Lucky charms, green beer and pinching those not wearing clothes of an emerald shade. 

St. Patrick’s Day arrives on Saturday, March 17. For a holiday recognized by the aforementioned luck, alcohol and color, it may not always be clear what options are available in the Salt Lake Valley to celebrate the Irish holiday. 

Whether you are a single mom with two kids, recent college graduate or multiple decades into existence, here are some ideas to spend the day. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Put on by the Hibernian Society of Utah, the parade takes place in Salt Lake City going down 300 South from 500 East to the Gallivan Center. This marks the 40th anniversary of the parade that will start at 10 a.m. The parade after-party, known as the Siamsa (sheem-sa) will be held at the Gallivan Center. 

The Hibernian Society is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and preserve Irish history, culture and traditions in Utah. 

Irish pub

If you’re looking for a traditional old-style Irish pub, then Murphy’s Bar and Grill at 160 South Main Street in Salt Lake City is the place. 

Salt Lake City also features Squatters, Gracie’s and MacCool’s Public House. No word yet if green beer will be on their March 17 menus.

McDonald’s

What? McDonald’s has nothing to do with St. Patrick’s Day. But it does return every year with its minty Shamrock Shake to celebrate the holiday. Find one at your local McDonald’s.

The Leprechaun Lope

The 29th annual Leprechaun Lope features a timed 10K, 5K and 2-mile fun run on US certified track and field courses. 

Races run from the State Capitol to Memory Grove (300 North Canyon Road) with the 10K starting at 10:30 a.m., 5K at 8:35 a.m. and 2-mile fun run at 8:40 a.m. 

The event features division winners including best Irish costume, wheelchair, centipede (four runners linked with a costume or rope) and many others. The Lope will benefit Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. Register at lourdesschool.org/lope.

At home food

You can even celebrate the holiday in your home, whether you hail from Ireland or not. Plenty of recipes can include green covered food such as green candied popcorn, green M&M’s, your own shamrock shake trading in mint ice cream for vanilla or Irish brown bread. 

At home crafts

While food is necessary, so is entertainment, especially if you have kids. There are plenty of DIY projects to do at home whether it’s T-shirts stamped with green shamrocks, leprechaun hats made with toilet paper rolls, sparkling green play dough or even a wreath for your door.