Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day of parades, wearing of green attire, and public revelry.
It is celebrated not just in Ireland, but all around the world. The United States, with its significant Irish-American population, hosts some of the most vibrant celebrations.
In this article, we will explore the “15 Best Places to Visit in the USA on Saint Patrick’s Day”, offering a glimpse into the diverse ways this Irish holiday is celebrated across the country.
The Significance of Location on Saint Patrick’s Day
On Saint Patrick’s Day, the location you choose to celebrate can significantly enhance your experience. Each city in the United States has its unique traditions and events, making the celebration diverse and exciting across the country.
For instance, some cities dye their rivers green, while others host grand parades or traditional Irish dances. The local culture and history of a city can also influence the festivities, leading to unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.
Therefore, the location plays a crucial role in shaping the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations and creating memorable experiences.
15 Best Places to Visit on Saint Patrick’s Day
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Chicago, Illinois
- New York City, New York
- 4. Savannah, Georgia
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- San Francisco, California
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 8. Kansas City, Missouri
- Hot Springs, Arkansas
- New London, Wisconsin
- Dublin, Ohio
- 12. Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Butte, Montana
- Rolla, Missouri
- New Orleans, Louisiana
1. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts, is a city steeped in history, and this is no different when it comes to Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. Known for its significant Irish-American population, Boston hosts one of the largest and most festive Saint Patrick’s Day parades in the country.
The parade, which takes place in the city’s South Boston neighborhood, is filled with marching bands, bagpipers, and floats, drawing crowds from all over the country. But the celebration doesn’t stop at the parade.
The city is alive with Irish music, dance, and food throughout the day. Many local pubs and restaurants offer traditional Irish meals, and there are numerous concerts and performances featuring Irish music and dance.
The city’s rich Irish heritage and vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations make Boston a top destination for the holiday.
2. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois, offers a unique Saint Patrick’s Day experience with a tradition that has become famous worldwide – dyeing the Chicago River green.
This tradition started in 1962 and has become a beloved part of the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. Thousands of spectators gather to watch as the Plumbers Local 130 union dyes the river a bright emerald green.
The dyeing of the river is followed by the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade, which features floats, marching bands, and traditional Irish dancers.
The city also hosts numerous Irish-themed events and parties throughout the day. Whether you’re watching the river turn green or enjoying a pint of Guinness at a local pub, Saint Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a memorable experience.
3. New York City, New York
New York City’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the world’s oldest and largest parades. Since the first parade in 1762, this event has grown to include over 150,000 participants, attracting millions of spectators each year.
The parade, which runs along Fifth Avenue and passes by iconic landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Central Park, is a grand display of Irish pride and culture.
But the parade is just the beginning of New York City’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city is home to a large Irish-American population, and many neighborhoods host their celebrations complete with traditional Irish music, food, and dance.
From the parade in Manhattan to the neighborhood parties in Brooklyn and Queens, Saint Patrick’s Day in New York City is a celebration of Irish heritage and community spirit.
4. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Saint Patrick’s Day, but it hosts one of the largest Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in the South.
The city’s parade, which dates back to 1824, is a major event featuring floats, marching bands, and bagpipers. The historic district of Savannah becomes a sea of green as locals and tourists alike join in the festivities.
In the parade, the city hosts a variety of events, including the Greening of the Fountain in Forsyth Park, where the park’s famous fountain is dyed green. The city’s beautiful squares and parks provide the perfect backdrop for a day of celebration.
5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a rich Irish heritage, which is proudly displayed during its Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The city’s parade is one of the oldest in the country, dating back to 1771. The parade route winds through the city, featuring marching bands, dance groups, and floats.
The parade, Philadelphia hosts numerous events throughout the city, including Irish music performances, cultural events, and traditional Irish food and drink specials at local pubs and restaurants.
The city’s vibrant Irish community and historic landmarks make it a great place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
6. San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a vibrant parade and festival. The parade, which is one of the largest in the country, features floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers.
The festival following the parade offers live music, dance performances, and food booths serving traditional Irish fare.
The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations reflect San Francisco’s diverse culture and vibrant spirit. Whether you’re watching the parade, enjoying the festival, or exploring the city’s Irish pubs, Saint Patrick’s Day in San Francisco is a memorable experience.
7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known for its Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which is one of the largest in the country. The parade features floats, marching bands, and performers, drawing large crowds each year.
In addition to the parade, the city hosts a variety of events, including the Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Pageant, a tradition that dates back to 1956.
The city’s Irish community also hosts numerous events, including traditional Irish music performances and cultural events.
8. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri, is known for its vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city’s parade is a major event, featuring floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers.
The parade route winds through the city, offering spectators a chance to experience the city’s architecture and culture.
In addition to the parade, Kansas City hosts a variety of events, including traditional Irish music performances, cultural events, and traditional Irish food and drink specials at local pubs and restaurants.
The city’s vibrant Irish community and historic landmarks make it a great place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
9. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers a unique Saint Patrick’s Day experience with its annual “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade”.
The parade, which takes place on the city’s historic Bridge Street, is a fun and quirky event that attracts visitors from all over the country.
In addition to the parade, Hot Springs hosts a variety of events, including live music performances, a leprechaun contest, and a pub crawl.
The city’s beautiful natural hot springs and historic architecture add to the festive atmosphere, making Hot Springs a memorable place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
10. New London, Wisconsin
New London, Wisconsin, goes all out for Saint Patrick’s Day, even changing its name to “New Dublin” for the week.
