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Top Family-Friendly St. Patrick's Day Events In Denver

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St. Patrick's Day is March 17, which means it's time to pull out your green wig, green clothing and any other St. Patrick's Day-inspired gear as you look for a place to imbibe on green beer, corned beef and, of course, cabbage. However, be sure not to leave the kids out of this annual holiday because everyone likes to participate in the fun. Sure, as the sun sets, most of the St. Patrick's Day fun is for those over the age of 21, but earlier in the day there are lots of great ways to enjoy the holiday as a family.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
19th Street and Wynkoop St.
Denver, CO 80202
www.denverstpatricksdayparade.com

March 12, 2016
Price: Free

The most popular St. Patrick's Day event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Denver. For more than 50 years, Denver's parade has brought thousands of eager St. Patrick's Day revelers out to enjoy all kinds of Irish culture. From live music to parade floats, marching bands and more, there is a lot to see at this annual treat. Make sure to get there early so you can find a good spot along the parade route where you and your kiddos can get a great view of the action. Then just hang out and enjoy the spectacle as you kick off the holiday in style with the whole family.

Riverdance: The 20th Anniversary World Tour
The Buell Theatre
1101 13th St.
Denver, CO 80204
(800) 641-1222
www.denvercenter.org

March 8 through 13, 2016
Price: Tickets start at $30

The international mega-hit that is "Riverdance" brings its world tour to Denver just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy this incredible show featuring the very best of Irish dancing, storytelling, music and song. It's unlike any show you've ever seen before, drawing on Irish tradition and showcasing a rich culture and musical history. This very special show is also the 20th anniversary, so there are sure to be a few extra surprises thrown in for anyone who may have caught the tour last time it was in town. Get your tickets early and introduce the whole family to this beautiful and high-energy art form.

Related: Top Irish Bars In Denver

Runnin' Of The Green
17th St. and Blake St.
Denver, CO 80202
www.rotg.org

March 13, 2016
Price: Registration is $38

Take the family to this popular annual event and start your St. Patrick's Day celebrations off with some physical fitness. There are several different races to enjoy during the day, with a 7k race for adults and families with strollers. There is also an untimed, shorter 2.2-mile walk/run for the younger runners called the Leprechaun Leap. All runners get the new shirt for this year, and it's always fun to show up in your best green attire as you race for a great cause. This year the race benefits Volunteers of America, which helps more than 200,000 Coloradoans every year. So not only will you be giving your kids a physically active way to enjoy the holiday, but you'll also be supporting this important organization.

St. Patrick's Day Festival 2016
Olde Wadsworth Blvd and Grandview Ave
Arvada, CO 80002
(720) 849-3096
www.oldetownarvada.org

March 12, 2016
Price: Free to attend

Head up to historic Olde Town Arvada for this wonderful annual St. Patrick's Day shindig. Thousands of local Irish and Irish-for-the-day fans will be pouring into Olde Town Arvada for this massive festival, which includes live music, arts and crafts booths, food booths, entertainment for the kids and cocktails for the adults. The street is closed off and everyone is invited, so be sure to deck the kids out in some fun, bright green clothing and enjoy the newly expanded St. Patrick's Day Festival in Olde Town Arvada.

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

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