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Irish immigrants began settling in Milwaukee between the 1830s to 1850s, just before the German arrivals. Most settled in the Third Ward. By the 1850s, the Irish made up 15% of Milwaukee’s population, which was their highest point.
Milwaukee celebrated its first St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 1843. It was one of the earliest in the United States. This was before Wisconsin became and before Milwaukee was incorporated as a city. This was the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade held outside of the original 13 colonies.
The modern version of the parade started in 1967 with sponsorship by the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin. The parade celebrates and honors Milwaukee’s Irish heritage and the Irish-Americans in downtown Milwaukee.
And Milwaukee does its St. Patrick’s Day celebration up right! This year it will kick off on March 8, 2026, with the “Passport to Ireland.” All 3 levels of the CelticMKE Center will be transformed into terminals, transporting guests to Irish destinations. You can go to different counties in Ireland. Each county will have an activity that celebrates Irish culture, history, and traditions. And you can get your “passport” stamped, earning a prize at the end of your journey. The entertainment will be Irish music and dancing.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 8 am, in St. Patrick’s Parish, the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin is inviting people to join them for the annual mass in honor of St. Patrick. It will feature hymn and readings in both English and Irish.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be happening on March 14, 2025, at noon in downtown Milwaukee. The parade route spans a mile and a half. There will be more than 100 units in the parades, including marching bands, colorful floats, bagpipers, Irish dancers, Irish wolfhounds and more. Thousands of spectators will be lining the streets for this 90 minute parade. Get ready to see a lot of green!
And the party doesn’t stop with the parade. The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin is inviting everyone to attend the Post Parade Party at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center of Wisconsin on Saturday after the parade. The party will have 4 stages, 4 dance schools, 7 bands and a Children’s Area.
If you’d like to visit Milwaukee for St. Patrick’s Day or any other time, you should look for a hotel deal here. Many of these hotels are offering discounts which can save you money on your stay.
If you liked the Irish food at the parties, you should try one of Milwaukee’s excellent restaurants. Here are the 6 Best Irish Restaurants as chosen by the users of TripAdvisor.
- Country Clare Pub & Restaurant
- Mo’s Irish Pub
- McBob’s Pub & Grill
- Trinity Three Irish Pubs
- O’lydia’s
- Lucky Clover Irish Pub
If you’re going to be flying to Milwaukee, you can book discounted St Patrick’s Day flights here.
Sources
- Per Milwaukee Irish, Milwaukee Magazine, Wikipedia