Family-Friendly Activities for St. Patrick’s Day in the Sacramento Region

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world. In Lithuania, the Vilnia River is dyed green every year. In Australia, the Sydney Opera House is illuminated with green lights. And in the United States, the day is recognized with parades and festivals.

Today, many people — both of Irish descent and otherwise — celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green, catching some Irish music, and, of course, drinking Irish beer. Although associated with raucous street parties and pub crawls (at least here in the U.S.) it can also be a family-friendly affair, with plenty of activities aimed at the younger set. So, if you’re looking for things to do with the kids this St. Patrick’s Day in the Sacramento area, following are some places to celebrate.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival | Old Sacramento

Photo courtesy Old Sacramento Waterfront

The biggest St. Patrick’s Day party in the greater Sacramento area takes place in Old Sacramento March 16. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m., followed by live music and performances, children’s activities, and vendor booths. You can also sample “A Taste of Ireland” via food and drink specials at participating restaurants (think corned beef sliders and Irish stew). The kiddos can pick up an activity book at the Visitor’s Center and find the leprechauns that have been hidden throughout the Old Sacramento Waterfront.

36 Handles Public House | El Dorado Hills

It’s a weekend of celebration this St. Patrick’s Day at 36 Handles Public House in El Dorado Hills! The family-friendly eatery will be hosting activities, music and much more March 15–17. For the kiddos, there’ll be face painting and games, and for mom and dad, whiskey tasting and green beer. Irish dancing and pipes and drums will also be on the docket.  

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Sudwerk Brewing Company | Davis

Photo courtesy Sudwerk Brewing

This long-standing brewery/restaurant in Davis is going all out this St. Patrick’s Day with an early celebration on March 16. Scheduled for 11 a.m.–7 p.m., this family-friendly event features live music, vendors, and steinholding, in which a contestant holds a full stein of beer for as long as possible. Admission is $5, and kids under 12 are free.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration | Auburn

Head to Auburn this St. Patrick’s Day for its annual parade and celebration! The event will be held in downtown Auburn on March 17. The parade will begin at 5:17 p.m. at the Gold Rush Museum, making its way through Old Town Auburn. It will culminate with a corned beef dinner, live music, and drinks at the Auburn Recreation District Gym. You can also hit up some local restaurants in Auburn that are featuring St. Patrick’s Day specials.

Fairytale Town | Land Park

Photo courtesy Fairytale Town

The littlest leprechauns in your family can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a special event at Fairytale Town in Land Park. There will be hands-on activities, crafts, and a scavenger hunt where you might even find a pot of gold! The event will be held March 17 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and reservations are recommended.

Sacramento Children’s Museum | Rancho Cordova

If you’re the parent of a neurodivergent child, head to the Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova on March 16 from 5–6:30 p.m. for a special evening of dancing, music and play. The “Shamrock Shimmy” is designed for special needs children, their parents and their friends! The event is free, but reservations are requested.

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Busy Kids Leprechaun Hunt | Folsom

This indoor play space, which has locations in Folsom and Roseville, is hosting a special St. Patrick’s Day activity just for kids! Your little one can join in the annual leprechaun hunt at their Folsom location, which culminates with a sweet treat and treasure. You can just drop by or buy tickets ahead of time.

Fox & Goose | Midtown Sacramento

Photo courtesy Fox & Goose

Located in Midtown Sacramento, Fox and Goose is a family-friendly pub and restaurant located along the R Street corridor. Now in its 49th year, their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration will be held March 17 beginning at 3 p.m. Traditional Irish fare will be on the menu, including Irish lamb stew and corned beef and cabbage. They will also have traditional Irish bagpipe music and an Irish folk song singalong! The event is all ages until 10 p.m.