Guide to St. Patrick's Day in Salt Lake City: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

Salt Lake City St. Patrick's Day Parade

The annual Salt Lake City St. Patrick's Day parade, sponsored by the Hibernian Society of Utah, will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on March 14, 2020, rain or shine. The line of march will begin at 200 South and 500 East, proceeding west and ending at State Street. This community event typically has over 20,000 spectators and participants, along with food and art booths.

After the parade at 11 a.m., there will be a siamsa—a party with live Irish music, dance, and food—at The Gallivan Center.

Hibernian Poetry Night at St. Mark's Cathedral

Members of the Hibernian Society of Utah will honor 42 years of Irish heritage and traditions during "A Night with the Irish Poets." Guests can enjoy refreshments and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Ireland's government. The event takes place on February 29, 2020, from 7 to 9 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) at St. Mark's Cathedral. Irish literature and Celtic gifts will be available for sale.

The event is free but the organizers request that attendees bring a can of food to donate to the St. Mark's food bank. Park and enter on the north side of the building.

A Highland Bagpipe Experience

Learn to play the bagpipes in the true Highland style with the Utah Pipe Band, a group that was established by Scottish immigrants in 1937. On March 13, 2020, from 6:30-8:00 p.m., the Utah Pipe Band will teach bagpipe to beginners, give a history lesson, and close things out with a performance in this free event at The Gallivan Center. Light refreshments will be served.

Get Lucky 2020 at The Great Saltair

Invoke the spirit of luck by donning the greenest and goldest costume you can dream of. Those ages 18 and above are invited to prosper at the Get Lucky Event at the Great Saltair venue starting at 7 p.m. on March 13, 2020, in Magna, about a 20-minute drive from Salt Lake City. The electronic dance music event features various DJs spinning tunes until 2 a.m. the next day.

Buy tickets online; prices range from $60 to $155.

Have a Pint at SLC Irish Pubs

If you like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by having a Guinness or two with friends or family, try one of these Salt Lake area Irish-themed pubs and restaurants:

• Piper Down, an Olde World Pub: 1492 South State Street, Salt Lake City, 801-468-1492
• Murphy's Bar and Grill: 160 South Main St., Salt Lake City, 801-359-7271
• Leprechaun Inn: 4700 S. 900 E., Murray, 801-268-3294
• MacCools Public House: 1400 South Foothill Blvd, #166, Salt Lake City, 801-582-3111, with an additional location in Layton
• The Republican: 917 South State St., Salt Lake City, 801-595-1916

Celtic Celebration at Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden

Experience the cultures of Ireland and Scotland at the annual Celtic Celebration in Ogden, an approximately 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City. High energy jigs and lyrical ballads will entertain guests, along with step dancers, drums, and haunting pipes. Callanish plays Irish and Scottish music and more; the youth group Celtic Beat Irish Dancers is a group of artists from ages 8 to 18, and the Wasatch & District Pipe Band performs on bagpipes.

The whole family can enjoy the celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 12, 2020, at Peery's Egyptian Theater.