St. Patrick’s Day in Austin – Best Events, Bars & Local News

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Austin! SXSW may be over, but the city isn’t slowing down. From major headlines and upcoming events to the best spots to celebrate today, here’s everything you need to know this week!

NEWS:

• PepsiCo officially acquires local Austin soda brand Poppi for $1.95 Billion. Rumors spurred last week of the acquisition being $1.5B. This makes the 2nd ATX brand to get acquired by Pepsi just this year (Siete Sold for $1.2B).

• Planned 4,000-capacity music venue in Southeast Austin gets development partner. More Details

• A crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg spanning 9,500 acres is now 55% contained. The smoke has made it’s way to Austin, which has created the Sun to appear extra orange and the sky to be hazy.

• SXSW just announced it will be 2 days shorter in 2026. Eliminating the 2nd weekend, which is typically dedicated to music showcases.

• Texas Men’s and Women’s Basketball both made it into the NCAA March Madness tournament. Only 3 schools made it into all 3 post seasons (CFB Playoff + Mens/Womens Basketball tournament).

• Circuit of the Americas new amusement park (COTALAND) is eyeing down open date for upcoming Formula 1 race on October 19. It will feature 30 rides across 30 acres

• Barton Springs Pool is officially back open! Normal attendance Fees are now resumed.

• The Austin area won’t see as many bluebonnets this year due to a drought.

EVENTS:

• March 17: St. Patrick's Day Block Party / 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM / Jack & Gingers / Celebrate with live music, Irish fare, and festive drinks at this all-day event. ​Details

• March 17: St. Patrick's Day Celebration / 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM / The Fieldhouse at the Crossover / Enjoy live music, festive drinks, and family-friendly activities. ​Details 

• March 17: St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl / 4:00 PM - 11:59 PM / Parlor & Yard /

• March 18: Bike Night at COTA / Evening / Circuit of The Americas / Ride your bike around the iconic 3.41-mile F1 track. (Details)

• March 19: Texas vs Xavier Men’s Basketball / NCAA March Madness First Round / 8:10PM CST / Playing in Dayton, OH

• March 22: Texas vs TBD Women’s Basketball / NCAA March Madness First Round / 8:45PM CST / Playing at Moody Center

• ​March 22: ​STRENGTH IN THE CITY Wellness Fest / All Day / Austin Guitar Pool Mansion / Participate in a full day of health and wellness classes, including yoga, HIIT, dance, and meditation. ​(Details)

• May 22-25: Hot Luck Food Festival / Various Times / Multiple Venues / Experience a three-day celebration of food and music, featuring world-class chefs and live performances.​

• ​March 23: Austin FC vs. San Diego FC / 7:00 PM / Q2 Stadium / Austin FC returns home to face San Diego FC in an MLS regular-season match. ​

FOOD & DRINKS SPOTLIGHT:

Irish-Themed Restaurants and Pubs to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day:

• The Dead Rabbit – This new Irish neighbor is decked out for St. Patrick's Day with special menus, decor, and live music throughout March. ​

• Kelly's Irish Pub – Starting March 14, enjoy performances, Irish dancers, drink promotions, and traditional Irish fare.

• Foxy's Proper Pub – A three-day celebration from March 15-17 featuring drinks, food, and live music, including bagpipes.

• Nomadic Beerworks – Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the return of their Irish red ale, 'Lucky Enough,' and a new creamy Irish stout, 'Half Hour,' along with live music and themed bites like corned beef Reuben sandwiches.

• B.D. Riley's Irish Pub (Mueller) – A classic Irish pub serving shepherd's pie, fish & chips, and perfectly poured Guinness, with live music and international sports.

• Jack & Ginger's Irish Pub (The Domain) – Over 80 beers on tap, Irish whiskey towers, and a lively atmosphere featuring classic Irish dishes like a full Irish breakfast.

• Cork & Barrel Craft Kitchen + Microbrewery (Round Rock) – A modern Irish pub with house-brewed beers, a cozy beer garden, and an extensive selection of Irish whiskeys.

• LT Corner Pub (Lakeway) – A mix of Irish pub charm and sports bar energy, offering classic dishes, Irish beers, and entertainment like darts and shuffleboard.

ON THIS DAY IN TEXAS HISTORY:

• A tradition dating back to March 17, 1969: The San Antonio River is dyed green for all to enjoy on the River walk