Indy Bars Gear Up for St. Patrick's Day Spending Surge

Industry estimates show Americans will spend $7.7 billion on St. Patrick's Day celebrations this year.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:33am

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Indianapolis bars and restaurants are preparing for a busy St. Patrick's Day, with industry estimates showing Americans are expected to spend around $7.7 billion on celebrations this year, up from $7 billion a year ago. While costs for traditional items like corned beef have risen, some establishments are working to keep prices reasonable for customers.

Why it matters

St. Patrick's Day is a major revenue driver for many small businesses, especially Irish pubs and restaurants. The holiday can make or break the financial performance of these establishments for the year, so strong sales are crucial.

The details

Local Irish bars like O'Reilly's Pub & Restaurant and McGilvery's in Speedway are gearing up for large crowds on St. Patrick's Day, with the owner of McGilvery's calling it her 'Super Bowl.' While costs for traditional St. Patrick's Day foods like corned beef have risen around 9% year-over-year, some businesses are finding ways to maintain reasonable prices for customers.

  • St. Patrick's Day is on March 17, 2026.

The players

Joel Reitz

The general manager of O'Reilly's Pub & Restaurant.

Angela Halsey

The owner of McGilvery's in Speedway.

Kelly Beaton

An analyst with The Food Institute.

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What they’re saying

“St. Patrick's Day is my Super Bowl,”

— Angela Halsey, Owner of McGilvery's (wrtv.com)

“Being a local Irish establishment, people just come out of the woodwork for St. Patty's Day. It's a beautiful thing.”

— Angela Halsey, Owner of McGilvery's (wrtv.com)

“Up from $7 billion a year ago. Participation is expected to remain pretty strong, driven by social gatherings,”

— Kelly Beaton, Analyst, The Food Institute (wrtv.com)

“Corned beef retails right now at approximately $8 per pound throughout the U.S. I saw an advertisement for it at $11 per pound, which is roughly a 9% increase year over year,”

— Kelly Beaton, Analyst, The Food Institute (wrtv.com)

“A restaurant plate for St. Patrick's Day dinner that would have cost $10 five years ago would now cost about $15 today,”

— Kelly Beaton, Analyst, The Food Institute (wrtv.com)

What’s next

Businesses will continue to monitor costs and adjust pricing as needed to maintain profitability during the busy St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

The takeaway

St. Patrick's Day remains a crucial revenue driver for many small businesses, especially Irish pubs and restaurants, despite rising costs for traditional menu items. Savvy operators are finding ways to keep prices reasonable for customers and capitalize on the surge in holiday spending.