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Got the luck of the Irish? Here are 9 St. Patrick’s Day events in Bellingham

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrated “The Year of the Bike” Saturday, March 16, 2019, through the streets of downtown Bellingham, Wash.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrated “The Year of the Bike” Saturday, March 16, 2019, through the streets of downtown Bellingham, Wash. The Bellingham Herald

March brings the luck of the Irish.

St. Patrick’s Day originally celebrated the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, according to the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery.

In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated as early as the 18th century.

As Irish immigration increased in the 19th and 20th centuries, the holiday became a symbol of Irish pride, according to the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery. Today, it’s associated with leprechauns, gold coins, four-leaf clovers and all things green.

In 2026, St. Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday, March 17.

Several events are taking place in and around Bellingham in celebration of St. Paddy’s, according to Visit Bellingham Whatcom County.

Here are a few of the fun, family-friendly activities in store:

16th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Where: Parade route begins on Chestnut Street and continues through downtown Bellingham.

When: Noon, Sunday, March 15

What: The Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade is returning for the 16th year. Sponsored by the city of Bellingham and Beach Cat Brewing, the annual parade honors local public safety personnel and serves as a way to welcome back the light of spring with a sea of people dressed in green,” according to a news release.

The grand marshal for this year’s parade is Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund.

The parade is free and “anyone can participate,” organizers said, encouraging people to “show up, line up. It’s easy!”

Contact: stpatsbham.com, shanna82@gmail.com

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy with The Celtic All-Stars

Where: Mount Baker Theatre, 104 North Commercial St., Bellingham

When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 14

What: Celtic musicians Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are going on a global tour together for the first time since 2000. Organizers described the pair as “one of the most exhilarating acts in Celtic music today.”

Contact: 360-734-6080, tickets@mountbakertheatre.com

Runnin’ O’ the Green

Where: Race begins at Stone Throw Brewery, 1009 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham.

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 14

What: “Lace up your shoes and bust out your shamrock socks,” organizers said. “It’s time to get your green on!” The Runnin’ O’ the Green fun run, which offers 5-kilometer and 8-kilometer events, features “wacky costumes” and a post-race awards ceremony” as well as live music, food and an expanded beer garden at Stones Throw Brewery in Bellingham’s Fairhaven Village.

Contact: cob.org/services/recreation/race/runnin-o-green

Runnin’ O’ the Green Afterparty

Where: Stones Throw Brewery, 1009 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham

When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 14

What: After Runnin’ O’ the Green participants cross the finish line, they can celebrate at Stones Throw Brewery. Highlights include beer, hot dogs from Street Dogz and a special performance by the Penk-O’Donnell School of Irish Dance.

“We’ll keep the energy going with live music ... by Ladies of Lindsay, a four-piece, all-female contemporary Celtic ensemble bringing modern spirit to traditional Irish sounds,” Visit Bellingham Whatcom County said.

Contact: 360-362-5058, info@stonesthrowbrewco.com

St Patrick's Day Parade All-Ages After-Party

Where: Beach Cat Brewing South Paw, 1010 C St., Bellingham

When: 1:15 p.m., Sunday, March 15

What: Beach Cat Brewing said it’s throwing a “HUGE party” following the St. Patrick’s Day Parade with Irish dancers, Irish music and food from JT’s Smokin BBQ and NW Whistle Stop, plus a Happy Tails Happy Homes puppy adoption event. In addition, the brewery will be releasing its Thomas O’Malley dry Irish stout on nitro, green CBR and a special gold version of its sour beer.

Contact: 360-366-8065, beachcatbrewing.com

Saint Patrick’s Day Live Celtic Music

Where: Stemma Brewing, 2039 Moore St. in Bellingham, and Stemma West, 500 Carolina St. in Bellingham

When: Tuesday, March 17

What: Both Stemma Brewing Co. locations are hosting all-day parties in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. “Enjoy green beer at both locations” with live Celtic music from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and raffle giveaways starting at 5 p.m., Visit Bellingham Whatcom County said.

Contact: 360-746-8385, stemmabrewing.com

Shot Prov Shamrocks & Shenanigans

Where: The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St., Bellingham

When: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 17

What: The Upfront Theatre is putting on a “luck-of-the-Irish-fueled comedy night.” “Shot Prov is an unpredictable, high-energy improv show where audience suggestions and liquid courage collide,” organizers said. “Our fearless cast creates fully improvised scenes, characters and stories on the spot — no scripts, no safety net, just pure comedic chaos.”

Contact: 360-200-8697, info@theupfront.com

St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour and Dinner

Where: Solstice Senior Living at Bellingham, 2818 Old Fairhaven Pkwy., Bellingham

When: 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 17

What: Solstice Senior Living at Bellingham is opening its doors for a St. Patrick’s Day happy hour and dinner. “Enjoy good company, cheerful Irish-inspired décor and a festive dinner as we celebrate the luck of the Irish together,” organizers said.

Contact: 360-671-6060, npope@mpf.com

Uisce Irish Pub

Where: 1409 Cornwall Ave

When: March 14, 15, 17

What: Bellingham’s own Irish Pub is celebrating St Patrick’s Day beginning with their 20th anniversary party on March 14. They will open early with live Irish music, bagpipers, Guinness beer garden and Galley 2 Go Fish & Chip truck.

They will open at 1 p.m. for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15.

On March 17, they will be celebrating the Irish holiday with live Irish music, bagpipers and Galley 2 Go Fish & Chip truck.

Contact: info@UisceIrishPub.com

This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM.

Julia Hawkins
The Bellingham Herald
Julia Hawkins joined The Herald as a service journalism and general assignment reporter in December 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Western Washington University in Bellingham.
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