Irish Week 2026
Irish Week 2026, hosted by the Irish Heritage Club of Seattle, will be a landmark celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and community—honoring the 40th anniversary of the Seattle–Galway Sister City Association and the enduring friendship between our two cities.
Across a week of lively events and activities, this Seattle tradition welcomes everyone—from those with deep Irish roots to those simply curious about Ireland’s rich history, music, and traditions—to join in the festivities.
Beginning March 7, Irish Week will showcase the best of Irish music, dance, art, literature, baking and film. Signature events include the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Mayor’s Proclamation Lunch at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, and the Irish Festival at Seattle Center, where families can enjoy live performances, cultural exhibits, and hands-on workshops.
Look out for the shift in location of most of our events this year. The Parade, our Painting of The Green Stripe and The Mayor’s Proclamation Lunch are all moving down to the wonderfully renovated and vibrate waterfront in Seattle. This year’s Soda Bread Contest is in Murphy’s Pub in Wallingford.
Irish Week Events
Soda Bread Baking Contest
March 7, Murphy’s Pub, Wallingford 12:00-3:00
The Irish Heritage Club’s annual Soda Bread Baking Contest, supported by Kerrygold & Cairnspring Mills, celebrates the tradition of Irish soda bread baking and eating!
Open to all skill levels, participants compete in the categories of traditional white, traditional brown, glorified savory, and glorified sweet.
Judged by experts, the event highlights community spirit, cultural pride, and delicious baking.
Drop off for entries: 12:00-1:30
- Judging for all categories begins at 2:00
- Winners Announced: 3:00
- Enjoy Traditional Irish Entertainment throughout.
- No registration Required.
Any questions contact the contest chair here sodabread@irishclub.org
Mayors’ Proclamation Lunch
March 13, Marriott Seattle Waterfront 11:30-2:00
This year’s Mayor’s Proclamation Lunch will take place at the Marriott Seattle Waterfront on Alaskan Way.
With expanded seating for up to 170 guests, this special event kicks off St. Patrick’s Weekend and celebrates Irish Week by bringing together our Irish-American community members and civic leaders from Seattle and Ireland.
Proclamations for Irish Week 2026 will be presented by representatives from the City, County, and State, alongside dignitaries from our Sister City, Galway and the Irish Government.
- Tickets $50 or $35 for Seniors: ON-SALE JAN 27th!
- Support this event, take a VIP table of 10 for $1,000
Laying of The Green Stripe
March 13, Alaskan Way, Seattle : 7:00 PM
The Irish Heritage Club of Seattle hosts the annual “Laying of the Green stripe”, transforming the planned St Patricks Day parade route with a vibrant green stripe painted on Alaskan Way for the first time in 2026!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14, Alaskan Way, Seattle: 12:30pm.
Starting at the Seattle-Galway Sister City Stone by Pier 66 and progressing to the Great Wheel by Pier 58, Seattle’s 55th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates Irish culture and heritage with music, dance, and vibrant displays.The parade brings the community together in a procession of floats, bagpipes, and cultural pride.
Join us for this iconic tradition honoring Ireland’s spirit and enriching Seattle’s city center!
Registrations for groups to participate and march in the parade is now open at: Registration Form
Emerald City Irish Film Festival
March 14-15, Pacific Science Center
We invite you to join us for our 3rd Season on March 14 & 15 as we bring you 8 new Irish award-winning films straight from the 2025 Galway Film Fleadh along with some talented filmmakers to share their stories and inspiration.
The festival will take place at the Pacific Science Center PACCAR IMAX theater beside the Seattle Center on the same weekend that it hosts The Irish Festival Seattle.
If you were fortunate enough to attend the 2024 or 2025 Emerald City Irish Film Festival, you know that our films are sourced from the vaults of Irish production companies. Each film chosen highlights the depth and diversity of Irish cinema, offering Seattle audiences a unique glimpse into the creative talents emerging from Ireland.
Stay tuned to announcements on Facebook and Instragram for more information and screening announcements
Tickets available soon.
March 14 & 16, Seattle Center.
The two day Irish Festival Seattle, celebrates Irish culture and heritage with vibrant music, dance, art, language and history as well as a broad range of quality craft goods.
Held at The Seattle Center, this years festival features live performances, cultural exhibits, Irish Dancing, Genealogy advise, Tin whistle classes, an Art Exhibition, Lecture Series, and activities for all ages.
The Irish Bar in The Loft is back this year with a stage, live music and The Irish Pub quiz 2026!
Admission is Free.
Full list of Festival performers, dancers, activities, lectures, vendors and attractions (including an Irish bar) will be published in early February.
Our Generous Irish Week Sponsors
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