Every year on March 17th, the world turns a shade greener as people across the globe celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. But there’s something uniquely special about celebrating this day in the heart of America’s Music City – Nashville, Tennessee.
Known for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural history, Nashville offers a unique blend of traditional Irish festivities and southern charm that makes Saint Patrick’s Day here an experience like no other.
The History of Saint Patrick’s Day in Nashville
Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, has a rich history in Nashville. The city, with its diverse population and love for festivities, embraced this Irish tradition with open arms. Over the years, Saint Patrick’s Day in Nashville has evolved from small gatherings at local Irish pubs to city-wide celebrations complete with parades, concerts, and a sea of green attire.
The first recorded Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Nashville dates back to the early 20th century when Irish immigrants brought their traditions to the city. These early celebrations were humble, often involving a family gathering with traditional Irish food and music. As the city grew, so did the scale of the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Today, Nashville’s Saint Patrick’s Day is a grand affair that attracts locals and tourists alike. The city’s streets come alive with the sounds of Irish music, laughter, and the clinking of pint glasses.
From the family-friendly parades in the morning to the lively parties that go on till the wee hours, Saint Patrick’s Day in Nashville is a testament to the city’s ability to throw a fantastic party.
Saint Patrick’s Day events List in Nashville for 2024:
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Free St. Patrick’s Day at Acme | Acme Feed & Seed, Nashville | March 17, 2024 |
| Nashville’s Best St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl | Best Bars in Nashville | March 16, 2024 |
| Post St. Patrick Day Gathering | The Lost Paddy, Nashville | March 19, 2024 |
| St. Patrick’s Day Party | Shepherd’s Center of Madison, Nashville | March 16, 2024 |
| Von Patrick’s Day 2024! | St. Patrick’s Day Party | March 16, 2024 |
| Big Shotz Green Mile Bar Crawl | Big Shotz 2nd Ave N. Nashville | March 16, 2024 |
| The Official Lucky’s St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl | Hard Rock Cafe, Nashville | March 16, 2024 |
| Cocktail Class Experience – St Patrick’s Day Fun | 2803 Foster Ave, Nashville | March 17, 2024 |
| Kiss Me, I’m Irish: Nashville St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl | Big Shotz 2nd Ave N. Nashville | March 15, 2024 |
Best Places to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Nashville
Nashville, often referred to as the “Music City,” offers a variety of venues to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Here are some of the top places you should consider:
McNamara’s Irish Pub
An authentic Irish pub, McNamara’s is a favorite among locals. With live Irish music and traditional Irish fare, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day.
The Greenhouse Bar
This unique bar, built inside an actual greenhouse, is known for its festive atmosphere. On Saint Patrick’s Day, they host a special event featuring green beer and live music.
Music City Irish Fest
This annual festival held at Public Square Park is a family-friendly event that celebrates Irish culture with music, dance, food, and crafts. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Nashville on Saint Patrick’s Day.
The Wildhorse Saloon
While not an Irish pub, the Wildhorse Saloon embraces Saint Patrick’s Day with a special event featuring Irish music, green beer, and even a Riverdance competition.
Saint Patrick’s Day Events in Nashville
Nashville hosts a variety of events to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Here are some of the highlights:
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
A tradition in Nashville, the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a spectacle of floats, marching bands, and performers. The parade route winds through the heart of downtown Nashville, offering plenty of viewing spots.
Irish Music Concerts
Nashville’s music scene embraces Saint Patrick’s Day with a host of concerts featuring Irish music. From traditional Irish folk tunes to modern Celtic rock, there’s something for every music lover.
Pub Crawls
Several organized pub crawls take place on Saint Patrick’s Day. These events offer a fun way to explore Nashville’s nightlife while enjoying Irish-themed drinks and specials.
Family-Friendly Festivities
For families, many local parks and community centers host Saint Patrick’s Day events. These often include crafts, games, and educational activities about Irish culture.
Traditional Irish Foods to Try in Nashville on Saint Patrick’s Day
When celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in Nashville, you’ll want to indulge in some traditional Irish fare. Here are some dishes you might come across:
Corned Beef and Cabbage
A staple for Saint Patrick’s Day, corned beef and cabbage is a hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy. Many of Nashville’s Irish pubs serve this traditional meal.
Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting dish, made with ground meat, and vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes, is a classic Irish meal you’ll find in many Nashville establishments.
Irish Soda Bread
A dense, slightly sweet bread made with baking soda as its rising agent. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any Irish meal.
Guinness Stew
A rich and hearty stew made with Guinness beer, beef, and root vegetables. It’s a warming dish perfect for the March weather.
Boxty
A traditional Irish potato pancake, boxty can be served in various ways – from a side dish to a base for a variety of toppings.
Music and Saint Patrick’s Day in Nashville
Nashville, known as the “Music City,” has a vibrant music scene that plays a significant role in the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. Here’s how:
Irish Music Performances
Many local bars and venues host live music performances featuring traditional Irish music. From lively jigs to soulful ballads, these performances add an authentic touch to the celebrations.
Concerts and Festivals
Several concerts and music festivals take place in Nashville on Saint Patrick’s Day. These events often feature a mix of local and international artists, offering a diverse range of music styles.
Music City Irish Fest
The Music City Irish Fest is a highlight of Nashville’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. This festival showcases the best of Irish music, with performances by both traditional and contemporary Irish musicians.
Pub Sing-Alongs
In the spirit of Irish tradition, many pubs in Nashville encourage patrons to join in sing-alongs of popular Irish songs. This communal music-making experience is a fun and interactive way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our guide to celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in Nashville, Tennessee, it’s clear that the city offers a unique blend of traditional Irish festivities and southern charm. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, participating in the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations is a memorable experience.
FAQS
The color of the day is green! Feel free to dress up in your best green attire, whether it’s a simple green shirt or a full-on leprechaun costume.
Absolutely! Many events, like the Music City Irish Fest and the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, are family-friendly.
Some events may require tickets, especially concerts and festivals. It’s best to check the event’s official website for the most accurate information.
Of course! Saint Patrick’s Day in Nashville is not just about beer. You can enjoy the parades, music, food, and cultural experiences without partaking in the drinking aspect of the holiday.