If your days of celebrating until you're green around the gills on St. Patrick's Day are a distant memory, don't worry: There are plenty of kid-friendly ways to mark St. Patrick's Day in NYC this March. After all, everyone feels a wee bit Irish around the holiday. Best of all? Most of these festivities are FREE.
St. Patrick's Day falls on Thursday, March 17, but it's really a month-long celebration, with the Queens County Rockaway Parade kicking things off Saturday, March 5, and the final procession taking place in Bay Ridge on Saturday, March 27. In addition to St. Patrick's Day parades in all five boroughs, there are family fests, step-dancing performances (and lessons), plus food workshops and kids' flicks.
Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate Irish culture and St. Patrick's Day in NYC. Sláinte!
Be sure to click through to our listings for all the details, including addresses, times, costs, recommended ages, and the latest COVID protocols. Bookmark our Family Activity Calendar for even more holiday fun.
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St. Patrick's Day Parades in NYC
Saturday, March 5
Head to Rockaway Beach for an early St. Patrick’s Day Parade the first Saturday in March. The 51st annual procession starts with a mass for peace at St. Francis de Sales Church, before stepping off behind grand marshals that include congressmen and respected community members. Read More
Sunday, March 6
The St. Pat's for All Parade celebrates the diversity of the Irish and Irish American communities of New York. First held in 2000, St. Pat's for All cherishes and celebrates an inclusive St. Patrick's season. Read More
Sunday, March 6
The annual Staten Island St. Patrick's Parade attracts thousands of spectators to Forest Avenue each year for a procession of the borough's pipe bands, school bands, revelers in Irish pride, and celebrated figures. Read More
Sunday, March 13
The Throggs Neck Benevolent Association's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade turns out the crowds to celebrate the holiday. The parade route heads down East Tremont, toward Harding Avenue, and turns right onto Harding Avenue. There is a reviewing stand at Harding and Tremont. Read More
Thursday, March 17
NYC turns green once again as its famous St. Patrick's Day Parade marches up Fifth Avenue, starting at 44th Street, past St. Patrick's Cathedral at 50th Street, all the way up to 79th Street and the Irish Historical Society, where the parade finishes at about 4:30-5pm. Read More
Sunday, March 20
Head to South Slope for this festive St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is the oldest St. Paddy's Day parade in Brooklyn. Music, marching bands, face painting, Irish dancers, and antique cars are all on display. Read More
Sunday, March 27
The Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 1pm and runs along 3rd Avenue, starting at Marine Avenue and marching down to 67th Street. Read More
Family-Friendly St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in NYC
Saturday, March 5
Saturday, March 5
Sunday, March 6
Sunday, March 13
Get a taste of Ireland’s rich cultural traditions at Irish Arts' 26th annual open house! Guests of all ages can enjoy traditional Irish music and dance performances, sample Irish language lessons, watch short films by famed Irish animation company Cartoon Saloon, take part in storytime from Children’s Books Ireland and Books of Wonder, sing along to a concert by urban cowboy Hopalong Andrew, make arts and crafts, and more. Read More
Thursday, March 17
The Irish Arts Center undertakes the 12th edition of one of its most beloved programs: Book Day, in which the center pays homage to Ireland’s rich literary tradition by giving away FREE books by some of the country’s—and Irish America’s—most celebrated writers. Read More
Thursday, March 17
This March, CMOM is exploring the stories and contributions of pioneering women whose fearless pursuit of knowledge and innovation have redefined fashion, music, visual arts, design, and architecture.. Read More
Thursday, March 17
The New York Irish Center serves as the official hub of St. Patrick’s Day activity, providing a day filled with music, dance, and joyous mingling with some of the most talented and prominent people in the community. Read More
Thursday, March 17
Saturday, March 19
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, learn how to make Irish Soda Bread at Historic Richmond Town! Historical Interpreters explain the history and origins of this classic quick bread, and you can make your own loaf to take home! The bread is baked in a Dutch Oven. Read More
Saturday, March 26
