March is around the corner, and we love how Muskegon goes all Irish all month long! There are more varied events for all tastes and ages than you can shake a shillelagh at! “County Muskegon” is teeming with Irish and Celtic themed culture, activities, music and fun.
Everyone Loves a Parade
Since 2012, the Annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a cherished downtown tradition. Presented by the Greater Muskegon Jaycees, this lively event grows each year. Enjoy floats, bands, furry friends, and live music while cheering on the Grand Marshall as the parade marches down Western Avenue (between 6th and 2nd Street.) There is a generous cause behind it all! Entry fees to participate are non-perishable items for the local food bank Spectators are encouraged to bring them too! So, gather your goodies, don your green garb and join the good time! Look for collection carts or barrels along the route to contribute.
Get Ready to Tap Your Toes!
Live Celtic and Irish music and dance performances can be found throughout the month at local venues ranging from libraries to pubs and breweries to our premier stages at the Playhouse at White Lake and the Frauenthal Center.
Raise the Flag, Raise the Roof
On St. Patrick’s Day proper, the Muskegon Irish American Society/Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame has invited the public to their Annual Raising of the Irish Flag since 1973. The ceremony is often accompanied by a beautiful statue of St. Patrick himself and a member of the Muskegon Regional Police Pipes and Drums. Watch the 2021 Flag Raising on TikTok.
Get Jack'd and Do a Jig
The Muskegon Lumberjacks hockey team hit annually hit the ice during a St. Paddy’s Day home game. They often celebrate St. Patrick's Day with green beer and specialty St. Paddy’s Day-themed jerseys, which will be auctioned off after the game.
Photo: Tim Reilly
Get a Running Start
St. Patrick’s celebrations get a running start with Run Muskegon’s Shamrock Shuffle. This lively 5K, starting in 2015, inspires participants to dress festively, with prizes for the best costumes. The race runs along the Lakeshore Trail (alongside Muskegon Lake) and begins and ends at The Brewer's Lounge at Pigeon Hill.
Gobble Green Eggs and Ham
Take the wee ones for a Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast at the Annual Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club! The ladies are celebrating Reading Month, Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the whole green theme with a delicious breakfast that includes a free Dr. Seuss book and visit from a Dr. Seuss’ character.
See the Book of Kells
A MUST see is the Hackley Public Library's rare copy of “Book of Kells”. Only 1,480 facsimiles of this breathtaking illuminated manuscript exist in the world. The original, housed in Trinity College Dublin, is widely regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure. As far as we know, ours and the copy at Washington Centerville Library are the only two available for public viewing in a library. You can learn more about this treasure in this Hackley Library Video HERE
That's No Blarney
Make a wish and kiss the Muskegon version of The Blarney Stone! Superior Monument brings their version of the famous limestone landmark to the downtown Muskegon celebrations. Seek it out near the Olthoff Stage and see if you can get the gift o' gab.
The Pipes, the Pipes are Calling
If you are out and about, participating the revelry, there’s a very good chance you will be treated to a performance from the Muskegon Regional Police Pipes and Drums! You will find them entertaining at various locations during the St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl. The Crawl takes place throughout Downtown Muskegon's Social District. Grab a brew or beverage and celebrate to the sound of bagpipes and drums! (Watch our TikTok)
See the Home of Our Most Famous Irish American
The Hume House of the Hackley and Hume Historic Site was home to lumber baron Thomas Hume. Thomas was very proud of his Irish ancestry. While tours do not begin until May, you can still wander the grounds and take in the marvel of these two Queen Anne style mansions, located in Downtown Muskegon. In the meantime, learn more about Thomas Hume HERE, in this Lakeshore Museum Center video.
Muskegon Sounds Like Ireland!
Did you know there is a Muskegon radio station that hosts an Irish music program? The show is hosted by “Voice of the Michigan Irish Music Festival” Bill Marshall and is “jammers” full of jams to get you in the mood for March! Tune in from 5-7 pm EST each Thursday. Good news, you don’t have to be in Muskegon to listen to “Sounds Like Ireland”! Streaming is available HERE.
Information for all these events, and many more, can be found on our Calendar of Events
And visit our page devoted to St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Muskegon County HERE
“Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit!” Visit Muskegon wishes you a happy and safe St. Patrick’s celebration and would LOVE to see your photos on social media!
Share your shenanigans with the hashtags #visitmuskegon and #watchmUSkeGOnIRISH