Quad Cities Gears Up for St. Patrick's Day 2026 Festivities

Parade, race, and parties planned across the region

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Quad Cities area is preparing for a lively St. Patrick's Day celebration in 2026, with a variety of events planned across Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois. The festivities include a St. Patrick's Day race, the only interstate St. Patrick's Day parade in the nation, and multi-day community parties featuring live music, food, and family-friendly activities.

Why it matters

St. Patrick's Day is a major cultural celebration in the Quad Cities, drawing large crowds and providing a boost to the local economy. The events showcase the region's Irish heritage and community spirit, while also offering opportunities for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy the holiday.

The details

The St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the Quad Cities will kick off on Saturday, March 14th with a series of events. First, CASI will host its annual St. Patrick's Day Race, featuring a Tot Trot, 1-mile Family Run/Walk, and 5K Run/Walk. Later that morning, the Quad Cities Grand Parade XXXVII will march across the Centennial Bridge, connecting downtown Rock Island, Illinois and downtown Davenport, Iowa. This parade is the only interstate St. Patrick's Day parade in the nation. The festivities will continue over the weekend with the St. Patrick's Day Bash, a free-admission community celebration at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds featuring live music, food, a kids' zone, and more. Additionally, a St. Patrick's Day bar crawl is planned for the evening of March 14th, visiting several popular downtown establishments.

  • The St. Patrick's Day Race events will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 starting at 9:00 a.m.
  • The Quad Cities Grand Parade XXXVII will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • The St. Patrick's Day Bash will take place on March 13-14, 2026 at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds.
  • The St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl will be held on March 14, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The players

CASI

The organization hosting the annual St. Patrick's Day Race in the Quad Cities.

St. Patrick Society of the Quad Cities

The group that organizes the Quad Cities Grand Parade, which is ranked as one of the top ten St. Patrick's Day parades in North America.

Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

The venue hosting the St. Patrick's Day Bash, a free-admission community celebration with live music, food, and family-friendly activities.

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The takeaway

The Quad Cities' robust St. Patrick's Day celebrations showcase the region's vibrant Irish heritage and community spirit, providing a variety of events for residents and visitors to enjoy the holiday. From the long-running parade to the lively parties, these festivities have become a beloved annual tradition in the Quad Cities.