16 Best Places to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in 2025

Grab your green clothes and pour a pint of Guinness – it’s almost time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025!

Taking place annually on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day honors Ireland’s rich culture and celebrates its influence worldwide. What started as a religious observance in memory of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, has evolved into a global festival of parades, music, dancing, and a sea of green!

Thanks to the Irish diaspora, cities worldwide now host their incredible celebrations. Whether you’re looking for traditional Irish culture, epic parades, or unique celebrations, here are the 16 best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in 2025!

Think Munich is all about beer and bratwurst? Think again! While Oktoberfest may be its biggest claim to fame, Munich has embraced St. Patrick’s Day with open arms. Since 1996, the city has hosted one of Europe’s most exciting Paddy’s Day celebrations, blending Bavarian hospitality with Irish traditions.

• Three-day festival packed with live Irish music, ceilidh bands, and folk performances.

• Massive parade through Odeonsplatz, where thousands gather dressed in green.

• Irish-Bavarian fusion food stalls—think Guinness bratwurst and Irish stew with pretzels.

• Pre-party at Feldherrnhalle, featuring traditional Irish dancing and local beer.

Munich’s St. Patrick’s Day offers the best of both worlds—a festive Irish celebration with a hint of Bavarian flair. If you love beer, music, and culture, this is the place to be!

Cleveland takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously, with traditions dating back over 150 years. Since 1867, the city has gone all out for March 17th, creating one of the US's most significant and liveliest St. Patrick’s Day parties.

• Massive parade with over 10,000 participants and 500,000+ spectators.

• Non-stop action downtown—Irish pubs, music, and an electrifying party vibe.

• Authentic Irish community—8% of Clevelanders claim Irish heritage.

• "Kegs & Eggs" morning tradition—because every great day starts with beer and breakfast.

What is the best way to experience Cleveland’s St. Patrick’s Day? Start with the parade down Superior Avenue, hit a few classic Irish pubs, and dance the night away to traditional Irish music!

Kansas City turns green with one of the Midwest’s most spirited Irish celebrations. With a parade dating back to 1873, this city has one of the most energetic celebrations in the U.S.

• The Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, running from Linwood & Broadway to the Westport district
  The Snake Saturday Festival, featuring BBQ contests, Irish music, and kid-friendly activities.

• A thriving Irish pub scene, with places like Kelly’s Westport Inn serving green beer and live music.

• Deep-rooted Irish history, with Irish immigrants shaping the city's early days.

Kansas City’s blend of history, fun, and local charm makes it one of the most festive places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Buffalo takes the phrase ‘Go big or go home’ to heart regarding St. Patrick’s Day. With two legendary parades, the city transforms into a full-blown Irish festival for the weekend. Whether you prefer a neighborhood procession filled with local charm or a downtown spectacle with floats and marching bands, Buffalo delivers.

• The Old Neighborhood Parade—an intimate, local celebration through Buffalo’s historic Irish district.

• The Downtown Buffalo Parade—a massive event featuring floats, marching bands, and bagpipers .

• Rich Irish heritage—Buffalo is home to one of the largest Irish-American communities in the U.S.

• Lively Irish pubs—places like Gene McCarthy’s and The Banshee Irish Pub will be buzzing all night.

• Cold weather, but warm spirits—Buffalo embraces rain or shine (or snow!).

Buffalo is the place to be for a classic Irish-American celebration with a fun-loving crowd.

Davenport, Iowa might not be the first place you think of for St. Patrick’s Day, but it hosts something no other city can boast—the only bi-state St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the U.S.!

• The Grand Parade—starting in Rock Island, Illinois, and crossing the Mississippi River into Iowa.

• The Gathering of the Clan Luncheon—honoring Irish heritage with speeches, awards, and music.

• Post-parade festivities featuring live Irish music, great food, and Guinness on tap.

• A tight-knit Irish community that takes pride in keeping traditions alive.

For a unique, historic St. Patrick’s Day (and the chance to celebrate in two states at once!), Davenport is a must-visit.

Pittsburgh may be famous for steel and football. Still, it also boasts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. With 13.5% of the population claiming Irish heritage, it’s no surprise this city goes all out for March 17th!

• The Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade—20,000+ marchers and thousands of spectators.

• Themed celebrations in nearly every bar and pub—think green beer, live bands, and bagpipers.

• Strong Irish-American pride, making it one of the most authentic Irish celebrations in the U.S.

• A parade that marches no matter what—rain, snow, or shine, Pittsburgh never cancels!

Pittsburgh is the perfect place to experience St. Patrick’s Day in a city that embraces Irish culture!

Montreal doesn’t just celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—it owns it. With one of North America's oldest and most famous parades, this city turns into a sea of green every March 17th.

