Break out your green garb because St. Patrick’s Day events around the Emerald City are back. Whether you and the kids want to hunt for gold, dash to the end of a rainbow or simply want to watch a parade go by, we’ve rounded up the best St. Patrick’s Day activities for families in and around Seattle. Read on to sham-rock your weekend.

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Seattle St. Patrick's Day Parade
Come out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this crowd-pleasing parade that's returning for the first time in two years. The parade festivities start at when the Irish flag is raised, trumpets are played and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals lead the annual procession up 4th Avenue, traveling north from James Street to the reviewing stand at Westlake Park. Expect floats, bagpipe players and maybe even a gaggle of leprechauns to pass you by along the route.

Cost: Free
Date & Time: Mar. 13, 1 p.m.
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Pot of Gold Nugget Hunt
See if the luck of the Irish is on your side when you bring the kids to hunt for gold nuggets at the North Kirkland Community Center. Look high. Look low and everywhere in between to find a coveted prize for your little leprechauns. Kiddos who find the nugget with their name on it can keep it for good luck. If you find the nugget with the word "prize" on the bottom, snap a picture and send it in to collect a prize. Good luck!

Cost: Free, but registration is required
Date & Time: Mar. 12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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seattle st. patrick's day events
David Conger

Irish Festival Seattle
Seattle Center Festál presents Irish Festival Seattle in partnership with the Irish Heritage Club (IHC). For the first time in two years, families can enjoy this event in person at the Armory Food & Events Hall. The festival features non-stop Irish music, singing and dancing, booths selling Irish and Celtic products, Irish workshops, lectures, displays, children's activities, Irish language and genealogy workshops, a photography exhibit and more. Kids of all ages will love the Irish Musicians and watching champion Irish step dancers from around the Pacific Northwest. You won't want to miss this two-day celebration of Irish heritage, culture and arts.

Cost: Free
Dates & Times: Mar. 12 & 13, noon-6 p.m.
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Pirates Landing of St. Patrick
St. Patrick was originally brought to Ireland by Irish pirates around 400 AD. Over 1600 years later, the Seafair Pirates will deliver St. Patrick back to the Emerald City for the first time in two years, dropping him off at South Lake Union (near MOHAI). Once he's landed, head back to Pioneer Square for the Green Stripe Laying.

Cost: Free
Date & Time: Mar. 12, 5 p.m.
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Green Stripe Mini Parade
Meet in Pioneer Square, across the street from the Lumen Field north parking lot, to secure a spot on the flat-bed truck that paints the green stripe along 4th Ave. in preparation for they big parade on Sunday. Stripe painting will begin at 4th Ave. & Jefferson St.

Cost: Free
Date & Time: Mar. 12, 6 p.m.
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St. Patrick’s Day Dash
Join in this Seattle tradition, 38 years running. The St. Patrick’s Day Dash will once again call Seattle Center home; back with all the family fun we've missed over the past two years, including the traditional 5K race, Leprechaun Lap, Post Dash Bash, costume contests, live music and more. Register soon and come celebrate the Irish in everyone. The Leprechaun Lap (a 1K loop around the Seattle Center grounds for kids 10 and under) starts at 8:15 a.m., near the International Fountain. Race waves start at 8:45 a.m.

Cost: $33-$50/5K race; $20-$25/Kids, 1K Leprechaun Leap
Date & Time: Mar. 13, 8 a.m.
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Woodinville Leprechaun Leap
Come share in the mischief at the Woodinville Leprechaun Leap. The 5K race starts on the Sammamish River Trail at Wilmot Park, and the fast, flat 5K is a quick out-and-back course, ideal for all abilities; walkers, strollers, and friendly dogs on a fixed leash are welcome. The 10K course is flat, with two gentle hills. Don’t forget the 1K Sprite Sprint that’s free for kids 6 & under. Costumes encouraged for everyone!

Cost: $35-$45/person; Free, Sprite Sprint for kids 6 & under
Date & Time: Mar. 12, 9:15 a.m.
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Shamrock Stroll
It's your lucky day because a walk in the park with the kids has never been more fun. Bring the fam to enjoy the Shamrock Stroll at Lake Sammamish State Park. Chase the kids as they follow shamrock signs to learn about Irish legends, leprechauns, including what they eat and where they live (and maybe how to catch one, too!) and find Irish words and blessings. We'll hope for a rainbow as you stroll from Sunset Beach to Tibbetts Beach. Remember your Discover Pass for this one!

Cost: Free
Dates & Times: Mar. 16-28, dawn to dusk
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—Allison Sutcliffe & Kristina Moy

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