The Rude Mechanical Orchestra and the People’s Puppets of OWS at the St. Pat’s for All parade, which took place on March 1.
Update, March 12, 2020: In light of the coronavirus situation, the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manhattan has been postponed for the first time in its more-than-250-year history. Other major cities, including Chicago and Boston, have postponed or canceled their parades as well. Festivities have also been called off in Ireland itself.
As soon as March hits, New Yorkers are ready for St. Patrick’s Day, which is not only a holy day but also a celebration of Irish culture enjoyed across communities. NYC is home to the world’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade — yup, including in Ireland! — and New Yorkers certainly know how to enjoy the holiday. But March 17 isn’t just about Manhattan’s iconic parade. It’s also a celebration that includes cultural events, pub crawls, and all sorts of activities that span the whole month, and the entire city. Whether you’re looking for an all-day party, a family-friendly event, or just a pleasant place to grab a Guinness, you’ll find it all in our ultimate guide to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in NYC.
How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Manhattan
The Biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Considered one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S., Manhattan’s NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a colossal affair spanning 35 city blocks. From 44th Street to 79th Street, crowds gather to watch a variety of pipe and drum bands make their way up Fifth Avenue. This parade is incredibly historic; the first one took place in 1762, making 2020 the 258th celebration. With over two million tourists attending the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, the route inevitably gets busy and quite rowdy, but it’s a special event to experience. When: March 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls in Manhattan
St. Paddy’s Pub Crawl — With over 50 participating bars throughout Manhattan, the St. Paddy’s Pub Crawl is an exhaustive celebration across the East Village, Murray Hill, Chelsea, Midtown West, and more. On March 13, 14, or 17 (or all three days, if you’re up for the challenge!), you can flit around the included bars for happy hour specials. The three-day package is $25, while a one-day wristband is about $10. When: March 13, 14, and 17.
Kiss Me, I’m Irish Bar Crawl — Focused around the Union Square/East Village area, this bar crawl includes some stellar drink specials and no covers at participating venues. When: March 14 and 17.
St. Patrick’s Day West Village Afternoon Bar Crawl — This pub crawl takes you to four West Village bars over four hours — enough to get you sufficiently tipsy. If you want to keep the party going, stay for the raucous after-party. When: March 14, 4 to 8 p.m.
Lower East Side Bar Crawl — This afternoon event is great for those who want a rowdy, communal experience. In the five-hour time frame, the group heads to a selection of four bars throughout the LES together, transitioning into the Five Saints Crawl After-Party for those who have the stamina. When: March 14, 4 to 9 p.m.
Bleecker Street St. Patrick’s Weekend Block Party — Head to Greenwich Village for a “block party” on rowdy Bleecker Street, a festival featuring drink specials at a selection of bars. When: March 14, 1 to 10 p.m.
Where to Drink in Manhattan on St. Patrick’s Day
McSorley’s Old Ale House — This iconic East Village bar is the oldest Irish watering hole in Manhattan, and what better way to spend St. Patrick’s Day than in a hub of history? Expect big crowds for Ireland’s big day. Where: 15 E. 7th St.
Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar — This Kips Bay bar is always a good time for Irish beer, good vibes, and live music, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. Where: 519 Second Ave.
Peter McManus Cafe — Another NYC institution, Chelsea’s Peter McManus Cafe is a great place to spend St. Patrick’s Day among Irishmen who know how to pour a pint. Where: 152 Seventh Ave.
SideBAR — Gramercy’s SideBAR kicks off St. Patrick’s Day weekend bright and early with a Kegs and Eggs celebration. Join the bar for a buffet breakfast with unlimited green Bud Light from 9 a.m. to noon. It’s OK — you can start that diet in April. When: March 14 and 15.
Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events in Manhattan
Sober St. Patrick’s Day — For an evening of food and family-friendly fun sans alcohol, Little Italy’s St. Patrick’s Youth Center is hosting its ninth annual sober festival. Focused on entertainment like traditional Irish music and dance, kids and adults alike can enjoy this celebration. When: March 17, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Craic Fest 22 — Craic Fest spans more than a week and is a celebration of Irish music, cinema, and general culture. The Kid’s Fleadh on March 14 showcases award-winning short animated films, perfect for kids and families. When: various times.
Irish Arts Center Open Day — Every year, Midtown’s prolific Irish Arts Center celebrates Irish educational programming with a free public day of crafts, arts, performances, and more. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of activities and good old fashioned fun. When: March 14, noon.
