If there’s one event that officially signals St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Indianapolis, it’s this.
The 30th Annual Hoosier Lottery Greening of the Canal is back for 2026, transforming the downtown canal into a bright shade of Irish green — and it’s completely free to attend.
Hosted by The Athletic Club Foundation in partnership with Hoosier Lottery, this annual celebration kicks off Indy’s St. Patrick’s festivities in a big way.
And yes — it’s one of the most iconic spring traditions in the city.
Event: 30th Annual Hoosier Lottery St. Patrick’s Day Kickoff Celebration & Greening of the Canal
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time:
• 5:00 PM – Live music & guest speakers
• 5:45 PM – Official Greening of the Canal
Location: Ohio Street Canal Basin (Ohio & West Street, Downtown Indianapolis)
Cost: Free & open to the public
All families are welcome, and the event will also be live streamed on the Hoosier Lottery Facebook page and the Indianapolis St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Facebook page.
Meet us at Ohio & West St. for the Greening of the Canal! FREE event! 🎉
Every year, thousands gather along the Indianapolis Canal Walk to watch the water turn green in celebration of Irish heritage and community pride.
But this isn’t just a quick dye-and-go moment — it’s a full kickoff celebration.
Here’s what you’ll experience:
The legendary Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers
Live music from Sheep in the Boat Band
Bagpipes + downtown skyline + green canal? Instant St. Patrick’s vibes.
Hoosier Lottery Draw Host Chayzee Smith
The Mayor of Indianapolis
The 2026 Irish Citizen of the Year
Sarah Taylor, Executive Director of the Hoosier Lottery
It’s a true community celebration bringing together city leaders and local traditions.
Food trucks will line Ohio Street between Senate and West Street, serving up festival favorites while the crowd gathers along the canal.
Expect families, friend groups in green outfits, and plenty of photo opportunities with the city skyline as your backdrop.
The Greening of the Canal is one of the most recognizable St. Patrick’s Day traditions in Indianapolis.
It officially kicks off:
The Indy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Shamrock Run & Walk
A full weekend of Irish celebrations across downtown
It’s festive, energetic, and uniquely Indy.
If you’re building your Spring 2026 bucket list in Indianapolis, this deserves a spot.
There’s something about seeing the canal turn green that just feels like the city waking up for spring.
It’s free.
It’s family-friendly.
It’s downtown energy at its best.
Whether you stay for the music, the food trucks, or just the iconic greening moment — this is one of those “only in Indy” experiences you don’t want to miss.
Wear green.
Get there early.
And let St. Patrick’s weekend begin. 🍀
