Whether your group prefers an early-morning run along the waterfront, an afternoon raising pints at an authentic Irish pub, or an evening bar crawl through downtown, the City of Destiny delivers memorable ways to celebrate the season. If you’re at Cider Symposium or visiting for the week, check out what’s happening around the area.
One of Tacoma's most beloved annual traditions combines fitness with festivity. The St. Paddy's Day Run Tacoma, organized by the Tacoma City Marathon Association, takes place Saturday, March 14, 2026, offering three distances: a scenic half marathon, 10K, and family-friendly 5K.
The route begins in downtown Tacoma at 815 Pacific Avenue and winds along the stunning Ruston Way waterfront, passing the Point Ruston Waterwalk and Dune Peninsula Park. Half marathon participants cross the Wilson Way Bridge for panoramic views of Commencement Bay before making their way back downtown. All finishers receive commemorative St. Paddy's Day medals, and the 5K welcomes both runners and walkers of all experience levels.
St. Patrick's Day in Tacoma isn’t complete without a visit to Doyle's Public House, the city's destination for Irish hospitality since 2006. On March 17, doors open at 5:45 a.m. for what the pub calls Tacoma's grandest St. Patrick's Day celebration. The Greater Tacoma Convention Center sits in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of Doyle's Public House.
The festivities include an outdoor tent with backyard games, additional seating, multiple service bars, and visits from bagpipers throughout the day. Doyle's boasts the South Sound's largest curated whiskey collection, featuring everything from approachable selections to rare finds. The Guinness flows steadily, and the kitchen serves Irish-inspired fare including shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and their popular Reuben sandwich.
For those who prefer to sample multiple venues, The Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl offers a guided tour of downtown Tacoma's drinking establishments. Participants check in to receive an event badge and vouchers redeemable at various stops, including Steel Creek, Puget Sound Pizza, and Odd Otter Brewing Company.
The self-guided format allows attendees to explore at their own pace while enjoying drink specials at participating locations. It's a great way for groups to discover Tacoma's growing craft beverage scene while celebrating the holiday.
Tacoma's compact downtown makes it easy to combine multiple celebrations into one trip. Visitors to the Greater Tacoma Convention Center can start their weekend with a Saturday morning run, explore the waterfront, and reserve St. Patrick's Day itself for pub visits and crawls.
The city's stunning waterfront, award-winning dining scene, and Pacific Northwest hospitality create an inviting backdrop for group celebrations. Whether you're organizing an incentive trip, a team outing, or simply gathering friends for a memorable holiday weekend, Tacoma offers the experiences—and the welcoming atmosphere—to make your St. Patrick's Day festivities unforgettable.
