Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a big deal in New York City. The city that never sleeps becomes a sea of green as both locals and tourists join in the festivities.
Whether you’re looking to watch the iconic St. Patrick’s Day parade, enjoy traditional Irish food and music, or explore family-friendly activities, NYC has got you covered.
The Iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade
One of the most anticipated events on St. Patrick’s Day in NYC is undoubtedly the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
This parade is a grand spectacle of Irish pride, with marchers in vibrant costumes, traditional Irish music, and a sea of spectators adorned in green.
Route and Timing
The parade usually starts at 44th Street and heads up Fifth Avenue—past St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th Street—all the way up to 79th Street. It typically begins around 11 am and ends by 5 pm.
However, the timings can vary, so it’s best to check the official parade website for the most accurate information.
What to Expect
Expect to see a fantastic display of Irish culture and heritage. From bagpipers and high school bands to Irish dancers and firefighters, the variety of participants is vast.
The atmosphere is electric, with spectators cheering on the marchers and everyone joining in the celebration of Irish culture.
Irish Pubs and Cuisine
After the parade, the celebration continues in the many Irish pubs scattered across NYC. These pubs offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some top picks:
Midtown Manhattan
- Molly’s Pub and Restaurant Shebeen: Known for its sawdust-covered floors and cozy fireplace, Molly’s is one of the most authentic Irish pubs in NYC. Try their corned beef and cabbage for a traditional Irish meal.
- Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant: With live music and a wide selection of beers, Connolly’s is a great place to celebrate. Don’t miss their Shepherd’s Pie!
Lower Manhattan
- The Dead Rabbit: Voted the world’s best bar multiple times, The Dead Rabbit is a must-visit. Their Irish Coffee is legendary.
- McSorley’s Old Ale House: As NYC’s oldest Irish tavern, McSorley’s offers a trip back in time. They serve only two types of beer – light and dark.
Brooklyn
Hartley’s: In the heart of Brooklyn, Hartley’s offers a laid-back vibe and delicious Irish fare. Their Guinness is poured to perfection.
Family-Friendly Activities
St. Patrick’s Day in NYC isn’t just for adults. There are plenty of family-friendly activities that kids will love. Here are some suggestions:
St. Patrick’s Day-themed Workshops
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan: They often host St. Patrick’s Day-themed workshops where kids can learn about Irish culture through crafts and storytelling.
- New York Public Library: Check out their schedule for St. Patrick’s Day. They often have themed storytimes and craft sessions.
Parks and Recreation
- Central Park Zoo: While not specifically Irish-themed, a day at the zoo is a fun outing for the whole family. Look out for any special St. Patrick’s Day events.
- Prospect Park: This Brooklyn park often has family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events, like scavenger hunts or nature walks.
Irish Dance Performances
Irish Arts Center: This cultural center offers performances and classes in Irish dance and music. A performance could be a great way to introduce kids to Irish culture.
Unique Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
If you’re looking for something different to do on St. Patrick’s Day in NYC, here are some unique suggestions:
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral: This iconic NYC landmark is a must-visit on St. Patrick’s Day. Attend a mass, light a candle, or simply admire the stunning architecture.
Irish Cultural Events
- Irish Film Festival: Check out the Irish Film Festival for a selection of Irish films, documentaries, and short films.
- Irish Historical Walking Tours: Learn about the rich Irish history in NYC with a guided walking tour. Some tours even focus on the Irish influence in specific neighborhoods.
Food and Drink Experiences
- Irish Whiskey Tasting: Elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with an Irish whiskey tasting experience. Some pubs and liquor stores offer special tastings on this day.
- Irish Cooking Classes: Learn how to make traditional Irish dishes at a cooking class. This can be a fun and educational way to celebrate the day.
Remember, St. Patrick’s Day is about celebrating Irish culture and heritage. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something that you’ll enjoy and remember.
Celebrating in the Outer Boroughs
While Manhattan might be the epicenter of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the outer boroughs of NYC also have plenty to offer. Here are some suggestions:
Queens
- Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade: This parade in Rockaway Beach is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day events in Queens. It’s a fun-filled day with marching bands, bagpipers, and dancers.
- The Cuckoo’s Nest: This Irish pub in Woodside is known for its lively atmosphere and traditional Irish fare. It’s a great place to celebrate after the parade.
Bronx
- Bronx St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Held in Throggs Neck, this parade features local schools, community groups, and bands. It’s a community event that’s perfect for families.
- A Beal Bocht Cafe: This cultural hub in Riverdale offers live music, poetry readings, and a menu full of Irish favorites.
