St. Patrick’s Day will be here soon, and that means it’s time to start planning out your weekend! There are fun things to do in the Falls in celebration of the holiday, and here are a few ideas to get you started!

St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Festival

March 16th, 2013  4:30pm – 11:00pm

Every year the downtown streets of Wichita Falls fill up with people who are eager to celebrate the holiday. You’ll experience live music, dancing, and delicious food and drink with others, and you’re encouraged to wear some green! The bands on the outdoor stage this year are The Killdares, Josh Weathers Band, Goitse (Celtic Irish Band), and The Gourds.

Put on by Downtown Proud, tickets are $10 in advance with military or college ID, $12 advance for general admission, $15 at the gate, and kids 12 and under are free! Get your tickets at The Iron Horse Pub, United Market Street, Downtown Wichita Falls Development Office, and the SAFB ITT Office.

The Iron Horse Pub

8th Street Downtown

There’s no better way to get your Irish on than at the Iron Horse Pub. They’ll be celebrating the holiday all weekend long, so make sure to stop in after visiting the Downtown Festival on the 16th! The bands taking the stage that Saturday are AA Bottom and Blue Light Special, and after you celebrate on Saturday, come back on Sunday for the actual holiday and celebrate some more! That day they'll have Texas acts like Dirty River Boys, Dandy Jack Rabbit, special guest Kellie Lee and more!

St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Dash and 5K Race

March 16th, 2013 3:00pm

Downtown Farmers Market at 713 Ohio Avenue

Make a mad dash for the Pot O’ Gold! You can wear whatever you want, but why not spice things up and don your best leprechaun gear? The first place finisher gets the Pot O’ Gold Top Prize and custom pilsner award, and all runners get a custom t-shirt, discount admission to the festival, and a beer ticket with ID. Pre-registration is $25, and race day registration is $30. If you’re 12 or under, you’re getting in free! They’ll also have awards for the top three costumes, so start planning early!

Wichita Falls Railroad Museum St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

March 16th, 2013 12:00pm – 4:00pm

500 9th Street

Take a tour of the Wichita Falls Railroad Museum! They’ll have the Sherriff on hand, along with the fire department and DARE. To make it even better, the Clown Lady will be there, and after you see her, check out the carnival booths and even take a ride on the carnival rides! Admission is just $5.00, and that includes tickets for food and drink.

Feel the Heat Chili Cookoff

March 16th, 2013 9:00am – 2:00pm

Traders Market on Sheppard Access Road

Want to feel the heat before you head downtown to the Iron Horse? Check out the Feel the Heat Chili Cookoff! For only $5, you get unlimited chili tasting all day, and since we’re in Texas you know it’s gonna be tasty. They also have concession stands, vendor booths, and lots of fun activities! If you’d like more information, call Terry at 940-322-7803.

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