Downtown will turn green on Saturday, March 14, 2026, as the community gathers for the city’s second annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration honoring Irish culture, heritage and hometown pride.
The celebration features the Eric Olson Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade, St. Paddy’s Guinness Run/Walk, live entertainment and block parties. The inaugural event in 2025 drew thousands of visitors downtown, and organizers anticipate an even larger turnout this year.
St. Patrick’s Day Schedule of Events
- 8:30 a.m. — Celebration kick-off at the harbor
- 9 a.m. — Parade staging for participants
- 9:30 a.m. — Second Annual Kenosha St. Paddy’s Guinness Run/ Walk
- 10:45 a.m. — Pre-parade begins; National Anthem at reviewing stands
- 10:45 a.m. — Second Annual Eric Olson Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off
- Block parties will take place near Swede’s, 510 56th St., and near Captain Mike’s Beer & Burger Bar, 5118 Sixth Ave.
Kenosha St. Paddy’s Guinness Run/Walk
Participants in the Kenosha St. Paddy’s Guinness Run/Walk can run or walk a roughly 2-kilometer route through Downtown while stopping at designated stations to enjoy a
Guinness or non-alcoholic Guinness 0.0. Participants will be challenged to consume three beverages along the route before heading to the parade festivities.
The event is not officially timed, however, a clock will be displayed at the finish line.
The event takes off at 9:30 a.m. near Captain Mike’s, 5118 Sixth Ave., and heads south through the heart of Downtown via Sixth Avenue, with a return route traveling north back to Captain Mike’s. Learn more at: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Kenosha/KenoshaStPaddyGuinness2K
Event Details:
Date: March 14, 2026
Check-in: 8-9:15 a.m.
Start time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Captain Mike’s Beer & Burger Bar, 5118 Sixth Ave., Kenosha
Eric Olson Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day parade is presented by the City of Kenosha, Visit Kenosha and the Lakeshore Business Improvement District. The Kenosha Area Pipes and Drums Association will highlight a spirited lineup of more than 80 entries and floats, including bands, community groups, elected officials, businesses and entertainers.
Streets Downtown will be closed between 50th Street and Seventh Avenue and south along Sixth Avenue to Library Park, which is the end of the parade. Streets are expected to re-open by 1:30 p.m., except for block parties near Swede’s, 510 56th Street and Captain Mike’s, 5118 Sixth Avenue. The block party areas will be closed until midnight March 14.
Most of Simmons Island will be closed to traffic for the parade staging area, beginning at 8 a.m. March 14, but access will be maintained for Great Lakes Yacht Sales, The Kenosha Yacht Club, the Kenosha History Center and the Kenosha Water Utility.
People may wish to park free of charge in the parking ramp on Eighth Avenue and 56th Street. Free parking also is allowed on streets throughout Downtown, unless otherwise prohibited.
Additional St. Patrick’s Day Activities
Kids Parade: Walking parade at 1 p.m. from Swede’s, 510 56th St.
Also at Swede’s:
- Green beer
- Live music
- Miss St. Patrick’s Day Contest Saturday, March 7, at 5 p.m. (Must be 21 or older to enter.)
At Captain Mike’s, 5118 6th Avenue:
- Irish Soda Bread for Sale
- Live Music
- Corned Beef & Cabbage Specials