Staten Island
- Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade: This parade along Forest Avenue is a beloved Staten Island tradition. It’s followed by celebrations in the local pubs and restaurants.
- Joyce’s Tavern: Located in Eltingville, Joyce’s Tavern is known for its corned beef and friendly service. It’s a great spot to round off your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Remember, wherever you choose to celebrate, the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day is about community, culture, and having a good time. Enjoy the festivities!
Free and Affordable Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day in NYC doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free or affordable ways to join in the festivities. Here are some suggestions:
Free Events
- Parades: The St. Patrick’s Day parades in Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island are all free to attend. Just remember to wear green!
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Visiting this iconic cathedral is free, though donations are appreciated.
- Irish Cultural Exhibits: Check out the New York Public Library and the Irish Arts Center for free exhibits and events.
Affordable Activities
- Irish Pubs: Many Irish pubs offer special deals on St. Patrick’s Day. Look out for happy hour specials or discounted Irish dishes.
- Cook at Home: Try your hand at making traditional Irish dishes at home. It’s a fun and affordable way to celebrate.
- Public Parks: Enjoy the spring weather in one of NYC’s many public parks. Some parks may have free St. Patrick’s Day activities or performances.
Table
| No. | Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Molly’s Pub and Restaurant Shebeen | 22 W 46th St, New York, NY, 10036 | An authentic Irish pub in Midtown Manhattan. |
| 2 | Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant | Times Square, NYC | Known for its live music and wide selection of beers. |
| 3 | The Dead Rabbit | Lower Manhattan, NYC | A two-story pub with a range of craft beers and whiskeys. |
| 4 | McSorley’s Old Ale House | East Village, NYC | NYC’s oldest Irish tavern. |
| 5 | Hartley’s | Clinton Hill, Brooklyn | A traditional Irish pub with a modern twist. |
| 6 | Children’s Museum of Manhattan | Upper West Side, NYC | Offers St. Patrick’s Day-themed workshops for kids. |
| 7 | New York Public Library | Multiple locations in NYC | Hosts free events and workshops around St. Patrick’s Day. |
| 8 | Central Park Zoo | Central Park, NYC | A fun outing for the whole family. |
| 9 | Prospect Park | Brooklyn, NYC | Often has family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events. |
| 10 | Irish Arts Center | Hell’s Kitchen, NYC | Offers performances and classes in Irish dance and music. |
| 11 | St. Patrick’s Cathedral | Fifth Avenue, NYC | An iconic NYC landmark. |
| 12 | Irish Film Festival | Varies each year | Showcases the best of Irish cinema. |
| 13 | Irish Historical Walking Tours | Varies each year | Offers a deep dive into the rich Irish history of NYC. |
| 14 | Irish Whiskey Tasting | Varies each year | A whiskey tasting experience. |
| 15 | Irish Cooking Classes | Varies each year | Learn to cook traditional Irish dishes. |
| 16 | Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Rockaway Beach, Queens | A lively celebration of Irish culture. |
| 17 | The Cuckoo’s Nest | Woodside, Queens | Offers a warm atmosphere and traditional Irish fare. |
| 18 | Bronx St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Throggs Neck, Bronx | A community event perfect for families. |
| 19 | An Beal Bocht Cafe | Riverdale, Bronx | Offers live music, poetry readings, and a menu full of Irish favorites. |
| 20 | Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Forest Avenue, Staten Island | A beloved Staten Island tradition. |
| 21 | Joyce’s Tavern | Eltingville, Staten Island | Known for its friendly service and delicious corned beef. |
| 22 | Times Square | Times Square, NYC | A hub of activity on St. Patrick’s Day. |
| 23 | The Irish Hunger Memorial | Battery Park City, NYC | A poignant reminder of the Great Irish Famine. |
| 24 | The New York Irish Center | Long Island City, Queens | Often hosts St. Patrick’s Day events. |
| 25 | Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar | Kips Bay, Manhattan | Known for its live Irish music. |
Best Place to Visit in New York On Saint Patrick’s Day
- Molly’s Pub and Restaurant Shebeen: Located at 22 W 46th St, New York, NY, 10036, this Midtown Manhattan pub is a haven for those seeking an authentic Irish experience in the heart of NYC. With its traditional Irish fare and cozy atmosphere, Molly’s is the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Guinness and a hearty Irish meal.
- Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant: Situated in the heart of Times Square, Connolly’s is a bustling hub of activity. With live music and a wide selection of beers, it’s a great place to soak up the festive atmosphere on St. Patrick’s Day.
