Every year on March 17th, folks in Oro Valley join millions around the globe to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Known for its vibrant parades and lively music, this holiday is a nod to Irish culture that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Oro Valley offers a variety of ways to get into the spirit of the day.
St. Patrick’s Day has come a long way since its beginnings as a religious holiday in honor of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. It’s become a worldwide celebration, packed with fun and festivity. Here in the U.S., the holiday has deep roots, with the first parade dating back to 1601 in Spanish Florida, thanks to an Irish Catholic priest. Fast forward, and Irish immigrants brought larger parades to cities like Boston and New York, enriching the tradition.
Oro Valley adds its unique flair to the festivities. The Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts, held on March 8-9, 2025, set a cheerful tone for the month. Located at 12155 N Oracle Rd., this event showcased local artists, live music, and family-friendly activities from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. While not strictly a St. Patrick’s Day event, the festival featured green-themed crafts that fit right into the holiday spirit.
If you’re looking to extend the fun, Tucson is just a short drive away and hosts a variety of exciting bar crawls. Here are a few you might enjoy:
– Luck Of The Irish Bar Crawl on March 14, starting at Bourbon Bent, 820 E University Blvd., at 5 PM. More info here.
– Tucson St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl on March 15, across various venues from 1 PM to 8 PM. Check it out here.
– Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl on March 15 at HighWire Tucson, 30 S Arizona Ave., from 4 PM to Midnight. Details here.
– Almost St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl on March 15 at Sky Bar Tucson, 536 N 4th Ave., from 4:30 PM to 9 PM. Find out more here.
For those keen on being eco-friendly, residents in Oro Valley are finding ways to honor the day sustainably. Many are opting for green-themed community cleanups or planting trees. Families are also getting creative with DIY decorations made from recycled materials and hosting zero-waste picnics.
Locals celebrate in all sorts of ways, from backyard gatherings with classic Irish dishes to joining Tucson’s lively bar crawls. Take it from a resident who shares her Irish soda bread recipe passed down from her grandmother, or another excited for a night out with friends in green hats and shamrock necklaces.
In Oro Valley, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just fun—it’s a time to bring the community together, celebrating traditions old and new. So whether through art, a night out, or eco-friendly projects, there’s always a way to make March 17th memorable. Until next year, let’s keep finding ways to celebrate responsibly and with joy!
Sources:
– Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts
– Tucson St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
– Lucky’s St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
– Tucson Luck Of The Irish Bar Crawl
– Tucson’s Almost St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
– St. Patrick’s Day in the United States
– St. Patrick’s Day in America
– St. Patrick’s Day Holiday Information