Irish Arts Center Book Day — Book-lovers unite and get ready for the Irish Arts Center’s 10th annual Book Day, during which they’ll give out 10,000 books at pop-up locations throughout the city. Free books will include works by Irish and Irish-American authors, as well as a slew of other authors to promote diverse voices in literature. When: March 14.
Irish History Tour — Start at Grand Central and head downtown for a comprehensive tour of New York’s Irish roots. The tour meanders through Little Italy and across various pockets that have been integral to Irish immigrants’ NYC experiences, ending at Battery Park City’s Irish Hunger Memorial. When: March 14, 4 to 7 p.m.
Irish Mob Tour — Hidden New York hosts a weekly tour about the Irish mob’s reign in Hell’s Kitchen during the 1980s. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the company has added several additional tour slots during March, which history buffs should certainly take advantage of. When: Every Saturday night and select weekdays.
Merchant’s House Tours — The Merchant’s House Museum is a 19th-century home-turned-museum that puts on historic tours. In March, to honor the holiday, they’ll present “A Tribute to the Tredwells’ Irish Servants,” a series of events tjat show what life was like for the Irish staff of the home’s wealthy family. On Friday, March 13, they are even hosting a “Spirit of the Irish” Candlelight Ghost Tour for those who can handle a little bit of spookiness. When: March 12 to 16.
Irish Heritage Concert at St. Patrick’s Cathedral — Is there a better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than a free evening concert at Midtown’s iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral? Featuring a mix of traditional and modern Irish music, the concert is open to the public and a great way to get in touch with top-notch Irish music. When: March 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
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How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Brooklyn
Community Parades
Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade: West Park Slope — If you’re looking for a substantial parade without the overwhelming crowds of Manhattan, Park Slope’s annual festivities are a good bet. This year marks the 45th celebration of the parade, a day of marching bands and traditional music, flanked by other parties. People can stop by the Holy Name of Jesus Church at 9 a.m. for mass, and then make their way to Prospect Park West (between 9th and 15th streets) for the ensuing parade, which kicks off at 1 p.m. When: March 15, 1 p.m.
Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade — The second Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day parade comes a week later in Bay Ridge. Known for its substantial Irish population, the neighborhood hosts a lively parade, always full of merry locals who are ready to celebrate all day long and keep the revelry going well past March 17. When: March 22, 1 p.m.
Where to Drink in Brooklyn on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day Brooklyn Afternoon Bar Crawl — Per usual, the party is coming directly to cool-kid Williamsburg for an afternoon of St. Paddy’s fun. Over the course of four hours, you can drink at four bars, and the crawl comes with admission to an optional after-party. When: March 14, 4 to 8 p.m.
The Craic — The word craic means gossip, entertainment, and fun, and Williamsburg’s Scottish/Irish Craic pub is a slightly more upscale affair than some of its counterparts. That doesn’t mean they don’t know how to pour a mean Guinness, though: It’s a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Where: 488 Driggs Ave.
Rocky Sullivan’s — This Red Hook pub is always a fun time for an Irish party. With redbrick interiors and low lighting, Rocky Sullivan’s is just as old-school charming as the rest of Red Hook. Where: 46 Beard St.
House of Yes Dance Party — Get ready for Bushwick’s “Lucky You: St Patrick’s Day Dance Party.” In typical House of Yes fashion, expect costumes, outlandish performances, and a rollicking good time. When: March 17, 9 p.m to 3 a.m.
Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events in Brooklyn
Family Fun: Irish Dance — Gather the whole family for an hourlong lesson in traditional Irish dance at Brooklyn’s Mark Morris Dance Group. Don’t worry about your skills — this beginning class teaches the basics for those with no prior experience, making it a perfect introduction for both children and adults alike. When: March 7, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Origami for Kids — Families, make your way to the Kings Bay Public Library for an hour of St. Patrick’s Day inspired origami. Walk out with paper shamrocks and other decorations for your upcoming celebrations! When: March 11, 3 to 4 p.m.
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Students from PS 59 in the Bronx perform their Irish step dancing routines at the Queens St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Queens
Community Parades
Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Starting at Newport Avenue, this sizable Rockaway Beach celebration usually attracts about 50,000 locals for an afternoon of bands, bagpipes, and more. For those who want to start the day early, the St. Francis De Sales church, located at 129th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard, opens its doors the morning of the parade for a 9 a.m. mass dedicated to peace in Ireland. When: March 7, 1 to 3 p.m.
