Best US Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Parades & Festivals
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Whether you’ve got Irish roots or just love an excuse to celebrate, there’s no better time to visit a lively U.S. city than St. Patrick’s Day. From rivers dyed emerald green to streets filled with bagpipes and step dancers, these cities go all out every March, turning a single day into a full-blown weekend of parades, parties, and plenty of Irish cheer.
If you’re planning a trip around March 17, here are the best U.S. destinations to experience the luck of the Irish, whether you want a legendary parade, a quirky small-town celebration, or just an excuse to raise a pint with the locals.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston doesn’t just celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—it owns it. The city’s Irish heritage runs deep, and the famous South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the biggest in the country, with colorful floats, marching bands, and enough green to make you believe in leprechauns.
Beyond the parade, the whole city gets into the spirit. You’ll find traditional Irish music sessions in pubs like The Burren and The Druid, lively parties spilling out onto the streets, and family-friendly fun in neighborhoods like Southie and Dorchester.
Planning tip: The parade usually draws huge crowds, so stake out your viewing spot early (and dress warm—it’s still March in New England). Book hotels well in advance, and if you want to avoid the heaviest crowds, aim for Friday or Saturday night festivities instead of parade day itself.
Chicago, Illinois
If there’s one city that knows how to go green—literally—it’s Chicago. Every March, the city dyes its river a brilliant shade of emerald, kicking off one of the most iconic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. The downtown parade follows soon after, filling the streets with bagpipes, dancers, and plenty of shamrock spirit.
Once the parade wraps up, the party continues all over town. Pop into classic Irish pubs like The Kerryman or Fadó for live music, pints, and plenty of craic, or join one of the neighborhood celebrations in places like Beverly, which hosts its own South Side Irish Parade that’s a bit more local and family-friendly.
Planning tip: Bundle up—it’s often still chilly and windy by the river in mid-March. The green dyeing usually happens in the morning before the main parade, so arrive early for the best view (and photos). Hotels near the Loop and River North fill fast, so book early if you’re staying the weekend.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah might not be the first place that comes to mind for St. Patrick’s Day—but it should be. This charming Southern city throws one of the largest parades in the U.S., with marching bands, floats, and a sea of green winding through its moss-draped streets.
The celebrations stretch across the entire weekend, with River Street turning into one big open-air party. You’ll find Irish music echoing through the historic district, food vendors, beer gardens, and plenty of Southern hospitality mixed with Celtic flair. Families can also enjoy the Greening of the Fountain in Forsyth Park—a local favorite tradition.
Planning tip: Savannah’s weather is typically mild in March, making it a comfortable spot for outdoor festivities. Book your stay early—hotels in the historic district sell out quickly—and remember that open-container laws allow you to enjoy your drink while strolling downtown (responsibly, of course).
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia keeps things classic with one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country—dating all the way back to 1771. The city’s Irish roots run deep, and the parade reflects that history with a lively mix of marching bands, Irish dancers, and community groups decked out in green.
After the parade, the celebrations spill into pubs all over Center City and Old City. You’ll find traditional tunes and hearty pints at local favorites like McGillin’s Olde Ale House and The Plough & the Stars, while the city’s Irish Center often hosts family-friendly cultural events and performances throughout the weekend.
Planning tip: The parade typically happens the Sunday before March 17, so check the date before booking your trip. Expect cooler temps, so dress in layers, and take advantage of Philly’s walkable downtown to hop between parade viewing spots and post-parade celebrations.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is no small-town affair—it’s one of the biggest in the country, drawing tens of thousands of spectators downtown each year. Expect a sea of green as floats, bagpipers, and Irish dance troupes march past, with the city’s skyline as a backdrop.
The festivities don’t stop at the parade. Local pubs like Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle and Riley’s Pour House keep the Irish spirit alive with live music and plenty of Guinness on tap. Families can also enjoy community events leading up to parade day, including Irish-themed markets and cultural performances.
Planning tip: The parade usually kicks off in the morning, so grab a coffee (or an Irish coffee) and get there early for a good viewing spot. Weather in March can be unpredictable—think layers, not luck. Downtown hotels and restaurants get busy fast, so plan ahead if you’re staying for the weekend.
New York City, New York
New York doesn’t do St. Patrick’s Day halfway—it hosts the oldest and largest parade in the world. The Fifth Avenue procession has been running since 1762 and features over 150,000 marchers, from pipe bands to firefighters to Irish heritage groups. It’s loud, proud, and absolutely massive.
After the parade, the city’s energy only ramps up. Grab a pint in Midtown or head downtown to The Dead Rabbit, often voted one of the world’s best Irish bars. You’ll also find traditional music sessions in spots like Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar or Molly’s Shebeen, plus family-friendly celebrations throughout the boroughs—from Queens’ Irish neighborhoods to Staten Island’s community parades.
