Every March, communities across the United States come alive with green, gold, and white colors to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. In Bend, OR, the festivities have a unique charm, blending traditional Irish customs with the city’s local flair. Whether you’re a resident or planning to visit, Bend offers a variety of ways to join in the fun while honoring the rich history of this beloved holiday.
The History of St. Patrick’s Day: Why America Celebrates
St. Patrick’s Day originated as a religious feast in 17th-century Ireland to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Over time, it became a broader celebration of Irish culture and heritage. By the 18th century, Irish immigrants in America began marking March 17th with parades and gatherings to assert their identity and build community amidst widespread discrimination.
The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade in the U.S. took place in 1766 in New York City, organized by Irish soldiers in the British Army. These celebrations became prominent as Irish-American communities expanded, becoming a platform for cultural pride and patriotism. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by those of Irish descent and by anyone who enjoys its festive spirit, making it one of the most widely observed cultural holidays in the United States.
Neighborhood Festivities: What’s Happening in Bend
In Bend, OR, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a holiday—it’s an opportunity for the community to unite through parades, pub crawls, races, and family-friendly events. Here are some highlights for 2025:
Hydro Flask St. Patrick’s Day Dash
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Date & Time: March 15th, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Details: This annual event combines fitness and fun with a festive 5K run or walk through Bend’s scenic trails. Participants are encouraged to dress in green and enjoy post-race refreshments and entertainment.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Old St. Francis School
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Dates: March 15th & 17th, 2025
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Address: 700 NW Bond Street Bend, OR 97703
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Details: Hosted by McMenamins, this two-day event features live music, Irish-inspired food and drinks, and family-friendly activities at one of Bend’s most iconic venues.
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
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Date & Time: March 15th, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 11:59 PM
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Location: JC’s Bar & Grill (642 Northwest Franklin Avenue)
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Details: For those looking to experience Bend’s nightlife with an Irish twist, this bar crawl includes exclusive drink specials and themed activities at participating venues across downtown Bend.
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Dance
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Date & Time: March 14th, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Venue: Larkspur Community Center
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Details: Ideal for families and couples alike, this event offers a delicious Irish-themed dinner followed by live music and dancing—a perfect way to kick off the holiday weekend!
Eco-Friendly Celebrations: Going Green—Literally
As we celebrate all things green on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s also a great time to think about sustainability. In Bend, eco-conscious residents are finding creative ways to mark the occasion while caring for the environment:
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Organize or participate in green-themed community cleanups, such as picking up litter along trails or planting trees.
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Opt for reusable decorations instead of single-use plastic items.
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Support local businesses by purchasing eco-friendly party supplies or attending events prioritizing sustainability.
By incorporating these practices into your celebrations, you can honor Irish culture and our planet.
How Locals Celebrate: Stories From Bend
For many residents of Bend, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is about more than just wearing green—it’s about creating memories with loved ones while embracing the city’s vibrant community spirit:
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Megan O’Connor, a longtime resident with Irish roots, shares how her family starts the day with homemade soda bread before heading to Old St. Francis School for live music.
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As part of his tradition, Jake Miller, a local athlete, looks forward to running in the Hydro Flask Dash every year.
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The Johnson family enjoys attending the Dinner & Dance at Larkspur Community Center together, proving there’s something for everyone on this festive day.
These personal stories highlight how diverse and inclusive celebrations can be in a city like Bend.
Join the Celebration in Bend
Whether you’re running a race dressed as a leprechaun or enjoying traditional Irish fare with friends and family, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Bend, OR. This holiday is more than just an ode to Irish heritage—it’s a chance to connect with your community and make lasting memories.
So grab your green attire and get ready to experience all that Bend offers this March! From lively parades to eco-friendly initiatives, this city proves that celebrating can be meaningful and fun.
Sources: cascaderelays.com, mcmenamins.com, eventbrite.com, bendparksandrec.org, en.wikipedia.org, npg.si.edu, timeanddate.com
Header Image Source: cascaderelays.com
