Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in South Bend
When it comes to St. Patrick's Day, nowhere in Northern Indiana does Irish quite like South Bend.
From authentic dining options to the parade, these are some of the ways you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Celebrate Irish heritage in South Bend at the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which steps off at 11 a.m. March 14 on East Jefferson Boulevard in the East Bank Village. You'll be able to find the parade route easy enough. Just follow the sound of bagpipes in the air.
Check our Events Calendar for all St. Patrick's Day festivities around The Bend!
Greening of the East Race
Immediately following the parade, the East Race Waterway turns green to celebrate the occasion. People will line the race for a look at the river as it turns green before their eyes.
Eat & Drink at the Perfect Pub
Looking for a proper pub to match the festivities? We have some options serving up well-poured pints and traditional Irish fare to boot.
Corby's Irish Pub is a popular spot for Notre Dame fans, students and alums. There is plenty of Fighting Irish memorabilia on the walls (to go with the TVs) and the pub is known for being the location of bar scenes during the movie "Rudy."
Fiddler's Hearth in downtown South Bend might be the most popular. Locals love the fish and chips. You can also find staples like bangers and mash and shepherd's pie. Pair it with a pint of Guinness and you're in business. They have music from open to close, as well as bagpipes that march through around dinner time. They don't take reservations for St. Patrick's Day, so come early and join in on the festivities!
Related Content: Around The Bend: Fiddler's Hearth
Kate O'Connor's Irish Pub in New Carlisle has all the menu staples, a warm atmosphere and a distinct small town vibe.
O'Rourke's Public House puts you in the Irish spirit right across the street from the University of Notre Dame. It's said to have one of the largest selections of Irish whiskey in the state.
Danny Boy Draft Works is a walk across the street from Notre Dame and a satellite of the main brewery in Indianapolis. Irish in spirit -and spirits- they produce their own line of spirits, in particular whiskey.
RELATED CONTENT: Irish Eats in The Bend
Get in the Irish Spirit
With Notre Dame in town, there is always some sort of Irish Spirit flowing through the city. Here are some ideas to ride the wave!
ROCKNE: Life & Legacy at The History Museum
The History Museum has a temporary exhibit about the life and legacy of legendary Notre Dame football coach, Knute Rockne. This ultimate retrospective is the most significant presentation of Rockne artifacts ever assembled and made available to the public, offering a unique look at Notre Dame’s and college football’s greatest legend. The exhibit is on view through May 31, 2026.
It's hard not to be enveloped in Irish spirit on Notre Dame's campus. Put these items on your to-do list!
- Shop at Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore
- Dine on campus at Legends, Rohr's, or O'Rourkes across the street
- Explore iconic landmarks
- Catch a basketball or hockey game - Pro Tip: get the shamrock pretzel at Compton Family Ice Arena!
- Visit the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
South Bend Chocolate Cafe
Pick up some Irish themed chocolates or coffee at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe downtown or at the South Bend Chocolate Factory.
Macri's may specialize in Italian, but they love a good theme! Stop in for special St. Patrick's Day treats for the most festive celebrations.
RELATED CONTENT: Around The Bend: Macri's Italian Bakery
You May Also Like
Related
