Hello, neighbors! March is here, and you know what that means: it’s time to break out the green. Whether your ideal St. Patrick’s Day involves chasing toddlers through a parade, sneaking vegetables into green-tinted food, or finally snagging a babysitter for a well-deserved date night, our area has something special brewing.
Since St. Patrick's Day falls on a Tuesday this year, most of our local Union County festivities are kicking off on Saturday, March 14th. Here is your ultimate guide to celebrating with the kids - and escaping without them!
Out and About: Family-Friendly Festivities
If you want to get the kids out of the house to burn off some energy, there are plenty of wholesome, green-clad events happening right in our backyard.
- The Matthews Shamrock Shuffle (Matthews)
- When: Saturday, March 14 - 12:00 PM
- The Vibe: A community-wide, free celebration in the heart of Matthews featuring local vendors and festive food. It’s perfect for families looking for an easy, daytime festival atmosphere.
- Event Details
- Shake Your Shamrocks at Lore Brewing (Indian Land/Waxhaw area)
- When: Saturday, March 14 - 12:00 PM
- The Vibe: Lore Brewing is hosting a day-long party that is very family-friendly. With green beer for the grown-ups and a lively atmosphere for the kids, it's a great local staple.
- Event Details
- Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival (Uptown)
- When: Saturday, March 14 - 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Parade at 11:00 AM)
- The Vibe: It's worth the short drive! Kids will love the bagpipers, Irish dancers, and massive parade floats, while parents can enjoy the sprawling vendor festival afterward.
- Event Details
Bringing the Luck of the Irish Home
Staying in? You can absolutely create some magic right at the kitchen counter. Here are a few foolproof ways to celebrate at home:
Kid-Friendly Activities
- Build a Leprechaun Trap: Raid the recycling bin for shoeboxes and construction paper. Let the kids engineer their best "trap" the night before. Pro-mom tip: leave a few chocolate gold coins behind as proof of a near-miss!
- Green Scavenger Hunt: Hide green items or shamrock cutouts around the house. The one who finds the most wins the "pot of gold" (a bowl of treats or a fun privilege for the day). Download & Print this Scavenger Guide.
Festive Family Recipes
- Rainbow Fruit Skewers: Slide strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple, green grapes, and blueberries onto a skewer. Serve with a "cloud" of vanilla yogurt for dipping.
- Corned Beef & Swiss Sliders: Layer deli-sliced corned beef and Swiss cheese on Hawaiian rolls. Bake at 350°F until melted - much faster than boiling a brisket!
- Copycat Shamrock Shakes: Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring. Top with whipped cream and a cherry.
Mom & Dad’s Pot of Gold: Local Pubs & Date Night Spots
Sometimes the best way to celebrate is with a proper pint of Guinness and no diaper bag in sight. Here are the best spots in Union County for a date night or a fun night out.
Waxhaw
- Mary O'Neill's Irish Pub: For the most authentic experience in Union County. Expect traditional Irish fare, perfectly poured pints, and plenty of "blarney."
- Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse Grill: Their annual St. Patrick's Day Bash kicks off at 11:00 AM on March 14th with elevated pub food and a bustling downtown atmosphere.
Monroe
- 5th Annual Downtown Monroe St. Paddy's Day Pub Crawl: Join the fun on March 14th from 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM! Local favorites like Southern Range Brewing Co. and Americana Beer Company will be participating with special releases and food trucks.
- Clover's Curse at The 13th Acre: For a unique date, try this St. Patrick's-themed haunted attraction. It features a haunted trail, live music, and green beer.
Indian Trail & Nearby
- St. Patrick's Day Paint & Sip at Carolina Beer Temple (Matthews): A laid-back alternative to the crawls on Friday, March 13th. Paint an Irish masterpiece while enjoying rare craft imports.
- St. Paddy’s Partner WOD & Pub Crawl: For active couples, CrossFit Mecklenburg hosts a partner workout on Saturday, March 21st, followed by a community crawl.
Have a safe, lucky, and wonderful St. Patrick's Day!
💌 Hey, Union County!
Macaroni KID Union County is your go-to source for family fun right here in our community. I share local events, activities, camps, and ideas that make it easier to plan your days and weekends with kids - without spending hours searching.
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