Bayside St. Patrick’s Day Parade — 2020 will only be the third year that Bayside is hosting its own official St. Patrick’s Day event. Although this parade is a smaller affair, with about 1,000+ annual participants, it’s a great way to see a truly local side of things. Bands, school groups, and dance troupes from the community gather and march across Bayside to support and celebrate its Irish heritage. When: Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m.
Where to Drink in Queens on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day Astoria Queens Pub Crawl — Astoria locals don’t have to leave the neighborhood to have a rollicking celebration. On Saturday, March 14, participants will convene at 5 p.m. and start drinking across four bars in this sizable pub crawl. When: March 14, 5 to 9 p.m.
Donovan’s — This Woodside Bar is a classic Irish pub and restaurant, serving up a mix of American favorites like burgers and Irish fare like shepherd’s pie. There’s always a large local Irish contingency hanging out here, so expect a good atmosphere for St. Patrick’s Day. Where: 5724 Roosevelt Ave.
Raven’s Head Public House — Astoria sports bar Raven’s Head is always a fun place to grab a drink. Head over on St. Patrick’s Day at any time, and you can count on people celebrating the holiday. Where: 3804 Broadway.
Doha Night Club — This Long Island City venue has dedicated itself to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the right way, with drink specials all afternoon long and then a green-themed dance party at night. When: March 17.
Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events in Queens
St. Patrick’s Day Sculpture Craft — Celebrate with some arts and crafts at the Douglaston/Little Neck Queens Public Library. Children ages 8+ and their parents are invited to sculpt a decorative bowl or a shamrock in honor of the Irish holiday. When: March 17, 3 to 4 p.m.
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The pipes are calling along the route of the Throggs Neck St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Bronx.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Bronx
Community Parades
Throggs Neck St. Patrick’s Day Parade — The 22nd annual Throggs Neck St. Patrick’s Day Parade, popular among locals, is sure to be a fun celebration. Everyone is welcome to start the day at St. Benedict’s Church (2969 Otis Avenue) for a 9 a.m. mass, followed by a complimentary breakfast. The actual parade starts at noon at East Tremont and Lafayette Avenue, and the revelry continues well after the route has finished. When: March 15, noon.
Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Although not technically in the borough, neighboring McClean Avenue and Irish-heavy Woodlawn are an important part of the Bronx’s St. Patrick’s Day experience. Revelers might start the day at the Yonkers parade and meander to several Bronx pubs to continue the party. Start the parade at Hyatt Avenue, end at McCollum Place, or just follow the celebration wherever it takes you. When: March 21, 1 p.m.
Rambling House — Rambling House, one of the most lively bars among a slew of neighborhood Irish pubs, will host a St. Patrick’s party on Saturday, March 14. Since the pub is right next to Yonkers’s McClean Avenue, it also hosts an afternoon party following the McClean Avenue St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 21. When: March 14 and 21.
An Béal Bocht — Known as a hotspot for Irish artists, An Béal Bocht hosts regular poetry, theater, and musical performances. On March 17, the bar will host all-day celebrations, with Irish performances and food specials. They’ll also be hosting their 8th annual “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” The best part? All proceeds go to the Aisling Irish Community Center. When: March 17, noon.
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Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Staten Island
Where to Drink in Staten Island on St. Patrick’s Day
Jody’s Club Forest — This popular Irish restaurant has been a Staten Island favorite for years, making it a great spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Where: 372 Forest Ave.
Flanagan’s Tavern — Flanagan’s is a quintessential Irish pub. It already hosted an after-party following Staten Island’s very early March parade, but Flanagan’s embodies the St. Paddy’s Day spirit every day! You can expect a great atmosphere during the festive March season. Where: 3932 Amboy Rd.
O’Neill’s — This pub is a nice spot to grab a Guinness at any time of year, but especially on St. Patrick’s Day. Where: 1614 Forest Ave.
Joyce’s Tavern — Locals gather annually at Joyce’s Tavern for St. Patrick’s Day. Expect live music, drinks, and a menu filled with traditional Irish fare. Where: 3823 Richmond Ave.
Liberty Tavern — Known for its weekend live music, this Staten Island sports bar always has fun festivities for St. Patrick’s Day. On Sunday, March 8, it will host Irish music, and on Sunday, March 15, patrons will enjoy an Irish band, plenty of Irish food, and enticing drink specials. Where: 382 Forest Ave.
Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events in Staten Island
St. Patrick’s Day Steps — Head to the Staten Island’s Children Museum for a performance by an Irish step dance team. When: March 15, 2 p.m.
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[This post has been updated and republished]
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