Michigan’s largest St. Patrick’s Day street festival is undergoing a major change for its 2025 event. Formerly held along Ionia Avenue, the festival will now take place at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday, March 15. With this move comes a new name: “Irish Off Ionia.”
Why the Change?
For the past 11 years, the St. Patrick’s Day celebration spanned three city blocks, from Fulton to Oakes Street and across Weston Street, from Ionia to Commerce Avenue. However, the large-scale event led to road closures and limited parking access, causing disruptions to residents and businesses. Organizers believe the new location will alleviate these issues while offering festivalgoers a more spacious and improved experience.
Calder Plaza’s open space allows for better crowd flow, enhanced amenities, and an opportunity to elevate the festival’s offerings while remaining in the heart of Grand Rapids. Setup will begin the day before the event, and while some temporary access restrictions may impact local businesses and residents, organizers aim to minimize disruptions.
Festival Highlights
Irish Off Ionia will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is strictly for attendees aged 21 and over. Festivalgoers can look forward to:
- Live Entertainment: Performances by Ironwood, Belfast Gin, Leprecons, Wakefire, and Stone Clover, along with sets from local DJs.
- Irish Culture: Traditional Irish dancers and themed festivities.
- Food & Drinks: A variety of beverages, including beer, cider, cocktails, gluten-free, and zero-proof options. Food will be available for purchase inside the event.
Important Event Guidelines
- All attendees will go through bag searches and metal detectors at entry points.
- No outside food or beverages are allowed.
- Cash will not be accepted; all purchases must be made via card or tap-to-pay.
- Event entry will be located on Ottawa Ave NW.
VIP Experience
For those looking for an upgraded festival experience, VIP tickets offer several perks:
- Fast pass entry and re-entry
- Access to a heated VIP-only tent
- Exclusive weather-friendly swag
- Limited availability
Food Vendor Information
Unlike previous years, food and beverage offerings will be handled in-house. However, downtown businesses interested in serving festivalgoers are encouraged to apply for a Downtown Vendor Business License and operate within designated vending zones to take advantage of high foot traffic.
Conclusion
The move to Calder Plaza marks an exciting new chapter for Michigan’s largest St. Patrick’s Day festival. With more space, enhanced amenities, and a strong focus on guest experience, Irish Off Ionia is set to deliver an unforgettable celebration in 2025. Festivalgoers can expect all the Irish spirit they love in a fresh and dynamic setting, ensuring a memorable St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Grand Rapids.