St. Patrick’s Day is the one day a year when people across the nation come together to celebrate their Irish heritage and/or drink lots of green beer!
The celebration happens every year on March 17 to mark the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Parades, live music, bagpipes, Irish dancers, and food are traditionally found at these festivals.
Here’s a list of cities in the U.S. that have the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
1. New York City
If you’re in New York City on St. Patrick’s Day, check out the annual parade on Fifth Avenue. You can view it along 5th Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street. It’s one of the largest in the world and draws more than 2 million people each year. You’ll see marching bands, floats, Irish dancers, and more!
After watching the parade (or taking part in it), head over to any number of Irish pubs throughout Manhattan. They have food specials like corned beef sandwiches or shepherd’s pie.
2. Savannah, Georgia
The history of this event dates back to 1824 when Savannahians celebrated their Irish heritage by marching through town carrying shamrock banners and wearing green hats for an unofficial holiday. In 1837, Georgia Governor Wilson Lumpkin declared March 17th an official state holiday called “St. Patrick’s Day”.
Today, the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest in the country, with over 60 entries and thousands of spectators each year. Celebrate this historic holiday in a big way with dance parties, giveaways, food, and, of course, green beer. If you’re in town for St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to wear green and get ready for a good time!
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
Looking for a St. Patrick’s Day you’ll never forget? New Orleans might be just the place for you. With a rich Irish history, the celebration goes into full force through the weekend and can even last a few days after!
The Garden District is where you’ll find people in green overflowing the streets. Not to worry though, there is always enough beer to go around. One of the more popular spots is Parasol’s Bar in the Irish Channel, a neighborhood named for the large presence of Irish families.
If a parade piques your interest, then the Irish Channel parade is where you’ll want to be.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
The luck of the Irish may just find you in Phoenix where the 35th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire takes place.
The parade steps off at 3rd Street and Sheridan and heads south through the streets of downtown Phoenix. Everyone can enjoy authentic bagpipers, step dancing, crafts, and food.
5. San Diego, California
Take a trip to the West Coast for the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi. With over 120 parade entries – including marching bands, fire trucks, police vehicles, and antique cars – there are sights and sounds for everyone.
Following the parade is an Irish Festival in Balboa Park that features live entertainment, Irish step dancers, Irish folk singers, crafts, food, and beer.
Then there’s the ShamROCK Festival has been held at Balboa Park since 1972 and includes everything from live music to Irish dancing lessons!
6. Punta Gorda, Florida
Fisherman’s Village is the place to be on St. Patrick’s Day in Southwest Florida. The waterfront celebration has live bagpipers and Irish dancing throughout the day, as well as a variety of vendors selling food and drinks.
There are contests for best costume, best leprechaun impersonation (adults only), best child leprechaun impersonation (ages 5-12), and more!
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly celebration or a rowdy party, there are plenty of ways to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day across the US. From parades and festivals to pub crawls and more, this holiday is one that everyone can enjoy!
Now that you know the top locations in the country to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, book your vacation at allegiant.com.
Where’s your favorite place to celebrate?