Planning tip: The main parade happens on March 17 (no matter what day of the week it falls on), and it draws huge crowds. Arrive early to snag a good viewing spot along Fifth Avenue, and skip driving—subways are your best bet. If you prefer smaller crowds, check out one of the borough parades instead of the Manhattan main event.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco brings a West Coast flair to St. Patrick’s Day, mixing big-city energy with a laid-back California vibe. The annual parade and festival downtown feature colorful floats, Irish dancers, and marching bands winding their way to Civic Center Plaza—where live music, food stalls, and family activities keep the celebration going all day.
Irish culture is woven into the city’s DNA, so you’ll find plenty of traditional tunes and hearty fare at spots like The Plough and Stars or The Irish Bank. The festival itself is family-friendly, but the city’s pubs make sure there’s plenty of fun for the grown-ups once the sun goes down.
Planning tip: San Francisco’s weather in March can swing between sunny and foggy in the same hour—bring layers. Public transportation is the easiest way to get downtown, and if you’d rather skip the crowds, many neighborhoods host their own smaller St. Paddy’s parties throughout the weekend.
New Orleans, Louisiana
If there’s one city that knows how to throw a parade, it’s New Orleans—and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. The Irish Channel Parade is a local favorite, complete with floats, marching clubs, and people tossing cabbages (yes, cabbages!) into the crowd. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and unmistakably New Orleans.
Festivities spill over into the French Quarter and Uptown, where Irish and Italian heritage parades, block parties, and pub crawls keep the celebration going for days. Expect live bands, green beads, and plenty of opportunities to dance in the streets—this is Mardi Gras meets St. Paddy’s, and it’s as fun as it sounds.
Planning tip: The city can be warm and humid in March, so dress comfortably and stay hydrated. Parades stretch across multiple days and neighborhoods, so check schedules ahead of time if you want to catch a specific one. And yes—bring a bag for all the “parade produce” you’ll inevitably catch.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle puts its own Pacific Northwest twist on St. Patrick’s Day with a mix of tradition and local events. The city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches through downtown to Seattle Center, where the Irish Festival kicks off—complete with live Celtic music, step dancing, storytelling, and a marketplace full of Irish crafts and treats.
You’ll find plenty of Irish pubs to keep the celebration going, like T.S. McHugh’s near the Space Needle or Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub in Pike Place Market, which hosts one of the biggest St. Paddy’s parties in the city. The vibe is friendly, festive, and a bit more low-key than the East Coast blowouts.
Planning tip: Seattle’s parade and festival are family-friendly and easy to navigate, making them perfect if you’re bringing kids along. Expect cool, possibly rainy weather (it is Seattle), so pack your umbrella and maybe skip wearing suede shoes with that green outfit.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City might fly under the radar, but its St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the best in the Midwest—big, boisterous, and full of local pride. The parade winds through Midtown with colorful floats, Irish dancers, and marching bands, all cheered on by thousands of green-clad spectators.
Beyond the parade, the city keeps the fun rolling with street festivals, live Irish music, and pub parties all weekend long. Pubs like Kelly’s Westport Inn and O’Dowd’s Gastrobar are local favorites.
Planning tip: The parade usually starts late morning, but parking fills up early—arrive a couple of hours ahead if you want a good spot. Kansas City weather in March can be unpredictable, so layer up and bring a light jacket. If you’re after a more laid-back vibe, the Westport neighborhood is where you’ll find it.
Butte, Montana
For a smaller city, Butte throws one seriously impressive St. Patrick’s Day party. With deep Irish mining roots, this little Montana town goes all out—think a massive parade through historic Uptown, bagpipers echoing off brick buildings, and green everywhere you look. It’s one of the most authentically Irish celebrations in the U.S., minus the big-city chaos.
Beyond the parade, locals pack into pubs like Maloney’s Bar to catch live Irish music and raise a pint together. The whole town gets involved, giving the celebration a true community feel that’s as warm as it is wild.
Planning tip: Butte’s parade kicks off late morning, and since the town’s compact, it’s easy to walk between parade spots, bars, and restaurants. Dress warmly—March in Montana can be brisk—and be ready for a day that blends small-town charm with big Irish energy.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs might not have the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration—but it definitely has one of the quirkiest. The town is home to the “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” a 98-foot spectacle on Bridge Street that packs more fun into half a block than most cities manage in miles. Expect floats, costumed marchers, celebrity grand marshals, and a whole lot of laughter.
The party doesn’t end when the parade does—there’s live music, street food, and a festive block-party vibe that lasts well into the night. It’s the perfect mix of small-town charm and big-time fun, all in a walkable, historic downtown setting.
Planning tip: The parade typically happens on March 17 and draws big crowds for such a small space, so get there early if you want a good view. March weather is mild but unpredictable, so a light jacket is your friend. And bring your sense of humor—this celebration is proudly offbeat in the best way.
From Boston’s historic parade to Hot Springs’ delightfully offbeat 98-foot march, there’s no shortage of places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day across the U.S. Whether you’re chasing tradition, sunshine, or just a good excuse to wear green and dance in the street, these cities serve up Irish cheer in their own unforgettable ways. So grab your shamrock gear, plan your weekend, and get ready to toast to the luck of the Irish—wherever the parade route takes you.
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