March 17, 2025, is fast approaching, and the Grosse Pointe suburbs of Michigan are ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Irish dinners, live music, family-friendly activities, or just an excuse to wear green from head to toe, this year’s festivities promise something for everyone. So grab your shamrocks and let’s dive into the best ways to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in Grosse Pointe!

Kick Off the Festivities with the Corktown Races

Start your St. Patrick’s weekend on March 16 with the Corktown Races in nearby Detroit. This event is perfect for families and fitness enthusiasts, from fun runs to competitive races. Don your best green running gear and join the sea of participants dashing through Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood. Bonus points if you can spot a leprechaun on the course! Afterward, stick around for live music and refreshments—because nothing says “Irish spirit” like a post-run pint.

A Feast Fit for St. Patrick Himself

Luck of the Irish Dinner & Concert at The War Memorial

If you’re looking for an elegant way to celebrate, head to The War Memorial on Friday night for their Luck of the Irish Dinner & Concert. Chef Joe Paxton has crafted a three-course menu that puts a modern twist on Irish classics:

• First Course: Irish Boxty (crispy potato pancake with herbs and sour cream)
• Second Course: Shepherd’s Pie (a hearty lamb and beef stew topped with crispy potatoes)
• Third Course: Chocolate Stout Cake (with malted crème and Guinness-infused berries)

Pair your meal with a Guinness or specialty cocktail from the bar, then enjoy Gaelic tunes performed live by Black Murray Band starting at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $65 for dinner and concert or $25 for concert-only entry. Doors open at 6:30 PM for dinner guests—don’t be late!

Party Time: Music, Dancing, and Corned Beef

St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Parish Hall

For those who prefer a lively evening filled with fellowship, music, and dancing, look no further than the St. Patrick’s Day Party hosted at a local parish hall. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and tickets are just $25 if purchased early ($30 at the door).

Here’s what’s on tap:

• Dinner: A traditional corned beef and vegetable dinner (carry-out available if you’re feeling low-key).
• Music: The Celtic Cross Band will keep toes tapping from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.
• Drinks: A cash bar offers pop, coffee, tea (free), and other beverages.

Want to bring your whole crew? Reserve a table of eight for $160—it’s the perfect way to share laughs and shamrocks with friends.

Family-Friendly Shenanigans

Not every St. Patrick’s Day event needs to involve beer or late-night revelry. Grosse Pointe offers plenty of activities that kids (and adults) will love:

• Crafting Leprechaun Traps: Gather recycled materials like old jars or cardboard boxes and let your kids create their own leprechaun traps. Who knows? They might just catch one!
• Cookie Decorating Contests: Whip up some shamrock-shaped sugar cookies and let everyone go wild with green frosting and sprinkles.
• Scavenger Hunts: Hide chocolate gold coins around your backyard or local park for a festive treasure hunt.
• Irish Movie Marathons: Snuggle up at home with classics like The Secret of Roan Inish or Darby O’Gill and the Little People.

Sustainable Celebrations: Go Green While Being Green

This year, why not add an eco-friendly twist to your St. Patrick’s Day décor? Here are some simple ideas:

• Use potted clover plants as table centerpieces—they’re reusable and festive.
• Upcycle old wine bottles into vases by painting them green.
• Opt for cloth napkins instead of disposable ones when hosting dinner parties.
• Serve locally sourced food to reduce your carbon footprint while supporting Michigan farmers.

Even small steps can make a big difference—and they’ll keep your celebration as green as Ireland itself.

Don’t Forget Your Gaelic Vocabulary

Want to impress your friends? Toss out a few Gaelic phrases during your celebrations:

• Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh! (Happy St. Patrick’s Day!)
• Sláinte! (Cheers!)

It might take some practice to get the pronunciation right, but hey—it’s all part of the fun.

Dress Code: Green Is Mandatory

Whether you’re attending a parade or just grabbing coffee in town, make sure you’re decked out in green on March 17. Add some flair with leprechaun hats, shamrock pins, or glittery accessories—because no one wants to risk getting pinched!

Wrap Up Your Night with a Toast

End your St. Patrick’s Day adventure by raising a glass to Irish heritage, good friends, and great memories. Whether it’s a pint of Guinness or a minty Shamrock Shake from your local diner, there’s no wrong way to toast this festive day.

So mark your calendars—March 17 is just around the corner! Grosse Pointe is ready to bring out its Irish spirit; all that’s missing is you.

Sources: foresthomesstore.com, thepioneerwoman.com, allevents.in, usaandmotion.com
Header Image Source: Sophie Popplewell on Unsplash