Everyone knows Saugatuck is the Art Coast of Michigan, famous for its summer dunes and fall colors. But if you ask the locals, one of the best weekends of the entire year happens right in the middle of March.
St. Patrick’s Day in Saugatuck isn’t just a holiday, it’s the town’s unofficial “Wake Up” party. After a quiet winter, the streets of Saugatuck and Douglas come alive with runners, revelers, and, believe it or not, hundreds of dogs dressed in green.
If you are looking for a weekend getaway to shake off the winter rust, this is the place to be. Here is your guide to the festivities and why you need to book your stay now.
The Saturday Lineup: A Day of Shenanigans
While St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17th, Saugatuck traditionally throws its biggest bash on the nearest Saturday. The energy is infectious, the community is welcoming, and the schedule is packed.
- The Shamrock Run, Walk, or Roll – March 14th
Kick off your morning guilt-free before the indulgences begin. This annual fun run (usually a “3.2-ish” mile course) starts downtown near Wicks Park. It’s a low-pressure, high-spirit event where tutus and green wigs are more common than competitive running gear. It’s the perfect way to get the blood flowing and see the town.
- The Famous “Erin Go Bark” Parade – March 14th
This is the event that puts Saugatuck/Douglas on the map for St. Patrick’s Day. Forget traditional marching bands—we have puppies. The Erin Go Bark People & Pet Parade is exactly what it sounds like: a procession of very good dogs (and their humans) dressed to the nines in leprechaun hats, shamrock bandanas, and green dye. Even if you don’t have a pet, watching the parade is a guaranteed serotonin boost.
- The Pub Crawl – March 14th
Once the running and parading are done, it’s time to toast. The annual Pub Crawl typically kicks off at Wicks Park Bar & Grille. Grab your punch card and make your way through town staples like The Butler, Phil’s Bar & Grille, and The Sand Bar. It’s a great way to experience the local culinary scene, hear live music, and enjoy the “everyone is family” vibe that takes over the town.
Why You Need a Vacation Rental (Especially This Weekend)
St. Patrick’s Day is a blast, but it requires a bit of strategy to do it right. Here is why a Jaqua Vacation Rental beats a hotel for this specific holiday:
Pet-Friendly Perks: If you are coming for the “Erin Go Bark” parade, you’ll likely want to bring your own four-legged friend. Many of our rentals are pet-friendly, meaning your dog can relax in a real home after their big parade debut rather than being cooped up in a kennel.
Walkability is Key: On a drinking holiday, nobody wants to worry about driving. We have rentals located right in downtown Saugatuck and Douglas. You can walk to the race, stumble home from the pub crawl, and grab brunch the next morning without ever touching your car keys.
The Morning After: Let’s be real, Sunday morning might be a little slow. Instead of rushing to meet a hotel checkout time, imagine sleeping in, making a greasy breakfast in your full kitchen, and lounging by the fireplace until you’re ready to face the world.
Get Your Green On
Saugatuck’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the perfect bridge between winter and spring. It’s festive, quirky, and incredibly fun.
Don’t rely on the luck of the Irish to find a place to stay at the last minute. Our downtown condos and pet-friendly cottages book up fast for this weekend.
