St. Patrick’s Day Activities in Dallas

The city is going green — and this time we’re not just talking about environmental awareness. If you’ve ever celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Dallas, then you know it’s an event to remember. Whether you’re looking for a place to raise a pint and practice your pronunciation of “Sláinte!” or some Celtic-themed, family-friendly programming, visit Downtown Dallas. You won‛t want to miss all there is to do and see in conjunction with this holiday.

If you’d like to spend your holiday catching the local drink specials, make sure to check out Happiest Hour at Victory Park (2616 Olive St.) on March 11. The bar will be kicking off its weeklong celebration with a special Barrels + Burgers event that includes tastings of Jameson Irish whiskey, exclusive beers and whiskey burger sliders. Enjoy Dallas’ largest patio bar before it gets too packed. Tickets are $30.

Or, if you’d like to spend the holiday chasing that pot of gold, there’s a number of ways to get active. All this March, the organizers of the Virtual Run Challenge are sponsoring the St. Paddy’s Day “Run for My Gold” Virtual 5K Run/Walk. Since the challenge can be completed anywhere, you can make a tour of Downtown Dallas and put those miles towards your goal. Register and submit your race results online. A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Of course, if you’d rather avoid the large crowds and move at an even gentler pace, try something a little more zen at a special St. Patrick’s Day Yoga Flow and Meditation, hosted by Dan Hall. The event features a 60-minute yoga class and requests only a $10 donation to benefit LOVE in Motion, a local nonprofit that serves teachers, police officers and firefighters.

Attending the city’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival? You’re not alone. It’s the largest such festival in the Southwest. With over 125,000 attendees, this event will follow a two-mile route down Upper Greenville Avenue, showcasing more than 90 floats along the way. The parade route doubles as a party, to be sure, but you can feel especially good about your good time since proceeds from the parade benefit the Greenville Avenue Area Business Association Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than $115,000 to Dallas ISD students.

As for your afterparty needs, make sure to check out the St. Paddy’s Day Silent Party at Urban Fêtes (914 W Commerce St.). Each attendee will don a pair of wireless headphones and dance to a DJ of their choice, even as the room remains completely silent. You control the music (and the volume!), and your headphones will light up with the color of the DJ you choose, making it easy for you to spot your rhythm-mates in the crowd. Alternately, you could head to Stars & Spirits (2505 Pacific Ave.) for their 4th Annual Day Ja Vu::: St Patrick’s Day Party. This nightclub promises a VIP-level experience to all its guests, and, with complimentary admission with RSVPs made before 4:30 p.m., a hookah lounge, all-day drink specials and discounted bottle service, this event won’t have you feeling the pinch.

Finally, if you prefer to chase your green beer with something a bit more cultured, then head to the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center for the U.S. premiere of composer Michel van der Aa’s “Sunken Garden.” This opera is a collaboration with David Mitchell, British author of the acclaimed novel (later, film) “Cloud Atlas,” and its unique mystery unfolds via live performance, video projection and 3D technology. Tickets to the St. Patrick’s Day evening performance of this innovative immersive experience start at $29.

Which of the city’s festivities are you planning to attend? Share your plans with us on Facebook and Twitter — and stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day.