• The Oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Canada – Running since 1824, this parade has survived snow, rain, and political changes.

• Massive turnout – 250,000 to 700,000 people line the streets depending on the weather!

• Three hours of non-stop action – Marching bands, extravagant floats, Irish dancers, and even a giant St. Patrick figure lead the way.

• Montreal’s Irish legacy – Nearly 40% of Québec’s population has Irish ancestry, and it shows!

The parade starts at noon at Fort and De Maisonneuve Streets, traveling along Sainte-Catherine Street—one of the city’s liveliest areas. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

Head to Bishop, Crescent, or Peel Street for live music, Guinness, and nonstop dancing at pubs like Hurley’s Irish Pub and McKibbin’s.

Boston and St. Patrick’s Day combine like Guinness and a perfect pour. With the most Irish descendants in the US, this city transforms into an Irish haven for the holiday.

• South Boston Parade – One of the country's largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, featuring bagpipers, floats, and tens of thousands of spectators.

• The Irish Heritage Trail – A three-mile walking tour exploring the rich history of Irish immigrants in Boston.

• St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawls – The city’s legendary pub scene explodes with energy, offering live Irish folk music and plenty of whiskey tastings.

• Irish Film Festival – A cultural treat showcasing Irish films and documentaries throughout March.

Boston recognizes St. Patrick’s Day as an official holiday for the Irish because it coincides with Evacuation Day, marking the historic departure of British troops in 1776. Boston’s St. Paddy’s Day atmosphere is second to none in the US, from parades to pints!

When you think of Sydney, you probably picture sunshine, beaches, and the iconic Opera House—but come St. Patrick’s Day, this Australian metropolis transforms into a slice of Ireland Down Under!

• One of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations outside Ireland – Sydney boasts a massive Irish-Australian community, and they go all out!

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival – A three-day extravaganza featuring live Celtic music, Irish step dancing, and family-friendly events.

• Sydney Opera House Glows Green – One of the most iconic landmarks in the world lights up in emerald green for the occasion.

• The Rocks District Becomes an Irish Party Hub – Traditional Irish bands, cultural performances, and flowing Guinness fill the historic streets.

📍 The Parade (March 16, 2025) – Starting at Martin Place, the parade winds into Circular Quay, where revelers dance, sing, and celebrate under the sun.
📍 Live Performances – From traditional folk music to Celtic rock bands, expect to dance all day at First Fleet Park and Tallawoladah Lawn.
📍 Kid-Friendly Fun – At Bligh and Barney Reserve, little leprechauns can enjoy face painting, craft stations, Irish dance lessons, and even learn a few Gaelic phrases!

If you’re looking for a sunny, festival-style St. Patrick’s Day, Sydney is the place to be!

Tokyo might not be the first place that comes to mind for St. Patrick’s Day, but this city throws one of the most unique celebrations in the world! The first St. Patrick’s Day event in Tokyo took place in 1992 to introduce Irish culture to Japan. Since then, it has exploded in popularity, attracting thousands of spectators yearly.

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Harajuku – A colorful mix of Irish and Japanese culture featuring marching bands, dancers, and cultural performances.

• Traditional Irish Pubs in the Heart of Tokyo – Authentic Irish spots like The Dubliners’ and An Solas serve Guinness, Irish whiskey, and traditional fare.

• Fusion of Irish & Japanese Cultures – You’ll see people dressed in traditional kimono alongside Irish dancers—a beautiful blend of East and West!

• Gaelic Football & Rugby Celebrations – Join local expats and Japanese sports fans for friendly matches and post-game festivities.

If you want a one-of-a-kind St. Patrick’s Day experience, Tokyo’s fusion of Irish spirit and Japanese culture is truly unforgettable!

Are you surprised to see Italy on this list? Don’t be! Despite not having a large Irish population, Padua (Padova) throws one of Europe's best St. Patrick’s Day festivals!

• "Irlanda in Festa " – A Five-Day Irish Festival – Running from March 17th, this event draws over 25,000 people to celebrate Irish culture, music, and food.

• Live Performances & Irish Dance – Expect traditional Irish music alongside contemporary rock bands.

• Guinness & Italian-Irish Fusion Food – Think perfectly poured pints with fresh Italian antipasti.

• Festival Location: Geox Theatre – A massive venue hosting concerts, cultural events, and interactive experiences.

Padua’s St. Patrick’s Day might not be the most traditional. Still, it offers a vibrant, fun-filled celebration that’s hard to beat!

You might not expect Buenos Aires to be a St. Patrick’s Day hotspot. Still, this vibrant city has one of the largest Irish communities outside of Ireland—and it knows how to party!

