The Emerald Isles never felt closer to home … Whether you’re Irish by blood or just for the day, there’s a bit of magic (or should we say “luck”?) for every clan. Delight your brood by celebrating this charming and rather green holiday with a leprechaun race, a parade or a hearty Irish meal.
No need to wait until the 17th — plenty of shenanigans await in the days ahead.
March 7
May the wind always be at your back! Two family-friendly races are taking place on this day. If you’re quick, you might even be fortunate enough to catch a leprechaun.
Lee’s Summit
The Time to Paddy 5K/10K & Lucky 13.1 race day starts at the top o’ the morning (7:55). Lads and lassies (10 and under) gather at the starting line for an unlimited dash. A special medal waits at the finish line — like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
Runners 12 and under may register for the 5k/10k for a discounted fee, and spirited family members can prove their grit in the half-marathon called the Lucky 13.1.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Save a coin — if your wee runner is content to forgo the registration swag (bib, youth shirt and medal), he or she is still welcome to partake in the Kids Dash free of charge.
Westport
Bagpipes sound at the starting line as those short on legs and years sprint the one-block Little Leprechaun Run. Each participant receives a shirt, gift bag and finisher medal. Registration costs approximately $20 per runner.
Awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers in the 9 and under, 10-14 and 15-19 age groups. Families may visit the awards table near the finish line if they prefer to leave before the ceremony.
Other festivities at the Westport St. Patrick’s Day Run include a one-mile walk and a four-mile run — perfect for older children, parents or grandparents.
KC Parent Pro Tip: For a post-race meal, try Browne’s Irish Marketplace (a short stroll to 3300 Pennsylvania Ave.). Order sandwiches on toasted slices of rye, wheatberry or sourdough bread, plus a helping of Irish potato soup to warm you up inside and out.
North Kansas City
“Dublin” the fun by entering your wee ones in the Lad & Lassie Contest. On Saturday, March 7, gather at the North Kansas City Parks and Recreation Center at 10:30 for a grand tradition. Lads and lassies in the two eligible age categories (2-4 and 5-7 years) are judged not on talent or beauty, but on their Irish spirit. ’Tis no requirement for costumes. However, “Irish flair” is encouraged. You’ll want your children to be donned in green, festive apparel or clothes fitting this year’s theme: Kicks and Kilts.
Lest you think this is a mere contest, be advised that Worlds of Fun is sponsoring the competition with prizes and character appearances.
Pay mind, parents, that to qualify, your offspring must have his or her birthday by March 1, 2026. Those who charm their way to the top of each group are awarded a seat in the Snake Saturday Parade.
March 14
You may find yourself between a shamrock and a hard place when deciding between these parades. But don’t fret. There’ll be no shortage of shenanigans at either.
North Kansas City
Starting at 11:00 on March 14, the Snake Saturday Parade will mark its 43rd year. Rain or shine, this celebration has occurred on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day since 1943. Not only does this event make Kansas City a little greener, but it also helps local charities with a little green as nonprofits build floats to compete for cash prizes. Approximately $2 million has been awarded to over 50 local charities. That’s not luck, KC — that’s love.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Consider it an Irish blessing to park outside the barricade zone. Aim for free street parking north of Armour or south of 18th. If you park inside the parade loop, you’re committed until about 1:00 p.m. — may no nap time be upon you.
Make the short trek to Howell and 18th Street for a festival open to families from 10:00 to 3:00. There’s something for every age, from a children’s petting zoo and stage show to the carnival and Clyde Ellis race car show!
Brookside
Gather your clan and journey to historic Brookside. Starting at 2:00, the annual St. Pat’s Warm-Up Parade will commence. Shops and the surrounding neighborhood welcome over 100 KC businesses and organizations for a grand procession.
In years past, Irish dancers, bagpipers and even Irish setters have been entrants! If you’ve never attended, this is one celebration that shan’t be missed, so mark it well.
March 17
’Twas once dubbed “the world’s shortest and worst parade.” Today, the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches proudly among the largest in the country — and with good reason. This celebration earns a memory the proper Irish way — full of merriment and good company.
More than 100 entrants take part in the grand procession, which steps off from Broadway & Linwood at the strike of 11:00.
Your wee ones (and you!) will be entertained by bands, car clubs, drill teams, dance squads, Irish dancers, motorcycle clubs and exciting floats. For example, in 2025, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium joined the fun with an otter exhibit, while a Brazilian jiujitsu club thrilled the crowd with live sparring atop a trailer. With the FIFA World Cup headed to KC this summer, parade organizers have fittingly chosen the theme “Irish Kicks in 2026.” Which creative floats will impress this holiday?
KC Parent Pro Tip: If you have sensitive souls amongst yourselves, consider avoiding crowds at the start of the route, the review stand and Westport area. A detailed parade map with parking options is available at KCIrishParade.com.
From one parent to another, let it be known that no candy or items will be tossed along the route. Since the parade begins at 11:00 and ends around 1:30, might I suggest the deli at Browne’s Irish Marketplace or fish and chips to-go from O’Dowd’s Gastrobar. Both locations are near the parade route. Alternatively, after being on your feet, an early dinner at The Craic or Conroy’s Public House may end the day with grins all around the table.