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Family Friendly St. Patty's Day Events In Denver

St. Patrick's Day is usually a day reserved for festivities that are strictly 21 and over. However, the kids do not have to be left out of this one. Denver has plenty of activities earlier in the day that families with kids of all ages can enjoy. Yes, even the Irish pubs and bars are getting into the family friendly action, and you can safely bring the little leprechauns to enjoy the festivities before the pints starts flowing.

St. Patrick's Day Parad
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade
Begins and ends at Coors Field
2001 Blake St
Denver, CO 80205
www.denverstpatricksdayparade.com

Price: Free
Date: March 17, 2012
Time: 10 a.m.

The 50th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is the perfect activity to celebrate the day with your family. The parade starts at Coors Field, will travel down Blake Street to 17th, then up to Wynkoop and back to Coors Field. Get there a bit early to find a good spot, then get ready to enjoy marching bands, pipe bands, parade floats and plenty of Irish fun.

Runnin' Of The Green
1700 Wazee St
Denver, CO 80216
www.rotg.org

Price: $45 on race day
Date: March 11, 2012
Time: 10:15 a.m.

The annual Runnin' Of the Green is a great family friendly race/walk that is centered around St. Patrick's Day and the Irish traditions. With both a long and a short course option, plus a huge post-race party, this is a great way to enjoy St. Patrick's day a bit early. The post-race party features Irish music from the Potcheen Band, Reed Irish Dancers, The Colorado Youth Pipe Band and of course there will be plenty of Corned Beef.

Little Ireland Music Festival
2200 Blake St
Denver, CO 80205
www.littleirelandmusicfestival.com

Price: Free
Date: March 17, 2012
Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

After you and the family have enjoyed all of the fun viewing the annual parade, head back over near Coors Field to enjoy the Little Ireland Music Festival. There will be free food, beverages, and spirits plus a kids' play area with baseball cages. The stage will light up with lots of great live Irish music and you can peruse the Irish Village with other entertainment, arts and crafts, local charities and more

St. Patrick's Day Boy with Leprechaun Hat
Photo Credit: ThinkStock


Irish Snug
1201 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 839-1394
www.irishsnug.com

Price: Free
Date: March 17, 2012
Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Irish Snug may be one of the busiest places in Denver on Saturday, March 17th, but if you get there earlier in the day it will be featuring Irish bands, Irish step-dancers, pipe bands and so much more. So dress the kids up in their best green outfits and head down after the parade. However, it is still a good idea to head to the Snug early to enjoy the festivities, because once evening hits it is certainly no place for children.

Fado Irish Pub
1735 19th St
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 297-0066
www.fadoirishpub.com

Price: Free for families before 4:00 P.M.
Hours: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Fado Irish Pub hosts an annual week-long tribute to all things Irish, and this year will be no exception. On Saturday, March 17th, head there early for a traditional Irish breakfast, and enjoy a full day of entertainment. Fado welcomes families with children before 4:00 p.m., but once that time hits, it is strictly 21 and over. Be sure to check its website to view all of the fun activities that Fado will be offering during the week.

Related: Best Parks For Kids In Denver


Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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