• A massive street festival instead of a parade – The city comes alive with a block party on Reconquista Street, featuring Irish music, dancing, and endless pints of Guinness.

• Avenida de Mayo transforms into an Irish cultural hub – Expect Celtic music, traditional Irish dancing, and food stalls selling Irish-Argentine fusion dishes.

• El Día de San Patricio – This isn’t just a party for Irish expats; locals fully embrace the festivities, donning green and celebrating well into the night.

• Buenos Aires’ legendary Irish pubs – The Kilkenny, Celtic Pub, and Dubliners are top spots for live music and great drinks.

At noon, the streets flood with green as the party begins. Expect leprechauns , bagpipers , and costumed revelers while Irish rock bands and dance troupes keep the energy high.

Buenos Aires offers a one-of-a-kind St. Patrick’s Day experience, mixing Irish tradition with Argentine passion and late-night celebrations!

When it comes to over-the-top St. Patrick’s Day traditions, Chicago is in a league of its own. Why? They turn the entire river GREEN!

• The iconic green river – Since 1962, the Chicago River has been dyed a vibrant green using an eco-friendly vegetable dye. The transformation lasts a few hours, creating a surreal, shamrock -colored spectacle!

• Multiple parades – The Downtown Parade attracts millions of spectators, while the South Side Irish Parade brings a more traditional, family-friendly celebration.

• Shamrock’n The Block – This massive Irish festival features beer gardens, live Irish bands, and dancing in the city's heart.

• St. Patrick’s Day Cruises – For a unique view of the green river, hop on a Shamrock Cruise and celebrate with music, drinks, and unbeatable skyline views.

• Best Irish Pubs 🍻: The Gage, Fadó, and The Kerryman serve Irish whiskey, Guinness, and hearty Irish dishes.

• Best Music & Dancing 🎶: Head to The Irish American Heritage Center for authentic Irish performances.

If you want a visually stunning and high-energy St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago should be on your list!

New York City doesn’t just throw a parade—it hosts the world’s OLDEST and LARGEST St. Patrick’s Day parade! Dating back to 1762, this celebration is a true testament to Irish heritage in America.

• A sea of green on 5th Avenue – Over 200,000 marchers and millions of spectators fill the streets for a six-hour-long parade.

• Bagpipers, Irish dancers, and elaborate floats – The energy is electric, with traditional Irish performances at every corner.

• Iconic Irish landmarks – Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where a special St. Patrick’s Day Mass is held.

• One of the best Irish pub scenes in the world – NYC’s legendary Irish pubs, like McSorley’s Old Ale House and The Dead Rabbit, are packed with revelers raising a pint.

Arrive early to grab a prime viewing spot along 5th Avenue, as the best spots fill up fast! NYC is the place to be if you want history, culture, and an unmatched Irish-American experience.

With millions of Irish people living in the UK, it’s no surprise that London throws one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations outside of Ireland!

• A grand parade through central London – Watch fabulous floats, Irish dancing schools, and marching bands travel from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square.

• Trafalgar Square festival – Enjoy live Irish music, storytelling, film screenings, and traditional Irish food markets.

• London landmarks light up green – The London Eye and Tower Bridge glow emerald in honor of St. Patrick.

• An incredible Irish pub scene – From Waxy O’Connor’s to The Porterhouse, the city's Irish pubs are buzzing with life!

📍 Irish Dance Zone – Learn traditional Irish dance steps from expert performers.
📍 Irish Creative Collective Sessions – A lineup of Irish comedy, spoken word, and live music.
📍 Peace Heroines Exhibition – A showcase celebrating unsung Irish women in history.

If you want a classy, cultural, and high-energy St. Patrick’s Day, London is the place to be!

If there’s one place you must be on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s Dublin—the epicenter of the holiday and the city where it all began.

• The Official St. Patrick’s Festival – A multi-day celebration featuring concerts, art displays, theater performances, and street parties.

• The Grand Parade – On March 17th, over 500,000 people gather to watch a spectacular display of floats, marching bands, and performers.

• The Temple Bar District – This world-famous area becomes the epicenter of St. Paddy’s celebrations, with live music, endless pints, and non-stop energy.

• Traditional Irish Hospitality – Locals welcome visitors with "Céad Míle Fáilte" (a hundred thousand welcomes), making you feel right at home.

For a more traditional and laid-back Irish experience, head to Galway, where authentic folk music and smaller crowds create a magical atmosphere. Dublin is the place to experience St. Patrick’s Day in its purest, most electrifying form—because here, it’s more than just a holiday; it’s a way of life!

These best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day offer something for everyone—from Europe to America, from small towns to big cities. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, music, or a great party, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy March 17th, 2025.

So, where will you be raising your pint of Guinness this year? 🍀