St. Patrick’s Events 2026 in the Quad Cities

Visitors and residents alike will tell you that the Quad Cities puts on one of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades in the Midwest with thousands lining the parade route, and we host Iowa’s largest St. Patrick’s party.

Before the parade on Saturday, March 14, it’s CASI’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Race. The races start and finish at 129 Main St. in downtown Davenport, Iowa. Three race categories are offered: 9:00 a.m. Tot Trot; 9:30 a.m. 1-mile Family Run/Walk; 10:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk.

Heralded as the only interstate St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the nation, the Quad Cities Grand Parade XXXVII on Saturday, March 14, begins in downtown Rock Island, Illinois, and winds its way to the Centennial Bridge. Then it crosses the bridge over the Mississippi River and marches into downtown Davenport, Iowa.

Thousands line the streets to watch the bands, Irish dancers, floats, groups, and family clans. Named as one of the top ten St. Patrick’s Day Parades in North America, this annual parade is organized by the St. Patrick Society of the Quad Cities and starts at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Rock Island and ends by 1:30 p.m. in downtown Davenport.

Alongside the parade, the Rock Island Downtown Alliance is hosting a Shamrock Showcase. People are invited to show their Irish spirit, wear a touch of green and support downtown businesses. Celebrate with hands-on crafts, leprechaun photo ops, live music, and drink specials. For a full list of participating businesses, visit the Rock Island Downtown Alliance website.

Immediately following the Grand Parade, a Post Parade Bash is held at the RiverCenter, 136 East Third Street in downtown Davenport. The doors open at 1:00 p.m. Entry to the Post Parade Bash is by membership, with $15 memberships available at the door. You don’t have to be Irish to join. Persons 16 and under, accompanied by an adult, are free. The Bash includes food, drink, live Irish music and dancers, along with the presentation of the parade trophy winners.

The Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust Street in Davenport, Iowa, hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Bash on March 13-14. Music lineup to be determined.

Join the Official Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl on March 14 from 4 pm - 10pm. Get tickets and start at Daquiri Factory, with the crawl sending you to UP Skybar & Lounge, Blackhawk Bowl, The Gatsby Cocktail Lounge, and M Lounge.

Other places to celebrate include: