Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day 2026:

Parade Time, Full Schedule, Local Tips + Places to Stay

Crosslake on St. Patrick’s Day is a whole vibe—streets full of green, small-town energy turned all the way up, and that classic Up North magic you can’t fake.

At Woods to Water Real Estate, we’re here to be your local resource for the Brainerd Lakes Area lifestyle—whether you live here full-time, you’re a cabin owner, or you’re planning a weekend getaway. This annual tradition is one of the biggest community events of the season, and it’s the kind of weekend that helps people fall in love with Crosslake (and keep coming back).

If you’re visiting, our advice is simple: don’t day-trip it. Make it a weekend, stay close to the action, and experience Crosslake like a local—with a place that actually feels like a vacation home.

QUICK TAKEAWAYS:

• Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
• Parade Time: 1:15 PM
• Theme: Paint The Town Green

Visit the event site

Browse Whitefish Chain Rentals

52nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration in Crosslake

3/12/2026 – 3/14/2026

Why this weekend is a must-do:

Crosslake’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is one of those traditions you do once… and then it becomes your annual thing. It’s fun, family-friendly, and full of that signature lake-community spirit.

Our advice? Don’t day-trip it. Stay nearby on the Whitefish Chain so you can enjoy the parade, local spots, and still come home to a beautiful place that feels like vacation—especially if you’re looking for vacation home rentals, vacation rentals, or a lake house rental that keeps you close to town.

PARADE DAY TIPS:

1) Arrive early

The best spots go fast. Give yourself time to park, grab coffee, and settle in before the parade starts.

2) Dress for March in Minnesota

Layers, warm boots, gloves, and a winter hat (bonus points if it’s green).

3) Bring your comfort kit

• Folding chairs
• Blanket
• Hand warmers
• Thermos / travel mugs
• Snacks
• Portable charger

4) Make it a full weekend

Come Friday, stay through Sunday, and turn parade day into a memory-making lake escape.

WHERE TO STAY: Premier Whitefish Chain Properties

Want to be close to the action and stay somewhere you’ll actually want to hang out? Start with these favorites from our sister company, Woods to Water Vacation Homes / Book the B.L.A.—a curated collection of vacation rental homes and vacation home rentals near Crosslake and the Whitefish Chain.

Sundance Ridge Resort (Crosslake)

Your parade-weekend basecamp. Sundance Ridge puts you in the heart of Crosslake with Whitefish Chain access and resort-style comfort—perfect for families, couples, and group getaways.

Explore Sundance Ridge Resort

Manhattan Point

Big weekend energy, elevated stay. If your crew likes space to gather, unwind, and celebrate together, Manhattan Point is a standout for St. Paddy’s weekend.

Book Manhattan Point

Happy Landing

Cozy-luxe lake life at its best. Happy Landing gives you that warm, classic cabin feel with upgraded comfort—exactly what you want after a full day in town.

Book Happy Landing

See More Whitefish Chain Vacation Rentals

If you’re planning a spring getaway and searching “lake cabins near me,” a lake house for rent, or minnesota cabin rentals, booking early for parade weekend is the move.

SUGGESTED WKEND ITINERARY:

Friday

• Check in and get settled
• Dinner, drinks, and a cozy night in
• Lay out your green fits for parade day

Saturday (Parade Day)

• Slow morning and coffee
• Head into town early
• Parade at 1:15 PM
• Celebrate local, shop local, eat local
• Back to your stay for a lakeside wind-down

Sunday

• Sleep in
• Brunch and one last slow lake morning
• Head home already planning next year

FAQ: Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day

When is Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day 2026?
Saturday, March 14, 2026.

What time is the parade?
1:15 PM.

Where should we stay?
For the best experience, stay close to Crosslake on the Whitefish Chain. Top picks include Sundance Ridge Resort, Manhattan Point, and Happy Landing.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes—very. Dress warm, arrive early, and bring chairs/snacks for an easy day.

EVENT SCHEDULE

ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE – WATCH FOR THE COMPLETE 2026 SCHEDULE COMING SOON!

Visit the Crosslake Chamber site for full schedule and updates

Follow the Crosslake Chamber on Facebook & Instagram for Event Updates!

MONDAY, March 9, 2026

7 PM // Paint the Town Green Yardi Pardi (Judge’s Choice March 9 and People’s Choice March 9–14)
Download the Crosslake App and help determine the people’s choice!

THURSDAY, March 12, 2026

9 AM // St Paddy’s Pot O’ Gold – First clue released

6 – 8 PM // Loon & Lakes Trivia – (UpNorth Social 35494 CR 3)

8 PM // Trivia (Moonlite Bay 37627 CR 66)

FRIDAY, March 13, 2026

9 AM // St Paddy’s Pot O’ Gold – second clue released

5 – 7 PM // 12th Clover Dash 5K / Ruck / Kids Run packet pickup (Shoppe 218 35746 Allen Ave)

6 PM // Meat Raffle (Crosslake Legion 35112 CR 3)

6 – 9 PM // Live Music featuring Seth Doud (Manhattan Beach Lodge 39051 CR 66)

10 PM – 2 AM // DJ Music at the Bay (Moonlite Bay 37627 CR 66)

SATURDAY, March 14, 2026

8:30 – 10:30 AM // 12th Clover Dash 5K / Ruck / Kids Run (Crosslake Town Square 35746 Allen Ave)

9 AM // St Paddy’s Pot O’ Gold – third and final clue released

9 AM–3:30 PM // Whitefish Lodge Bingo and Parking Lot Party (Whitefish Lodge & Suites 14150 Swann Drive)
Annual Big Bingo – 9 a.m. Doors open with food garden and full bar indoors
10 a.m. – Bingo starts – Must register at www.whitefish-lodge.com
Parking Lot Party – 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tent open with food garden and full bar
11:30 – 1 p.m. and 2 – 3:30 p.m. Live music featuring Shane Martin

10 AM – 1 PM // Parade Pre Party (Crosslake Town Square 35770 Allen Ave)

10:30 AM – 1 PM // Parade Participant Shuttle Service – Complimentary for parade participants only.
Park & ride the free shuttle from The Log Church (37218 CR 66) to Crosslake Community School. (One way only before the parade – no shuttle after the parade)

1:15 PM // 52nd ANNUAL ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
AFTER THE PARADE – Celebrations throughout Crosslake

3:30 PM // Live Music featuring Kings Ranson (Manhattan Beach Lodge 39051 CR 66)

Raffle Ticket Drawing Party // Tuesday, March 17, 2026

5–7:30 PM // St. Patrick’s Raffle Ticket Drawing Party (Maucieri’s Italian Bistro 34650 CR 3)
5:30 PM – Parade Trophies Awarded
6 PM – Ticket Drawing begins
Enjoy food and beverage specials as we pull all the winning raffle tickets! Need not be present to win.
Raffle Prizes donated by local businesses!

LET'S PAINT THE TOWN GREEN!

If you’re coming for the celebration, make it easy on yourself: stay lakeside, stay close, and turn it into a weekend. Browse and book direct through Book the B.L.A. for curated Whitefish Chain stays—and keep Woods to Water Real Estate bookmarked for more local guides, annual events, and the kind of community intel you only get from people who live here.

Sundance Ridge Resort
Manhattan Point
Happy Landing
All Whitefish Chain Rentals