St Patrick’s Day is a religious and public holiday in Ireland. But did you know that many St Patrick’s Day traditions actually began in the U.S.? By now, everyone in the U.S. is used to seeing the streets turn emerald green when March 17th comes along. With green costumes, green beer, and everything Irish, St Patrick’s Day has surely made its mark in the U.S.
There are plenty of cities in the U.S. that take St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to the next level. One of the most popular events is dyeing the river green in Chicago. This huge celebration of Irish culture has spread throughout all 50 states!
Be sure to join in the coast-to-coast celebrations! From traditional Irish menus to pints of Guinness, Social Scene brings you the top 10 St. Patrick’s Day destination in the U.S. Pack your bags for this year’s celebrations!
If partying in green with your crew seems like something to do click below to save with code DWF and join the crowds in your city during the St Patrick's Day Bar Crawl!
1. 169th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade,
San Francisco, California
Join thousands in this celebration of Irish culture in San Francisco (Photo from
San Francisco's Saint Patrick's Day Parade’s Facebook page)
Alt Text - 169th_Annual_St._Patrick's_Day_Parade_San_Francisco_California
St. Patrick’s Day in San Francisco, California is planning on celebrating the holiday with its 169th annual parade and festivities. Over 100,000 visitors flock to the city every year, where Irish dance troupes, colorful floats, cultural groups, marching bands, and more are showcased.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an all-day event on March 14th, marking the start of a variety of St. Patrick’s Day activities throughout San Francisco. After attending the parade with family and friends, you can visit the many Irish pubs when night rolls around for some classic Irish liquor.
2. The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, New York
Alt Text - NYC_St._Patrick’s_Day_Parade_New_York
The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is definitely something to look out for. It’s the biggest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world! Each year, an estimated two million people attend the parade and join the festivities to celebrate Irish culture.
Before the parade starts, a mass is held at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral (note that you need tickets to attend). For those who wish to watch this year, stake a spot in the morning at 5th Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street.
3. Irish Week 2020, Seattle, Washington
There’s more to celebrate on Irish Week!
(Photo from Irish Heritage Club of Seattle’s Facebook page)
Alt Text - Irish_Week_2020_Seattle_Washington
Irish Week 2020 is a month-long celebration not only of St. Patrick’s Day but of everything Irish. Festivities run from February 22nd to March 21st. From Irish cooking classes to the day-parade and Irish Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Seattle, known as the Emerald City, gives its all for St. Patrick’s Day. Around 20,000 people flock to the festivities and enjoy being Irish for a whole entire month. You can also find cultural exhibits, children’s contests, and other fun activities.
4. Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, Boston, Massachusetts
Alt Text - Annual_St._Patrick's_Day_Parade_Boston_ Massachusetts
The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boston will take place on March 15th, beginning at the Broadway 'T' Station and ending at Andrew Square in South Boston. If you’re one of the 600,000 people ready to get green, the best spot to watch the parade is anywhere along Broadway.
There are plenty of non-parade events on St. Patrick’s Day that you can enjoy as well! Join the Guided Walks of the Irish Heritage Trail or head to the JFK Library on March 14th for songs and poems. The Irish Film Festival Boston, taking place from March 19th to the 22nd, is perfect for Irish movie lovers. Last but not the least, you have got to try Irish delicacies and drinks all around town!
5. New Orleans St. Patrick's Day Parades, Louisiana
Alt Text - New_Orleans_St._Patrick's_Day_Parades_Louisiana
The New Orleans St. Patrick's Day Parades happen in various locations in New Orleans. The practice march is on March 6th, while the Molly's at the Market Irish Parade and Downtown Irish Club Parade are on the 13th. The Irish Channel Parade and the Italian-American St. Joseph's Parade takes place on the 14th. The 15th welcomes the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Metairie Rd. and the 22nd finishes out the celebration with the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade (also on Metairie).
New Orleans sets itself apart from other St. Patrick's Day parades because of strong Mardi Gras influence. You can find colorful floats, float riders, and costumed characters in these parades. It’s a party on the streets and your favorite Irish watering holes will all be open to serve drinks!
Social Scene offers promos, news and events in your area. Click below to subscribe and stay in the know!
