This little old Scottish town knows how to throw an Irish party.

On Saturday, March 15, Dunedin welcomed St. Patrick’s Day with a festival that ran from noon until 11 p.m., hosted by Flanagan’s Irish Pub. And if the sea of green was any indication, this town was ready to celebrate.

The Weather Held

The day started cloudy—the kind of gray that makes you wonder if the crowds will show. But by afternoon, the skies cleared. The sun came out, a steady cool breeze settled in, and Dunedin did what Dunedin does best: filled the streets with people.

What We Saw

Vendors lined the festival route, selling food, cold beverages, and Irish trinkets. There were so many people dressed in green that you could hardly find a spot without it. Irish costumes. Leprechaun hats. And yes—dogs in costumes too. Plenty of them.

Our residents of Scottish descent made their presence known as well, wearing kilts that stood out proudly among all that green. It was a beautiful collision of two Celtic cultures, right here on Main Street.

The Music and Dancing

Over at Pioneer Park, the stage was alive all day.

Musicians kept the crowd entertained, including David Gilmore and Pat Mangan, whose sets had people tapping along. The Suncoast Pipes and Drums took the stage too—a sound that stops you in your tracks no matter how many times you have heard it.

Celtic dancers spun across the stage, their feet moving faster than seemed possible. Families watched from the grass. Kids danced along. It was exactly what a Saturday in March should look like.

Family and Pet Friendly

This was not a party for just one crowd. It was for everyone.

Families with strollers. Groups of friends. Couples holding hands. And dogs—so many dogs—dressed in green bandanas, leprechaun collars, and even full costumes. Dunedin’s four-legged residents showed up in style.

A Few Frames

Here are some of the moments I captured:

• Crowds three deep
• Vendors smiling behind tables of food, beverages, and souvenirs
• Dogs in costumes, tongues out, taking it all in
• Kilts and green outfits side by side
• David Gilmore and Pat Mangan on stage
• The Suncoast Pipes and Drums filling Pioneer Park with sound

Sláinte

A Scottish town celebrating an Irish holiday. Green everywhere, with a few kilts in the mix. Music, dancing, dogs, and a sky that cleared just in time.

That is Dunedin in March. Thank you to Flanagan’s Irish Pub.

I took notes. I took pictures. And I am already looking forward to next year.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day