starts at noon. That means there’s plenty of time to wake up, shake off last night’s “one too many”, and join the holiday fun. If the weather is a bit brisk for your liking, take a shot or two of Lone Duck Cinnamon Whiskey and you’ll be good to go.  

 

  • St. Patrick's Day Parade & Irish Fest – New London, WI 

For one glorious week in March, the town of New London is transformed into a popular Irish locale. Festivities officially begin on Monday, March 16th when local “Leprechauns” from the Shamrock Club change the town signs to “New Dublin”.  

 

All week long, the town celebrates with music, dancing, serving up corned beef and cabbage, and much more! On Saturday, March 21st, visit the New Dublin Irish Fest from 11 am – 6 pm. Enjoy Irish food, beverages, vendors, and live Celtic bands! 

 

When the clock strikes 1:00 pm, head downtown for the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the state...seriously, there’s over 125 floats! 

 

  • Shamrock Shuffle & St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Madison, WI 

If MadTown is more your scene, fear not – there's plenty of festive events happening there, too! 

 

On Saturday, March 14th, start your day on State Street by joining the Shamrock Shuffle 2, 5, or 10k race. After thoroughly getting your sweat on, watch as the Irish flag is hoisted on the Capital building. But wait, there’s more! Stick around for a parade on Capital Square to follow. 

 

And, since you started your day with cardio, might as well skip the green beer and opt for low-calorie Lakeview Vodka cocktails! Because #Fitspiration 😉 

 

  • Irish Fest – La Crosse, WI 

If you find yourself near La Crosse on Saturday, March 14th, you’re in for a day full of festivities! Head downtown at noon for a parade, followed by a short walk to Dublin Square. We hope you like Rueben sandwiches...there will be plenty of them! 

 

You can expect singing, dancing, traditional Irish music, and food galore. And, in true Wisconsin fashion...lots of drinks!  

 

No matter how you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, have fun and treat yourself to a few of your favorite cocktails. If you’re not the parade or festival type, check out our Where To Buy list to find local places to celebrate with a smaller crowd. Belly up to the bar and sip on a Riverbank Refresher, Lone Duck Old Fashioned, or one of the festive cocktails below! 

 

The Shamrock Sour 

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice 

  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice 

  • ¼ cup simple syrup 

  • 2 oz. Shorewood whiskey 

  • 1 drop of green food coloring 

  • Garnish with a lime wedge 

Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake well. Strain over ice and garnish with a lime wedge. 

 

The Lucky Leprechaun 

  • 2 oz. Lakeview Vodka 

  • 1 oz. Blue Curacao 

  • 4 oz. Orange juice 

  • A splash of lemon-lime soda 

Pour Lakeview Vodka and Blue Curacao in a glass over ice. Add the splash of lemon-lime soda and top with orange juice. 

 

The Irishman 

  • 1 part Lone Duck Cinnamon Whiskey 

  • 1 part Baileys Irish Cream 

This cocktail is as simple as it is tasty - combine ingredients in glass over ice. Stir and serve! 

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!