Group Travel Guide: How to Spend St. Patrick’s Day in Dallas

February 20, 2020

Each St. Patrick’s Day, Dallas is one of the most popular places in the Southwest to celebrate Irish heritage. Sure, the city has similar activities as other cities—such as an annual parade and parties at local pubs—but Dallas does St. Patrick’s Day bigger and better than most cities (this is Texas, after all).

With so many people traveling in and around Dallas for the festivities, now is the time to book your group’s private charter bus. Longhorn Charter Bus is here 24/7 to help you coordinate smooth, entertaining bus trips all across Texas. For small groups, a minibus is just what you need to zip through the city in comfort. Large groups, on the other hand, will love the amenities of full-sized buses (like extra storage space for belongings and restrooms to limit stops). Call us today at (214) 206-8432 to speak with an experienced reservation specialist about your St. Patrick’s Day trip!

Not sure what shenanigans to get into with friends and family this March? We created the guide below to help you and your group members find your new St. Patrick’s Day tradition. 

Annual St. Patrick’s Day Events

Each year, Dallas hosts some of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day events in the state, including:

The Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

people in traditional irish clothing at a festival
If you want to be near all of the action this St. Patrick’s Day, plan to attend the Dallas St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival

Known as the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the southwest U.S., this event draws more than 125,000 attendees each year. The parade itself spans two miles, with more than 90 parade floats and 1,700 participants, such as bagpipers, marching bands, and dancers.

After the parade, stick around to enjoy food vendors, a brew fest, and a family zone filled with kid-friendly activities. This event is free to attend, but you’ll want to bring along some spending money for food and activities.

Lower Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Block Party

Keep the party going with a trip to Lower Greenville for the St. Patrick’s Day Block Party. This 21+ event typically runs from mid-morning to late evening and features concerts, pop-up beer bars, food, and special events at nearby bars. Admission into the block party’s roped-off areas is $15. 

Dash Down Greenville

Fancy a top-of-the-morning run? Each year, Run Project hosts the St. Paddy’s Dash Down Greenville to support a charity and bring together a community of runners. After the race, enjoy free beer (for participants over 21), a donut-eating contest, and games at the after-party. 

St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade and Palooza

Take a trip down to Mansfield, Texas—the pickle capital of Texas—for the one and only St. Paddy’s Day Pickle Parade. Meet the plush, 6-foot-tall Pickle Dude mascot and his friends, the Pickle Posse, while you watch the festive floats roll by. Then, catch live musical performances, compete in a pickle-eating contest, and buy gifts by local artists at the Vendor Market. The parade and palooza are free to attend, but you’ll need to bring spending money to buy goods and food from local vendors.

North Texas Irish Festival

people doing traditional irish dances in a festival
On the first weekend of March each year, Dallas’s Fair Park transforms into the site of a three-day celebration of Irish history and culture. At the North Texas Irish Festival, you’ll find performances from popular and up-and-coming Irish bands, dance groups, and more. Your group can also enjoy whiskey tastings, a fun run, music workshops, culinary demonstrations, horse shows, and chalk art displays. 

Tickets range in price from free to $20 per day, depending on how far in advance you purchase them and for which day. However, you can receive a discount on the most popular days (Saturday and Sunday) by purchasing them ahead of time or buying a two-day ticket.

The Top Irish Pubs to Visit on St. Paddy’s Day

Looking for a more laid-back St. Patrick’s Day activity in Dallas? Book a minibus pub crawl with Longhorn Charter Bus, and customize your itinerary to fit your group’s preferences. Whether you want a bus with televisions, WiFi, or any other premium amenities, we’ll hook you up with the rental that’s right for you. Plus, you’ll have a professional DD throughout the night!

Pro tip: Some operators allow alcoholic beverages on their buses. Ask your reservation specialist about your bus’s specific policies at the time of booking!

Need some inspiration? Add these pubs to your itinerary for delicious food, brews, and socializing:

Trinity Hall

Address: 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206

 

Dubliner

Address: 2818 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

 

The Playwright Irish Pub

Address: 1722 Routh St #102, Dallas, TX 75201

 

The Crafty Irishman Public House

Address: 1800 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201

 

Cannon’s Corner Irish Pub

Address: 1314 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208

Book Your St. Patrick’s Day Bus Today!

To reserve your St. Paddy’s day group transportation, call Longhorn Charter Bus any time of the day or night at (214) 206-8432. We’ll provide you with a free, no-obligation quote and answers to any and every question you have about motorcoach rentals. Don’t hesitate to call us to start planning your trip through DFW today