Without a doubt, Omaha knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! With over 15% of locals claiming Irish heritage, the city hosts one of the oldest parades west of the Mississippi and has a vibrant mix of traditions. This guide covers everything from family-friendly events, Irish pubs, bar crawls, races, and cultural performances. Whether you’re enjoying the parade, sampling food and drinks, or soaking in Irish music and dance, here are festive things to do in Omaha for St. Patrick’s Day!
- Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events
- Best Irish Pubs for St. Patrick’s Day in Omaha
- Omaha St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls
- St. Paddy’s Day Craft Beer Specials in Omaha
- St. Patrick’s Day Races & Fitness Events
- Cultural Performances & Hidden Gems
Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events
St. Patrick’s Day in Omaha doesn’t have to revolve around adult-exclusive nightlife. From hands-on crafts to iconic parades, there are plenty of ways for kids of all ages to celebrate, especially during the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.
The Hooley
Omaha’s St. Patrick’s season starts weeks earlier with The Hooley, hosted by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians at German American Society. A “hooley” is Irish slang for a lively party with music, and that’s exactly what this event delivers. The Hooley blends live entertainment, a traditional Irish dinner, and family-friendly cultural activities under one roof. It’s part fundraiser, part reunion, and part cultural showcase, with music and dance that spotlight the depth of Omaha’s Irish community.
- Address: 3717 S 120th St, Omaha
- Date: Mar. 1, 2026, 12-6 p.m.
- Cost: $20 adults & $8 kids / $5 entry without food ticket
The 148th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The heart of St. Patrick’s Day in Omaha is the 148th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The parade dates back to the 1880s, making it one of the longest-running Irish celebrations west of the Mississippi. It’s not just floats and fire trucks—it’s a showcase of Irish culture in the city. The Omaha Pipes & Drums, which has performed since 1970, are a perennial highlight, alongside the CRAOÍ NA TÍRE Irish Dancers. Crowd favorites include a steady stream of candy tossed along the route and the friendly “Guns and Hoses” competition between police and firefighters the following day.
- Location: Starts at 16th & Capitol
- Date: Mar. 14, 2026, 11 a.m.
- Cost: Free
Learning Express
One of the most creative options for St. Paddy’s celebrations in Omaha, Learning Express hosts themed activities throughout mid-March. Designed for preschool and elementary ages, sessions often include making St. Patrick’s Day slime, leprechaun sensory jars, and hedgehog crafts. It’s a smaller, structured setting that’s ideal for young kids who prefer hands-on projects over big crowds.
- Address: 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha
- Date: March 10th, 13th, and 17th, 11 a.m.
- Cost: Free
La Vista Public Library
If you’re looking for something simple and free, La Vista Public Library offers a drop-in rainbow craft through mid-March and a Shamrock Party on March 20th. Kids can create colorful take-home projects at their own pace, with parental participation required. It’s an easy weekday or weekend stop that keeps the holiday low-key and creative.
- Address: 9110 Giles Rd, La Vista
- Date: Ongoing through mid-March
- Cost: Free
Best Irish Pubs for St. Patrick’s Day in Omaha
Many of the best Irish pubs in Omaha are locally-owned, steeped in family history, and serious about Irish food, music, and hospitality. On St. Patrick’s Day, they open early, bring in live pipes and dancers, and serve everything from full Irish breakfasts to whiskey-glazed salmon.
Annie’s Irish Pub
In Omaha’s Capitol District, Annie’s has become the unofficial post-parade headquarters. Expect green eggs & ham specials, steady live music, and a packed house well into the afternoon.
- Address: 1101 Davenport St, Capitol District (Downtown Omaha)
- Cost: No cover
- Opens: 12 p.m.
- Parking: Garage parking, street parking
Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill
A Midtown classic, Barrett’s goes all-in on tradition. Its Irish breakfast poutine, Guinness gravy, and a fried egg are a one-of-a-kind St. Patrick’s Day order you won’t find elsewhere in Omaha. Castle Barrett opens at 11 a.m. for a full Irish luncheon, the outdoor beer garden fills quickly, and Omaha Pipes & Drums typically make an appearance. Note: it’s cash only on St. Patrick’s Day, but there’s an ATM inside.
- Address: 4322 Leavenworth St, Midtown
- Cost: No cover
- Opens: 8 a.m.
- Parking: Street parking
Brazen Head Irish Pub
The bar inside Brazen Head Irish Pub was designed in Dublin, built in Wexford, shipped across the Atlantic, and reassembled in Omaha, so you know these guys are serious about tradition! The food goes beyond the basics with six variations of Irish potato pancakes, whiskey-glazed salmon with colcannon, and classic corned beef and cabbage. Live music and Irish dancers rotate throughout the day, and the outdoor beer garden runs from late morning through the evening.
- Address: 319 N 78th St, Central Omaha
- Cost: No cover
- Opens: 6 a.m.
- Parking: On-site parking lot
Clancy’s Pub Pizza & Grill
Clancy’s has hosted the longest-running St. Patrick’s Day party in Omaha since 1977. Early arrivals score free green bagels and donuts with a drink purchase (while supplies last), and the celebration spills into a heated outdoor tent shared with Office West Lounge. CRAOÍ NA TÍRE Irish Dancers and Omaha Pipes & Drums keep the energy high.
