Emmetsburg, Iowa, and Dublin, Ireland, were officially declared sister cities in 1962. More than 60 years later, the local St. Patrick’s Association continues to ensure celebrations are stronger than ever.
You don’t need a rainbow to lead you to these Iowa pots of gold. Find several St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happening across the state.
Davenport: The St. Patrick Society keeps luck alive in the Quad Cities. The party kicks off March 17 with a luncheon and live music. The Grand Parade XXXVII begins at 10 a.m. sharp March 18, and a post-parade bash closes things out. Learn more about each event and make your travel plans on the society’s website.
Emmetsburg: This northeastern Iowa town overflows with Irish heritage and culture. Named by early Irish settlers for Irish patriot Robert Emmet (1778-1803), Emmetsburg goes all in for Ireland’s patron saint. Festivities include a Miss Shamrock Pageant, parade, fish fry and chainsaw artist. See the full schedule.
Burlington and Dyersville: Pretend you’re chasing your very own pot of gold in the Shamrock Shuffle, a 5K race in Burlington. Or get competitive with the 8K Gaelic Gallop in Dyersville.
Other cities: If you love green beer with bangers and mash, you can find them at plenty of Irish pubs across the state. Party like an Irishman at the “Let’s Get Lucked Up” event hosted by Founders Irish Pub in Bondurant, or head to Iowa City’s official St. Patty’s pub crawl. Otherwise, Jameson’s Public House in Waterloo and Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill in Ames serve Emerald Isle fare any day of the year.
