Whether you’re a card-carrying Celtic or just Irish at heart, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day in Columbia with your kids!
St. Patrick’s Day Celebratory Kick-Off Event
It seems like Columbia doesn’t just limit St. Patrick’s Day to a one-day celebration. Before the big festivities, on February 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., is the kick-off event. Irish-themed entertainment, including bagpipers, traditional dancing, face painting, balloon animals and more, will be sure to put you in the shamrock spirit. Children can join other little leprechauns and help dye the fountain green.
Full Steam Ahead: St. Patrick’s Day
Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day with some slimy and sticky STEAM activities on March 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the South Congaree Branch of Lexington Library. (grades K–5)
Get to the Green St. Patrick’s Day 5k & 1mi Family Fun Run
- 5k Start – 9 a.m.
- 1mi Start – starts immediately following the 5k starters. All participants will line up simultaneously.
- Medals for first 100 finishers
- Registration – beginning at 8 a.m.; last bib assigned at 8:45 a.m.
Watch Freely: Wolfwalkers
Spend an idyllic morning watching Wolfwalkers, an enthralling Irish animated film featuring Celtic mythology, adventure, friendship, and love at Richland Library Edgewood on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the “Wolfwalkers” and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.
Shamrock Festival Kids Zone
Just Play: Leprechaun Games
Get to the Green Family (and Individual) Run
For the more active family, there is the Get to the Green 10K, 5K and Family Fun 1-miler on March 16 at 7:30 a.m. Each entry comes with admission to the festival, so it’s a great way to kick off the day if you plan on indulging later. No need to dress like a serious runner, Erin Go Braugh and dress as your favorite leprechaun. Race start times: 10K at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 7:45 a.m. and Family Fun 1-Miler at 8:00 a.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Thousands will gather along Devine Street to catch Columbia’s most Irish parade! It starts at Devine Street and Sims Avenue in Shandon, takes a right on Harden Street in Five Points, and ends at College Street. The Grand Marshal kicks off the parade at on March 16 at 10:00 a.m.! Be sure to bust out that kilt, beer hat, Shamrock shirt and pick a spot to celebrate!
St. Patrick’s Day Event
Pot O’Gold Playland
After the parade, you can take the family to the Pot O’Gold playland. There will be face painting, balloon artistry and more for the kids to enjoy! You can visit the playland anytime on March 16 between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Andy’s Deli parking lot at 2005 Green Street. Before leaving the Pot O’Gold Playland, grab your “Pot O’Gold Pass” to get back into the festival! Adults/Guardians can receive a one-time re-entry into the festival, and enjoy the rest of the day’s offerings!
Soda City St. Patrick’s Day Event
Soda City is stopping at the Krafty Draft in Lexington for a St. Patrick’s Day event on March 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will a photo booth, pots of gold, bounce house, and many more!!! We will be open for food and drinks!! Save the date!!!
