Are you ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of St. Patrick’s Day? Whether you’re eager to connect with your Irish heritage or simply keen on joining the festive fun dressed in your finest green attire, you’re in for a treat with the plethora of celebrations across the United States. From spirited parades to unique traditions like funeral parodies and sports tournaments, here’s a guide to the top 10 destinations where St. Paddy’s Day is celebrated in style.
- Boston, Massachusetts As the city with the highest percentage of Irish-Americans, Boston is a natural choice for an authentic St. Patrick’s Day experience. With the country’s third-largest parade drawing approximately 1 million spectators annually, Boston knows how to throw a celebration. Don’t miss out on the Irish film festival and the six-day concert series featuring the local Irish punk band, Dropkick Murphys.
- Savannah, Georgia Surprising as it may be, Savannah has carved out a place for itself among the top St. Patrick’s Day destinations. From dyeing the water green in Forsyth Park’s fountain to lively tailgating sessions before the historic parade, Savannah offers a charmingly unique celebration experience.
- New London, Wisconsin For an unconventional St. Patrick’s Day adventure, head to New London, Wisconsin. This quaint city transforms into “New Dublin” with leprechauns changing street signs, and locals putting on a hilarious Irish funeral parody, complete with mock funeral processions and antique hearse theatrics.
- Chicago, Illinois Chicago’s iconic tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green has gained global recognition. Dating back to 1961, this annual ritual originated from a plumber’s accidental discovery, turning the river a perfect shade of green. Witness this spectacle and immerse yourself in the Windy City’s vibrant St. Paddy’s Day celebrations.
- Hot Springs, Arkansas Experience a one-of-a-kind St. Paddy’s Day parade in Hot Springs, featuring unique attractions like Irish Elvis impersonators and a kissing contest with the Arkansas Blarney Stone. Despite its short parade route of just 98 feet, the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws in crowds of 30,000 visitors.
- North Kansas City, Missouri Join the festivities in North Kansas City, known as Snake Saturday, inspired by the legend of St. Patrick driving out snakes from Ireland. Despite the name, no snakes are involved. Instead, enjoy charity cook-offs, kids’ contests, and a lively carnival atmosphere.
- New York City, New York As the country’s most populous city, New York hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Escape the parade crowds and delve into Irish culture at the Irish Arts Center’s Annual St. Patrick’s Open Day, offering everything from traditional music and dance to Gaelic football and face painting.
- O’Neill, Nebraska Visit O’Neill, home to the world’s largest shamrock, and witness the city doubling in size during mid-March. Engage in unconventional St. Patrick’s Day events like dodgeball tournaments and mesmerizing hypnosis shows after admiring the massive painted shamrock.
- Enterprise, Alabama For a unique twist on a traditional parade, head to Enterprise for the world’s smallest St. Patrick’s Day parade. With only one participant dancing and singing along the parade route, it’s a charmingly intimate celebration in this small Southern town.
- New Orleans, Louisiana While New Orleans is renowned for its Mardi Gras festivities, the city also embraces its Irish heritage with gusto. Join block parties and parades, including the Irish Channel Parade, where participants toss ingredients like cabbage and potatoes into the crowd, adding a touch of Irish flair to the celebrations.
No matter where you find yourself on St. Patrick’s Day, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of Irish spirit. Cheers to a memorable celebration!
