Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Valley with Events Starting the Weekend Before

From parades to festivals, there are plenty of ways to get in the Irish spirit in the Phoenix area.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:49pm

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While St. Patrick's Day falls on Tuesday, March 17, celebrations are already starting the weekend beforehand in the Phoenix area. Events include the Irish Fountain Fest in Fountain Hills, the 43rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Phoenix, the Experience Ireland event at the Musical Instrument Museum, and free activities at the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library. Outside of the Valley, the St. Patrick's Day Festival of Tucson will also take place on March 14.

Why it matters

St. Patrick's Day is a major cultural celebration in Arizona, with the Phoenix metro area hosting a variety of events that allow residents and visitors to experience Irish music, food, dance, and community. These festivities help promote local businesses, bring people together, and allow the region to showcase its diversity.

The details

The Irish Fountain Fest in Fountain Hills will feature Celtic rock music, Irish folk music, a beer garden, food trucks, and the iconic fountain dyed emerald green. The 43rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Phoenix will include Irish music, traditional Irish step dancing, bagpipers, Irish clubs, and community activities. The Experience Ireland event at the Musical Instrument Museum will offer workshops, live performances, curator talks, and other activities exploring Irish musical traditions. The Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library will host free admission with live music, cooking demos, story hour, and more. Outside of the Valley, the St. Patrick's Day Festival of Tucson will take place at a new venue, Corbett Brewing.

  • The Irish Fountain Fest will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The 43rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Phoenix will take place on Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m.
  • The Experience Ireland event at the Musical Instrument Museum will run from March 13-15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library will host their St. Patrick's Day activities on Tuesday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The St. Patrick's Day Festival of Tucson will be held on Saturday, March 14.

The players

Fountain Park

The location of the Irish Fountain Fest in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Musical Instrument Museum

The venue hosting the Experience Ireland event in Phoenix, Arizona.

Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library

The organization hosting free St. Patrick's Day activities in downtown Phoenix.

Corbett Brewing

The new venue for the St. Patrick's Day Festival of Tucson in Tucson, Arizona.

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The takeaway

With a variety of events across the Phoenix metro area and in Tucson, residents and visitors have numerous opportunities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and experience Irish culture through music, food, dance, and community festivities.