This Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day — a time when Downtown Fort Wayne comes alive with Irish culture, food, and, of course, parties. Home to some of the city’s most popular Irish pubs, it only makes sense that the streets of downtown are teeming with festivities this time of year.
But it’s not just a time for drinking, it’s a special time to honor Fort Wayne’s history, which is storied with Irish-American mothers, fathers, entrepreneurs, artists and artisans, and civil & labor rights leaders.
There’s a lot to celebrate about our friends from the Emerald Isle. And there’s such a clatter of St. Pat’s festivities to choose from, you’ll be flying it. So gather your mates, grab a Guinness, and “get green” this weekend! It’ll be grand.
JK O’Donnell’s St. Patrick’s Day Party
Saturday 11 am – 12 am
Sunday 11 am – 9 pm
JK O’Donnell’s has been THE Irish pub in Fort Wayne since it opened its doras over 15 years ago. Known for its Celtic cuisine and old country charm, it’s no wonder that they spare no expense when throwing the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day bash. It’s always good craic.
This holiday, they’re celebrating all weekend long with a festive, musical lineup:
Saturday March 16th
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm The Ragtag Bunch
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Soltre
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm Shiny Shiny Black
10:00 pm – 12:00 am James and the Drifters
Sunday March 17th
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Debutants
JK’s boasts a wide selection of Irish ale, cider, whiskey, and Scotch — so come prepared to get scuttered, but please do drink responsibly.
This year’s party will take place in their new outside bar (called the Pitch) that’s connected to the back of the pub. Check out their Facebook event for more!
Deer Park Irish Pub’s 26th Annual Clover Classic
Friday through Sunday
Just outside Downtown Fort Wayne, you’ll find Deer Park Irish Pub — a Fort Wayne institution that throws an unrivaled annual St. Patrick’s Day festival, with three days filled with a slew of Irish games, food, drinks, and music. It’s always jammers, so expect a crowd.
This year’s festival includes a U2 tribute, Irish bowling, an Irish fashion parade, and so much more. See the full lineup of activities on their Facebook event.
Fort Wayne Firefighters’ Annual Get Green Fest & 5K(ilt) Run
Saturday 8 am – 8 pm
Looking for something a little more family-friendly? Then the Fort Wayne Firefighters’ Get Green Fest is for you!
If you aren’t too knackered Saturday morning, run or walk through Downtown Fort Wayne in their annual 5K — kilts optional!
After the run, the fire department will turn the St. Mary’s River green using eco-friendly vegetable dye. River greening starts at 11 am at the Main Street Bridge, followed by other activities, like a gold coin drop, Lucky Charms eating contest, live music, and more! See their Facebook event for the complete schedule!
St. Patrick’s Day Brunch & Dinner from Arbor at The Bradley
Sunday Brunch 7 am – 5 pm
Sunday Dinner 5 pm – 10 pm
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with exceptional food specials from Arbor inside The Bradley. For brunch, they’re serving traditional bubble and squeak—with potato cakes, caramelized onions, Old Major Irish banger, and a sunny egg.
For dinner, they’ll be featuring Irish corned beef & cabbage, served with potatoes, carrots, and beef jus, plus traditional Irish soda bread. Make your reservations.
A Wee Bit of Ireland at the Dash-In
Friday through Sunday 9 am – 6 pm
All weekend long, the Dash-In will be honoring St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish fare (with some of their added flair) and by staying open a wee bit later than usual.
They’ll have new beers and festive drink specials too! Check out their Facebook event for details.
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native and freelance writer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. With her love of storytelling and community in tow, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people, spaces, and organizations that make it thrive.