You shouldn’t have a problem finding a green beer in a bar near you on St. Patrick’s Day, but there is much more to the holiday than heavy drinking. From remembering monumental moments in Irish and American history, to creating St. Patrick's Day-inspired art, with plenty of parties and parades throughout, these cities are unmatched in enthusiasm when it comes to flaunting Irish pride in honor of the Feast of St. Patrick.
Boston, Massachusetts
New York City, New York
There’s always unforgettable memories to be made in the Big Apple, especially with inclusive activities available around the city to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Besides the well-known St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan, the largest of its kind in the world, families are welcome to join Sober St. Patrick’ Day, an international event that began in 2012 to “reclaim the spirit of the holiday” by promoting cultural traditions instead of highlighting overconsumption. New York City is also home to the Irish Hunger Memorial, an innovative structure built to memorialize those who suffered during the Great Irish Famine in the mid-1800s.
Savannah, Georgia
The city of Savannah, Georgia, goes green for St. Paddy’s Day – literally. As home to one of the most popular St. Patrick's Day parades on the planet, Savannah ramps up the festivities by dyeing the water in public fountains green, beginning with the famous Forsyth Park Fountain. The weekend-long St. Patrick’s Day Festival is not to miss, where local vendors and live performers line River Street as excited attendees gather near the Savannah River, celebrating into the night.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Since official St. Patrick’s Day celebrations started back in 1771, five years before the Declaration of Independence was signed, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been faithfully committed to bringing in the holiday with a bang. Blossoming from origins older than the country itself, this year Philly’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is themed “250 Years of Faith, Family, Friendship and Heritage,” an appropriate purpose for the City of Brotherly Love. This epic occurrence is planned to commence come rain or shine, with more than 200 groups to be represented, including veterans, marching bands, and youth groups.
Cleveland, Ohio
Consider yourself struck with the luck of the Irish when celebrating St. Paddy’s Day in Cleveland, Ohio. The city hosts an assortment of green-themed events, including the family-friendly parade, a St. Patrick’s Day party at Whistle & Keg, a self-serve beer tasting room, and a special holiday party at Jack Cleveland Casino, where Irish fare will be served, including Irish potatoes, corned beef, and cabbage, with desserts dyed green.
San Francisco, California
With so much to choose from, families may have a hard time choosing how to celebrate St. Paddy's Day in San Francisco, California. From the Shamrock Stroll at the San Francisco Zoo, where alcoholic and non-alcoholic green beverages are offered, to the GreenFest Block Party at the United Irish Cultural Center, where multi-generational attendees eat, drink, and play together, there’s no age limit to observing a tradition as fun as this one!
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you think that grown-ups are the only ones who get to party in Las Vegas, Nevada, during St. Patrick’s Day, think again. Spectators marvel at multiple parades throughout March, including the 54th annual St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival located off the Strip. Created for kids and teens between the ages of 6 and 17, the "Build a Leprechaun Trap" after-school event fosters creativity and invention in STEM activities, while keeping Irish traditions in mind.