- Address: 2905 S 168th St, West Omaha (168th & Center)
- Cost: $10 cover includes access to Office West Lounge
- Opens: 6 a.m.
- Parking: On-site parking lot
The Dubliner Pub
Tucked into the basement of a 1894 National Register building in the Old Market, The Dubliner Pub feels like a true underground Irish bar in Omaha. It’s known for its Lucky Charms and Guinness breakfast—a playful but beloved tradition—and keeps live music going throughout the day. It also serves as the starting point for Lucky’s Bar Crawl each afternoon.
- Address: 1205 Harney St, Old Market
- Cost: No cover
- Opens: 6 a.m.
- Parking: Street parking and nearby parking garages
Donohue’s Sport Pub & Grill
In South Omaha, Donohue’s is worth visiting for the Irish Community Mural alone. This painted tribute on the exterior brick wall honors railroad workers, stockyard laborers, and the historic Sheely Town neighborhood. Inside, pints remain refreshingly affordable, with Irish stew and corned beef and cabbage served starting at 10:30 a.m. It’s also a frequent party bus stop on parade weekend.
- Address: 3232 L St, South Omaha
- Cost: No cover; $2.75-$4 pints
- Opens: 6 a.m.
- Parking: Street parking
Maloney’s Irish Pub
Maloney’s Irish Pub opens at 6 a.m. and serves green pancakes from 6 to 10 a.m. to those who like to kick off the festivities early. Omaha Pipes & Drums typically performs in the afternoon, and the kitchen turns out corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and crowd-pleasing Reuben egg rolls. There’s also a Council Bluffs location if you’re celebrating across the river.
- Address: 1830 N 72nd St, Central Omaha
- Cost: No cover
- Opens: 6 a.m.
- Parking: On-site parking lot
Paddy McGown’s
Near Hanscom Park, Paddy McGown’s is serious about corned beef, as it serves roughly 300 pounds in a single day. Sandwiches are stacked high on locally baked rye, alongside McPaddy Sandwiches, Reuben Egg Rolls, Blarney Stones, and homemade Irish potato soup. Afternoon Pipes & Drums performances and family-friendly face painting make it a strong all-ages option during the daytime hours.
- Address: 4503 Center St, Midtown
- Cost: No cover
- Opens: 7 a.m.
- Parking: On-site parking lot
Omaha St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls
Omaha bar crawls are a staple of St. Patrick’s Day, giving revelers a chance to hit multiple venues with a single wristband or ticket. Two main options dominate the metro: Lucky’s Bar Crawl and the PubCrawls.com St. Patrick’s Weekend Crawl, each offering a mix of drinks, music, and festive atmosphere.
- Saturday, March 14, 2026, 4 PM – 10 PM: Lucky’s Bar Crawl kicks off at The Dubliner Pub and includes 10+ stops, drink vouchers, and afterparty. $14-$20 per person.
- Saturday, March, 14, 2026, 1 PM & Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 5 PM: St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl hosted by PubCrawls starts at Billy Frogg’s Grill & Bar and includes drink specials and food deals. Up to $36 per person.
St. Paddy’s Day Craft Beer Specials in Omaha
If you’d rather celebrate with a well-balanced Irish red or a thoughtfully poured whiskey, Omaha’s craft scene delivers. These Omaha breweries bring local history, serious spirits, and live music into St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Upstream Brewing Company: Flanagan’s Irish Red Ale, Sunday brunch.
- Brickway Brewery & Distilllery: Coffee Vanilla Stout and Omaha Style IPA. $4 green beers.
- Crescent Moon Ale House: Craft Irish brews, Irish whiskey flights.
- Kinkaider Brewing Co.: Rotating craft brews, all-day live music
- Burdock + Bitters: Ticketed Irish whiskey tastings
St. Patrick’s Day Races & Fitness Events
For many Omaha residents, St. Patrick’s season means race bibs and finish lines as much as pints and pub crawls. From riverfront courses to state park hills, these events draw serious runners, casual joggers, and families looking for a festive way to celebrate.
- Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9:30 AM: Shamrock Shuffle in Downtown Council Bluffs includes post-run DJ, costume contest, live music, and more. $40 for adult race.
- Saturday, March 7, 2026, 4 PM: The Leprechaun Chase 10K starts at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum and runs through Mahoney State Park. $50 entrance fee.
- Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7:55 AM: Time to Paddy runs through the Omaha Riverfront and races include a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and kids dash. Prices vary by distance.
- Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9 AM: The 9th annual Shamrock Run in Aksarben Village follows the Keystone Trail. Adult race $35-$50. Kids race $6.
Cultural Performances & Hidden Gems
If you want to experience Irish culture in Omaha beyond green beer, bars, and event spaces, we have some great options for you! Inspired by Celtic tradition, these events highlight the music, storytelling, and immigrant history behind the holiday.
- Omaha Pipes & Drums: see and hear them at the St. Patrick’s Day parade and at pubs like Barrett’s Barleycorn and Maloney’s throughout the day.
- CRAOÍ NA TÍRE Irish Dancers: High-energy traditional step dancing to venues like Clancy’s Pub and the parade during St. Patrick’s Day.
- Irish Community Mural: Located on the exterior brick wall at Donohue’s pub in South Omaha.
Think we missed a St. Patrick’s Day event? Let us know! And for more things to do in Omaha, including the best sports bars and date night spots, check out Hurrdat ONE!
