6 Amazing St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations NOT in Ireland

If you think the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations only take place in Ireland, you couldn’t be more wrong. Here’s a look at six of the most amazing St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations taking place in the US and elsewhere.

New York City

One of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States takes place in New York City. The annual parade is about six hours long, heading up the iconic Fifth Avenue, passing by some of the city’s best sights like Central Park and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. You’ll find other smaller parades are held on the days leading up to and after St. Patrick’s Day itself.

Once the parade is over, head over to an Irish pub for some traditional Irish grub and a few pints of Guinness.

Chicago

Chicago throws a big multi-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration with the big parade taking place the Saturday before. The day starts with dying the Chicago River green at 9am and then continues in Grant Park with the parade kick off around noon. And, the next day, you’ll want to attend the South Side Irish Parade – also starting at noon.

Other events include several St. Patrick’s Day runs and half marathons on the Saturday before, along with a shoreline sightseeing cruise after the river is dyed. Be sure to check area restaurants and bars for specials.

Boston

Boston draws in a hefty crowd each year for what many consider the best St. Patrick’s Day celebration outside of Ireland. The city held America’s first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in 1737, and with a very high concentration of Irish pubs, it’s no surprise Boston knows how to throw a party!

Look for events leading up to St. Patrick’s Day like the Harpoon St. Patrick’s Festival in early March that features craft beer, Irish food and live music. There is an annual Irish Film Festival after that and a performance of Irish dancers at the JFK Library and Museum. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws crowds of up to 1 million people and it happens the Sunday after the holiday.

London

If you happen to be near London, you won’t want to miss St. Patrick’s Day here. The multi-day celebration includes a big parade that takes place on the Sunday closest to St. Patrick’s Day. Look for beautiful floats, UK marching bands, Irish dancing schools and more. The parade is a 1.5-mile route that goes down the Piccadilly, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

There is a free St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square on the same Sunday with an Irish food market, music, dancing and film festivals. Look for many of London’s Irish pubs to be hosting parties, themed menus and drink specials.

New Zealand

It might surprise you to learn Auckland holds a big St. Patrick’s Day celebration as well! Events start in early March with an Irish Fair, a parade the following weekend, and The Greening. The Greening is a special ticketed event on St. Patrick’s Day Eve with drinks and canapés.

West Indies

Montserrat in the British West Indies is another international destination that holds an amazing St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The festival is a weeklong celebration that highlights Montserrat’s African and Irish heritage. It also commemorates the slave uprising that was planned on March 17, 1768. Look for both African and Irish music, a freedom run, live performances and a recreated slave village and feast.

Have you ever attended a St. Patrick’s Day celebration?

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