The city hosts a large parade, complete with floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers. In addition to the parade, New London hosts a variety of events, including an Irish Fest, a corned beef and cabbage dinner, and a leprechaun fun run.
11. Dublin, Ohio
Dublin, Ohio, lives up to its namesake with a week-long celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. The city’s festivities include a parade, Irish entertainment, and traditional food.
The parade features floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers, and the city’s streets are filled with spectators dressed in green.
In addition to the parade, Dublin hosts a variety of events, including an Irish music festival, a 5K run/walk, and a pancake breakfast.
With its strong Irish heritage and community spirit, Dublin, Ohio, is a great place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
12. Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton, Pennsylvania, is known for its Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which is one of the largest and most attended in the country.
The parade features floats, marching bands, and performers, drawing large crowds each year. In addition to the parade, Scranton hosts a variety of events, including traditional Irish music performances, cultural events, and traditional Irish food and drink specials at local pubs and restaurants.
13. Butte, Montana
Butte, Montana, has a rich Irish heritage and celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a historic parade, music, and dance.
The city’s parade is a major event, featuring floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers. In addition to the parade, Butte hosts a variety of events, including traditional Irish music performances, cultural events, and traditional Irish food and drink specials at local pubs and restaurants.
14. Rolla, Missouri
Rolla, Missouri, is known for its Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, which include the annual “painting of the pine”. This tradition involves painting a large pine tree green in the city’s downtown area.
The city also hosts a parade and a variety of events, including traditional Irish music performances, cultural events, and traditional Irish food and drink specials at local pubs and restaurants.
15. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a unique flair. The city’s parade includes float riders throwing ingredients for Irish stew to the crowd.
This tradition, known as the “throwing of the cabbages”, is a fun and unique aspect of the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
In addition to the parade, New Orleans hosts a variety of events, including traditional Irish music performances, cultural events, and traditional Irish food and drink specials at local pubs and restaurants.
Other Noteworthy Places to Visit in the USA on Saint Patrick’s Day
In addition to the 15 cities mentioned, there are several other noteworthy places in the USA where Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
- Denver, Colorado hosts a large parade and a variety of Irish-themed events. The city’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) area becomes a hub of festivities with streets filled with green-clad revelers.
- St. Louis, Missouri is known for its “Downtown Irish Parade” and “Ancient Order of Hibernians Parade”. The city also hosts a Saint Patrick’s Day run, one of the largest events of its kind in the Midwest.
- Seattle, Washington celebrates with a parade and the Irish Festival at the Seattle Center. The festival includes Irish music, dancing, and cultural activities.
- Buffalo, New York is home to one of the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parades in the United States. The city’s celebrations also include live music, traditional Irish food, and dance.
These cities, with their unique traditions and enthusiastic celebrations, offer a memorable Saint Patrick’s Day experience. Whether you’re of Irish descent or just enjoy the festivities, these cities are worth considering for your Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Conclusion
Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in the USA is a unique experience that varies from city to city.
Whether it’s the historic parades of Boston and New York City, the river dyeing tradition in Chicago, or the unique celebrations in smaller cities like Rolla and New London, there’s something for everyone. These 15 Best Places to Visit in the USA on Saint Patrick’s Day offer a glimpse into the diverse ways this Irish holiday is celebrated across the country.
So, whether you’re of Irish descent or just enjoy the festivities, consider visiting these cities for a memorable Saint Patrick’s Day experience.
Remember, wherever you choose to celebrate, the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day is about coming together in a spirit of friendship and community.
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in the USA due to the country’s significant Irish-American population. It’s a day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. This day provides an opportunity for Americans to honor the Irish immigrants who have contributed to America’s development and success.
The celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day varies from city to city. Some cities host large parades, others dye their rivers green, and many have Irish-themed events and parties. These diverse celebrations reflect the rich tapestry of American culture and the influence of Irish heritage within it.
Unique traditions include Chicago’s river dyeing, the “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade” in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the “throwing of the cabbages” in New Orleans, Louisiana. These unique traditions add a local flavor to the universal celebration of Irish culture.
Boston is known for its significant Irish-American population and hosts one of the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parades in the country. The city’s rich Irish heritage makes it a top destination for the holiday. Boston’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations are a testament to the city’s historical and ongoing connections to Irish culture and traditions.
Chicago is famous for dyeing its river green in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. This tradition has become a beloved part of the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The vibrant green river is a sight to behold and symbolizes the city’s embrace of the holiday spirit.
Smaller cities like Rolla and New London have their unique traditions. Rolla is known for its “painting of the pine”, while New London changes its name to “New Dublin” for the week. These unique traditions highlight the widespread influence of Irish culture across the United States, even in smaller cities.
Yes, cities like Savannah, Georgia, and New Orleans, Louisiana, host large Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. These celebrations showcase the South’s unique blend of Irish traditions and Southern hospitality.
You can participate by attending a parade, joining a local event, or even hosting your own Saint Patrick’s Day party. Remember to wear something green! Participating in these celebrations allows you to be part of a global tradition of honoring Irish culture and heritage.
Local newspapers, city websites, and social media are good sources of information about Saint Patrick’s Day events in your area. These resources can help you plan your celebrations and ensure you don’t miss out on any local festivities.
