St. Patrick’s Day 2026 in Northern Colorado
Celebrate the Return of a Beloved Fort Collins Tradition
St. Patrick’s Day is always a festive time across Northern Colorado, but 2026 brings an extra reason to celebrate. After several years away, the beloved Fort Collins St. Patrick’s Day Parade is officially returning, bringing green-clad crowds, community spirit, and Irish-inspired festivities back to the streets of Old Town. From family-friendly parades to lively bar crawls and community celebrations, Northern Colorado will be full of ways to celebrate the luck of the Irish.
Here’s a look at the top St. Patrick’s Day events happening around Fort Collins and Northern Colorado in 2026.
The Big News: The Fort Collins St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns
📍 Old Town Fort Collins
📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026
⏰ Parade at 10:00 AM | Celebration until 4:00 PM
One of the most exciting developments for 2026 is the long-awaited return of the Fort Collins St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a tradition many locals have missed for years. The parade had been absent since 2019 due to rising production and security costs, making this year’s revival especially meaningful for the community.
The event is being revived by NOCO Unify and High Country Beverage, bringing back one of Northern Colorado’s most beloved celebrations.
What to Expect
The festivities begin with the parade through Old Town, featuring floats, performers, local businesses, and community groups. The route begins near Peterson Street and Magnolia Street, then travels north along College Avenue before finishing at Mountain Avenue.
After the parade, the celebration continues in Old Town Square with the Old Town Irish Celebration, which runs into the afternoon. Visitors can expect:
- Live Irish-inspired music and entertainment
- Food vendors and local restaurants
- Family-friendly activities and games
- A festive bar scavenger hunt
- Community nonprofit booths
The entire event is free and open to the public, making it one of the most accessible celebrations in the region.
For many longtime residents, the parade’s return represents more than just another event. It’s the revival of a community tradition that has long defined St. Patrick’s Day in Fort Collins.
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl – Fort Collins
📍 Bondi Beach Bar and Grill and participating bars
📅 March 14, 2026 4pm
For those looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a little more nightlife energy, Fort Collins will also host a St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl across multiple downtown venues.
Participants can expect:
- Drink specials across participating bars
- Included drinks or shots with ticket purchase
- Exclusive event wristbands and party cups
- After-parties and themed festivities
It’s a popular option for those wanting to continue the celebration after the daytime parade.
Other participating bars include Brothers Bar and Grill, The Gilded Goat, The Whiskey, and more.
The Mid-Party is at Tony’s Bar 7p-9p and the After Party is at Brothers 10p-12a. DO NOT forget to stop on by MY favorite Irish Pub in Old Town, Lucky Joes for their famous Irish Coffee.
Sharin’ O’ The Green 5K – Fort Collins
📍 Downtown Fort Collins → Odell Brewing
📅 March 14, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
One of the most popular annual St. Patrick’s Day traditions in Fort Collins is the Sharin’ O’ The Green 5K, a festive downhill run/walk that kicks off the morning before the parade. Participants start downtown and finish at Odell Brewing Company, where the celebration continues with live music, food, a beer garden, and awards.
Many runners actually finish the race just in time to grab a spot along the parade route, making this a perfect way to start the day’s festivities.
St. Paddy’s Day 5K – Berthoud
📍 Downtown Berthoud
📅 March 14, 2026
Just a short drive south of Fort Collins, Berthoud hosts its own festive St. Paddy’s Day 5K through the charming downtown area. Participants are encouraged to wear green and celebrate at local businesses after the race finishes.
This is a great family-friendly option if you’re looking for something a little smaller and more community-focused.
St. Patrick’s Day Brunch – Loveland
📍 Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
📅 March 15, 2026
⏰ 11 AM – 2 PM
If you’re looking for a relaxed way to celebrate, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch near Loveland hosts a St. Patrick’s Day brunch featuring a festive meal and scenic foothills views. It’s a great option for families or anyone looking for a slower-paced celebration after the busy Saturday events.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day
Being an Irish-American myself, this is one of my favorite holidays of the year. It is a time to bring family, friends, and the community together for a full day of fellowship, friendship, love, and libations. The Irish are a welcoming people and are always willing to share a pint with new friends. Please love and respect those who are sharing this wonderful day with you and as always party responsibly.
Sláinte!
Written by Matt Ryan with the Weinland Team at RE/MAX Alliance
Phone: (970) 988-3127
Email: Matt@TheWeinlandTeam.com
Written by fortcollinsexperience
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