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. 

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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.

 

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.

St. Patrick's Day Events Around The Bend

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." 

 

Corby's

 

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

 

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.

 

Danny Boy Draft Works

 

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.

 

Rockne: Life & Legacy

 

Visit Notre Dame's Campus

It's hard not to be enveloped in Irish spirit on Notre Dame's campus. Put these items on your to-do list!

 

Leprechaun

 

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 Italian Bakery

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

 

Macri's St. Patrick's