St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, bringing together parades, pub crawls, and plenty of green attire. Whether you’re looking for a massive street party or an authentic Irish cultural experience, here are some of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the USA.
1. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day, famously dyeing the Chicago River green in a spectacle that draws thousands of spectators. The city hosts multiple parades, including the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the South Side Irish Parade, both featuring bagpipers, dancers, and festive floats. After the parade, locals and visitors alike flock to Irish pubs like The Kerryman and Chief O’Neill’s to continue the celebration.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
Home to a significant Irish-American population, Boston offers one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in South Boston ("Southie"). The city is packed with Irish pubs such as The Black Rose and Mr. Dooley's, offering live music and traditional Irish fare. If you're interested in history, consider visiting the Boston Irish Famine Memorial or taking a walk along the Irish Heritage Trail.
3. New York City, New York
New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest and largest in the world, dating back to 1762. The parade marches up Fifth Avenue, passing landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and features thousands of participants, including bagpipers, firefighters, and cultural organizations. Afterward, visitors can explore NYC’s Irish pubs, including McSorley’s Old Ale House, one of the oldest bars in America.
4. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah hosts one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the South, with a massive parade, a greening of the city’s fountains, and a weekend-long festival in City Market and River Street. The city’s historic charm adds to the appeal, and the open-container laws make it easy to enjoy a festive drink while strolling through town.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans puts its own unique spin on St. Patrick’s Day with a parade that includes not just floats but also cabbages, carrots, and potatoes thrown to spectators! The city’s Irish Channel Parade is a local favorite, and the celebration extends into the French Quarter, where revelers can enjoy Irish bars like Erin Rose and Finn McCool’s.
6. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the Midwest, with elaborate floats, marching bands, and a sea of green along Broadway Boulevard. The city also hosts the Snake Saturday Parade in North Kansas City, a family-friendly event featuring Irish dancers and live entertainment.
7. San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade bring a mix of traditional and modern Irish culture to the West Coast. The city’s Irish Cultural Center hosts events throughout the week, and the Financial District’s Irish pubs, such as The Irish Bank, are packed with revelers enjoying Guinness and live music.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the biggest in the nation, with thousands of participants and a vibrant crowd dressed in green. The city’s Irish pub scene, including Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle and Sieb's Pub & Restaurant, keeps the party going long after the parade ends.
9. Dallas, Texas
Dallas’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival along Greenville Avenue is the largest in Texas, featuring a lively mix of floats, live music, and street parties. The block party atmosphere continues in the city’s many Irish pubs, like The Old Monk and The Dubliner.
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1771, making it one of the oldest in the country. The city’s celebrations also include bar crawls, traditional Irish music performances, and plenty of green beer at popular spots like The New Deck Tavern and The Plough & the Stars.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you celebrate, St. Patrick’s Day in the USA is filled with energy, tradition, and plenty of Irish cheer. Whether you’re enjoying a massive parade in a major city or raising a pint at a local pub, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the spirit of the holiday. So grab your green and get ready to celebrate—Sláinte!