6. St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Savannah, Georgia
Alt Text - St._Patrick’s_Day_Festival_Savannah_Georgia
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Savannah, Georgia takes place on March 13th and 14th. Savannah is set on throwing the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day party for everyone to enjoy! River Street and City Market are the places to be in this celebration as Savannah offers a 3-day festival filled with activities and entertainment.
Savannah is known for hosting St. Patrick’s Day parades as far back as 1825. The biggest celebration is on the River, pulling crowds from all over the country. Get ready for nonstop live entertainment, traditional food, and drinks.
7. Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade, Pennsylvania
A tradition in Philadelphia since 1771 (Photo from pxfuel)
Alt Text - Philadelphia_St._Patrick's_Day_Parade_Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on March 15th with the theme of 250 Years of Faith, Family, Friendship and Heritage. Each year the parade is hosted by the St. Patrick's Day Observance Association and the celebration itself is honored as a cultural and religious gathering.
Thousands of visitors and marchers gather to form a sea of green during St. Patrick's Day. Expect to see wonderful floats and flags accompanied by fantastic Irish music. It’s a parade to behold coming from a city that adores throwing the grandest parades!
8. St. Patrick’s Day Season in Kansas City, Missouri
A celebration for adults and youngsters alike (Photo from pxfuel)
Alt Text - St._Patrick’s_Day_Season_In_Kansas_City_Missouri
St. Patrick’s Day Season in Kansas City is both a celebration of fun and of the rich Irish heritage of the city. It draws in a crowd of 200,00 spectators to enjoy all the fun day activities and exciting night festivities.
With help from the Kansas City Irish Center, the celebration has been preserved and consistently celebrated throughout the years. Activities on St. Patrick's Day include carnivals, Irish bar parties, and of course what everyone is looking forward to — parades!
9. 61st Annual Houston St. Patrick's Parade,
Houston, Texas
A grand parade etched into the history of Texas (Photo from pxfuel)
Alt Text - 61st_Annual_Houston_St._Patrick's_Parade_Houston_Texas
You shouldn’t miss the 61st Annual Houston St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16th! Houston might have a new route this year, but the parade is on, rain or shine! This two-hour parade is free for all to attend.
It’s one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades with over 100 entries, much to the delight of all Irish and Irish-lovers. The theme for this year’s parade is Sláinte to the New Decade, complete with award ceremonies and after-parties.
If partying in green with your crew seems like something to do click below to save with code DWF and join the crowds in your city during the St Patrick's Day Bar Crawl!
10. Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade, Ohio
Join the fun and celebrate amongst a sea of green (Photo from pxfuel)
Alt Text - Cleveland's_St._Patrick's_Day_Parade_Ohio
Clear your schedules for the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Cleveland, Ohio on March 17th. The parade begins at the intersection of Superior Ave. and East 18th St. before heading northwest and ending at the intersection of Rockwell and Ontario St. The theme for this year is Ireland’s Scenic Coastlines.
The celebration has been a Cleveland tradition since 1842, so expect a lot of activities and entertainment on St. Patrick's Day! Enjoy lots of green beer, amazing pubs, corned beef sandwiches, and everything else Irish. It’s a fun day to make everyone crack a smile!
About Social Scene
Social Scene creates a social “scene”: an environment to connect people, build relationships and create memories through online campaigns and on-premise social events. Our focus is on providing exposure to our partnering brands, venues, and clients to connect with a great social audience through experiential marketing.
Social Scene builds brand awareness for partnering venues and brands, connecting them with a targeted audience to build relationships and create memories. Visit BeSocialScene.com for the most up to date events and to partner on an upcoming experience.
Want to build a live or online experience around your company’s brand or venue? Email connect@besocialscene.com or send a message directly at BeSocialScene.com. Be Social. Be Seen.
References:
https://www.tripstodiscover.com/18-of-the-worlds-biggest-and-best-st-patricks-day-events/
https://www.history.com/news/st-patricks-day-origins-america
https://www.tripsavvy.com/st-patricks-day-united-states-4160061
https://guide.trustedtours.com/10-most-popular-st-patricks-day-parades-in-the-united-states
https://www.visittheusa.com/experience/5-top-us-spots-celebrate-st-patricks-day
Grechelle Magbanua
Professional Content Writer
Social Scene
BeSocialScene.com
