Join us for St. Patrick’s Day in Leadville, Colorado!
Leadville’s connection to Ireland runs deep. During the Silver Rush, Irish immigrants flocked to the high-altitude mining town, bringing their skills, culture, and community with them. Their influence shaped Leadville’s character, traditions, and even its streets. Today, Leadville honors that heritage through celebrations, memorials, and our twinning with Alihes, strengthening ties across the ocean and keeping Irish traditions alive at 10,000 feet.
How to Experience St. Patrick’s Day in Leadville
Parade Along Harrison Avenue
Start by joining the festive energy on Harrison Avenue. Music, locals, and plenty of green set the tone, all are welcome to join! Follow the parade as it winds from 9th Street toward the Silver Dollar Saloon, where you can savor classic corned beef and cabbage, following the parade, a perfect high-altitude feast.
- Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 Parade starts at 4:30pm
Hit the Slopes with a Twist
At Ski Cooper, adventure meets whimsy on Leprechaun Lane. Search for hidden leprechauns and the elusive pot of gold while skiing or snowboarding, then warm up with a pint and Irish food specials at Katie O’Rourke’s Irish Pub, accompanied by live music.
Ride the Rails (in Green)
Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad St. Patrick’s Day Train Ride for a scenic 2-hour journey with stunning views of Mt. Elbert, Mt. Massive, and the headwaters of the Arkansas River. Along the way, hunt for hidden leprechaun treasure for fun prizes while sipping hot chocolate or warm apple cider in cozy lounge cars.
- Saturday, March 14th, 2026 1:3opm
Embrace Active Fun
For those who crave movement, try the Fatty Patty Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Race on snow-packed trails, a lively way to channel your inner leprechaun while enjoying the Colorado winter landscape.
- Saturday, March 21st, 2026 at 8am
Honoring Leadville’s Irish Miners
You can now visit the Leadville Irish Miners’ Memorial, which speaks to the hopes and dreams of immigrants across the world. This new memorial honors Leadville residents whose names had been lost to time.
The memorial honors approximately 1,300 miners
from the Silver Rush days, most of them Irish. All were buried in unmarked, sunken graves in Evergreen Cemetery’s pauper section.
It features a sculpture of a miner, nicknamed “Liam,” holding a pickaxe and a harp, the national symbol of Ireland. The sculpture was fashioned by hand and shipped from Ireland to Leadville. Panels that surround the memorial show the names of those buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Many are infants or children, underscoring the harsh living conditions and heartbreak of the times.
Yet these workers continued to try to better their lives. They participated in strikes against the mining companies to secure better wages and conditions. Ultimately, their efforts brought Colorado’s labor unions into being. Their stories touch on a wider story one of the optimism and desperation of people forced to flee their homeland to survive.
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More Ways to Celebrate
Leadville like’s St. Patrick’s Day so much we celebrate it twice a year! Come back in September for a Irish themed weekend of events, when the weather is a little warmer.
Mark your calendar for a meaningful and memorable weekend as Leadville celebrates its rich Irish heritage. More details are coming soon, but here’s a preview of what to expect:
Friday, September 18
Sing Song at the Irish Miners’ Memorial
Evergreen Cemetery | 7:00–10:00 p.m.
The weekend begins with an evening gathering at the Irish Miners’ Memorial in Evergreen Cemetery. Expect traditional songs, live music, and reflections honoring the Irish immigrants who shaped Leadville’s mining history. It is a moving and intimate way to open the celebration.
Saturday, September 19
Practice Parade on Harrison Avenue
Noon
Get a preview of the pageantry as participants take to historic Harrison Avenue for a spirited practice parade.
Meet and Greet at the Old Church
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Connect with community members, visitors, and organizers at a relaxed afternoon gathering.
Evening Event
Details to be announced.
Sunday, September 20
Convocation at the Memorial
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The weekend concludes with a convocation at the Memorial, including a formal reading of the names and a time of remembrance and reflection.
Leadville’s Irish heritage is alive in its streets, its mountains, and its people. From skiing through Leprechaun Lane to honoring the miners who built the town, every moment offers a mix of adventure, tradition, and celebration. With our twin city Alihes, Ireland, the spirit of Ireland feels just a heartbeat away.
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