Lots of cultures are represented here in Nebraska, and each seems to have its very own festival. None are quite so colorful and festive as the one that happens in O’Neill every March. This little town transforms into a tiny slice of Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and you’ll want to see this party for yourself.

Most of the year, this Holt County town of about 3,700 residents is pretty quiet. It's a safe place with good schools and friendly residents.
Google Maps
Every March, the entire town (and then some) turns out to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The town was founded by Irish settlers in 1874 and has never forgotten its Irish heritage.
Facebook/City of O'Neill, Nebraska
In fact, O'Neill is known as "Nebraska's Irish Capital." That's immediately evident as you drive through the town. There you'll see the world's largest permanent shamrock, a huge three-leaf clover shape in concrete in the middle of the intersection at 4th & Douglas Streets.
Nebraska Tourism
Before the St. Patrick's Day celebration every year, volunteers come out to paint the shamrock a vibrant green with a white border. Spectators have made a tradition of coming out to watch the painting.
Facebook/City of O'Neill, Nebraska

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The shamrock becomes the centerpiece of the St. Patrick's Day celebration. Performances and presentations take place on it and the grand parade passes right over it. Performers come from all over the state to take part in this delightfully festive occasion.
Facebook/City of O'Neill, Nebraska
The giant shamrock is such a big attraction, in fact, that proposals and weddings have taken place on it. What a wonderful way to declare your love!
Facebook/O'Neill St. Patrick's Day 2019
There's no other celebration quite like this in Nebraska. Just as the fans at a Huskers game are known as the "sea of red," O'Neill becomes a sea of green in mid-March.
Facebook/O'Neill St. Patrick's Day 2019
In 2021, the celebration will go from March 17-March 20. Everyone is invited out to watch the painting of the shamrock and the "greening of the pond" at Gil Poese Recreational Area in Carney Park.
Nebraska Tourism

Tons of other activities will take place Wednesday-Saturday, with Saturday being the main attraction. That’s the day you’ll see the grand parade, musical performances, Irish dancers, crowning of the St. Patrick’s Day king and queen, and so much more. Get the official schedule of events for 2021 here. Check out this year’s official Facebook page for the festival here.

It’s worth noting that this year’s festival will take place as scheduled after being limited in 2019 due to flooding and canceled in 2020 due to COVID concerns.

Have you ever attended the St. Patrick’s Day festival in O’Neill? Will you be going this year? Tell us what you think in the comments!

While you’re in north-central Nebraska, swing by the Cowboy Trail for one of the most unusual and memorable hikes in the state. Read all about it here.

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O'Neill, NE 68763, USA