St. Patrick’s Day in Bend, OR (2026)
Updated 2/24/26
Ultimate Guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Bend & Nearby Areas
St. Patrick’s Day in Bend is a mix of festive races, brewery celebrations, downtown bar energy, and classic Central Oregon outdoor adventures. Whether you want green beer with friends, a family-friendly activity, or a scenic weekend outside, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.
March weather in Bend can swing from sunny and warm to snowy and cold in the same weekend. Plan layers, expect crowds downtown, and lean into the fun.
Here’s everything happening for St. Patrick’s Day in Bend in 2026.
Quick Guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Bend
Dates for most Activities: March 14–17, 2026
Biggest Event: St. Patrick’s Day Dash
Best Bar Scene: Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District
Family-Friendly Options: Community events, restaurants, outdoor activities
Best Weekend to Celebrate: March 14–15 (main events happen Saturday)
Be sure to get yourself a St. Patty’s shirt or decorations beforehand!
Table of Contents
St. Patrick’s Day Events in Bend (2026)
St. Patrick’s Day Dash
The St. Patrick’s Day Dash is Bend’s signature St. Patrick’s celebration. It combines a fun run with a festive party atmosphere along the Deschutes River.
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Distances: 5K, 10K, and family options
Location: Old Mill District area
Includes: Costumes, live music, beer, and post-race celebrations
Even if you don’t run, it’s worth showing up to watch participants in full green outfits crossing the finish line.
Website: https://cascaderelays.com/events/st-patricks-day-dash/
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
If you want a high-energy night out, the official bar crawl hits multiple downtown Bend locations with themed drinks and specials.
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: Afternoon through late evening
Location: Downtown Bend bars
Tickets required
This tends to attract younger crowds and groups celebrating together.
Event info: https://crawlwith.us/bend/stpattys/
St. Patrick’s Dinner & Dance (Bend Parks & Recreation)
A more relaxed celebration with food and live music.
Location: Larkspur Community Center
Includes: Traditional meal like corned beef and cabbage
Dancing and social atmosphere
Friday, March 13, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Dinner served 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Dancing 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
This is a great option for adults looking for something different from the bar scene.
Website: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/event/st-patricks-day-dinner-dance-2/
Nearby Event: Lucky Leprechaun Run (Sisters)
If you want a smaller community race experience, Sisters hosts a festive run with costumes and family participation.
Date: March 14, 2026
Location: Sisters, Oregon
5K and 10K distances
Irish Bars in Bend for St. Patrick’s Day
Bend does not have many traditional Irish pubs, but there is now one dedicated Irish bar in town again.
Emerald Loop Irish Pub
Emerald Loop is Bend’s newest Irish pub and currently the closest thing to a traditional Irish bar experience in Central Oregon.
The pub opened in late 2025 in the same building that previously housed Kelly D’s Irish Sports Bar, which had been a longtime local favorite before closing.
The new owners intentionally leaned into an authentic Irish theme, with classic pub décor, traditional comfort food, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
What you’ll find here:
Irish favorites like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, Irish stew, and Reubens
Guinness and Irish whiskey options
Dark green walls, cozy seating, and pub-style ambiance
Breakfast options including a traditional Irish breakfast
A local, community-focused vibe
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-emerald-loop-bend
https://www.facebook.com/p/Emerald-Loop-61581903037958/
https://www.instagram.com/theemeraldloopbendor/
The space is tucked slightly off the main road, which gives it more of a hidden neighborhood pub feel rather than a busy downtown bar.
Location: 1012 SE Cleveland Square Loop, Bend
Hours: Morning through evening (varies by day)
The goal of the owners was to bring a true Irish pub back to Bend after the closure of Kelly D’s, and it has quickly become a gathering spot for locals.
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Other Places with Irish Vibes (But Not Traditional Irish Pubs)
While Emerald Loop is the only dedicated Irish pub, several Bend breweries and restaurants lean into St. Patrick’s Day celebrations each year with themed food and drinks.
Places that often participate:
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
The Cellar
Deschutes Brewery Public House
Bend Brewing Company
Worthy Brewing
Downtown Bend bars
These spots usually offer Irish-inspired specials during St. Patrick’s weekend even though they are not Irish pubs year-round.
If you want a true Irish pub experience in Bend, Emerald Loop is your best bet. If you are looking for a bigger party atmosphere with green beer and crowds, downtown Bend breweries and bars are the place to go on St. Patrick’s weekend.
Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Bend
Bend does not have many traditional Irish pubs, but the brewery scene fills the gap well. Many places offer Irish-inspired food and themed drinks.
Popular spots include:
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
https://www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school
Historic atmosphere with multiple bars and patios.Deschutes Brewery Public House
https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/visit-us/bend-public-house/
Often features seasonal beers and festive menus.Worthy Brewing
https://worthybrewing.com/
Spacious environment with food and beer options.Bend Brewing Company
https://bendbrewingco.com/
Riverfront location with classic Bend views.Downtown Bend bars
Locations like Dogwood, Velvet Lounge, and local pubs typically run St. Patrick’s specials.
Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Activities
You do not need to hit the bars to enjoy the holiday in Bend. Families can still have a fun celebration.
Ideas include:
Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Dash and cheer runners
Grab themed desserts or green treats at local bakeries
Visit a brewery earlier in the day when crowds are lighter
Walk the Deschutes River Trail wearing green
Host a simple Irish-themed dinner at home
Many restaurants offer family-friendly dining throughout the weekend.
Outdoor Things to Do for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
This is Central Oregon. Outdoor plans always fit.
Weather can vary, but mid-March often brings a mix of snow and early spring sunshine.
Great options:
Walk or bike the Deschutes River Trail
Hike Pilot Butte for sunset views
Ski or snowboard at Mt. Bachelor wearing green gear
Explore Shevlin Park
Take a scenic drive toward Sisters or Cascade Lakes Highway (conditions permitting)
A St. Patrick’s Day hike followed by a brewery stop is a very Bend way to celebrate.
Irish Food and Drink Ideas Around Bend
Many restaurants run specials during St. Patrick’s weekend. Look for:
Corned beef and cabbage
Shepherd’s pie
Irish stout or dark beers
Irish whiskey cocktails
Green-themed desserts
Check social media for weekend announcements since menus change yearly.
Tips for Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Bend
Parking fills quickly downtown. Plan ahead or use rideshare if drinking.
Dress in layers. March weather can shift fast between sun and snow.
Make dinner reservations early if you want a sit-down meal.
Celebrate during the day for a more relaxed experience. Nights get busy.
Consider visiting breweries outside downtown for fewer crowds.
FAQ About St. Patrick’s Day in Bend
When is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in Bend?
Most events happen the weekend before or closest to March 17. In 2026, the main celebrations occur March 14–15.
What is the biggest St. Patrick’s event in Bend?
The St. Patrick’s Day Dash is the largest annual event and draws participants from across Central Oregon.
Are there family-friendly activities?
Yes. The race, outdoor activities, restaurants, and community events all work well for families.
Where can I get green beer in Bend?
Most downtown bars and several breweries offer themed drinks during the weekend.
Is Bend busy on St. Patrick’s Day weekend?
Yes. Downtown areas and popular breweries see larger crowds, especially Saturday evening.
St. Patrick’s Day in Bend is less about tradition and more about community energy. You will find runners in costumes, breweries packed with friends, families enjoying the river, and locals celebrating the end of winter.
Whether you spend the day outdoors or downtown, it is a fun time to be in Central Oregon.