- The Dead Rabbit: This two-story pub in Lower Manhattan is a tribute to the Irish-American tradition. The ground floor, known as the Taproom, offers a range of craft beers and whiskeys, while the upstairs Parlor serves award-winning cocktails.
- McSorley’s Old Ale House: As NYC’s oldest Irish tavern, McSorley’s is a piece of living history. With its sawdust-covered floors and walls covered in memorabilia, stepping into McSorley’s is like stepping back in time.
- Hartley’s: Located in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood of Clinton Hill, Hartley’s is a traditional Irish pub with a modern twist. Their menu features classic Irish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan: This museum offers a range of interactive exhibits and workshops for children, making it a great family-friendly destination. On St. Patrick’s Day, they often host themed workshops where kids can learn about Irish culture through crafts and storytelling.
- New York Public Library: With branches all over the city, the New York Public Library is a valuable resource for learning about Irish culture and history. They often host free events and workshops around St. Patrick’s Day.
- Central Park Zoo: While not specifically Irish-themed, a day at the Central Park Zoo is a fun outing for the whole family. The zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, and there’s always something new to see.
- Prospect Park: This 526-acre park is a haven for nature lovers. On St. Patrick’s Day, look out for special events like themed scavenger hunts or nature walks.
- Irish Arts Center: This cultural center in Hell’s Kitchen is dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish arts and culture. They offer a range of performances, exhibitions, and classes, making it a great place to learn about Irish music, dance, and more.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral: This iconic cathedral on Fifth Avenue is a must-visit on St. Patrick’s Day. Attend a special mass, light a candle, or simply admire the stunning Neo-Gothic architecture.
- Irish Film Festival: This festival showcases the best of Irish cinema. From feature films to documentaries and shorts, it’s a great way to experience Irish culture and storytelling.
- Irish Whiskey Tasting: Elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a whiskey-tasting experience. Some liquor stores and pubs offer special tastings featuring a range of Irish whiskeys.
- Irish Cooking Classes: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by learning to cook traditional Irish dishes. Some cooking schools in NYC offer special classes for the occasion.
- Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade: This parade in Rockaway Beach, Queens, is a lively celebration of Irish culture. Enjoy the spectacle of marching bands, bagpipers, and dancers.
- The Cuckoo’s Nest: Located in Woodside, Queens, this Irish pub offers a warm atmosphere and traditional Irish fare. It’s a great place to unwind after the parade.
- Bronx St. Patrick’s Day Parade: This community event in Throggs Neck, Bronx, features local schools, community groups, and bands. It’s a family-friendly event that’s perfect for all ages.
- A Beal Bocht Cafe: This cultural hub in Riverdale, Bronx, offers live music, poetry readings, and a menu full of Irish favorites.
- Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade: This parade along Forest Avenue is a beloved Staten Island tradition. Join the local community in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
- Joyce’s Tavern: Located in Eltingville, Staten Island, Joyce’s Tavern is known for its friendly service and delicious corned beef. It’s a great spot to round off your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Times Square: While not specifically Irish, Times Square is a hub of activity on St. Patrick’s Day. Many businesses offer special promotions, and the atmosphere is festive and lively.
- The Irish Hunger Memorial: This memorial in Battery Park City is a poignant reminder of the Great Irish Famine. It’s a peaceful place for reflection amidst the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
- The New York Irish Center: Located in Long Island City, Queens, this cultural center often hosts St. Patrick’s Day events. Check out their schedule for concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.
- Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar: This music bar in Kips Bay, Manhattan, is known for its live Irish music. Enjoy a night of traditional Irish tunes in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day in NYC is a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and heritage. From the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the numerous Irish pubs, cultural events, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, celebrating in Manhattan or the outer boroughs, there are countless ways to join in the festivities.
Remember, the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day is about community, culture, and having a good time. So, wear your best green outfit, immerse yourself in the Irish traditions, and enjoy the day!
FAQs
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17th.
The parade starts at 44th Street, and heads up Fifth Avenue—past St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th Street—all the way up to 79th Street.
Families can enjoy St. Patrick’s Day-themed workshops at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan or the New York Public Library, visit the Central Park Zoo, or watch an Irish dance performance at the Irish Arts Center.
Unique celebrations can include attending a mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, checking out the Irish Film Festival, going on an Irish historical walking tour, or participating in an Irish cooking class.
Free or affordable activities include watching the parades, visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral, checking out Irish cultural exhibits, enjoying happy hour