5 Festive Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Parades, parties, and pints!

Top of the morning, lads and lasses! It’s almost here: the one day of the year when everyone’s sprinkled with a dash of the legendary Irish luck! So pack your lucky 4-leaf clover and your green wig, because it’s time for a leprechaun-approved journey to one of these festive cities for St. Patrick’s Day.

Are you ready to shamrock-and-roll your way into St. Patrick’s Day? Check out our favorite cities for painting the town green.

• Boston, MA

  Boston, particularly South Boston, has some of the country’s strongest ties to Ireland of any city in the U.S. And with Beantown’s reputation for mixing a dose of history with outlandish F-U-N, it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most traditionally festive cities for St. Patrick’s Day!

  Start your day in South Boston, where the St. Patrick’s Day parade is the major highlight. Traditional Irish dancers and marching bands playing a lively jig celebrate the town’s Irish heritage and culture—and get your toes tapping.

  Boston’s restaurants often provide special menus with Irish-inspired dishes during St. Patrick’s Day. Indulge in traditional Emerald Isle fare, or try a creative “fusion” twist on classic recipes.

  Then head over to one of Beantown’s many authentic Irish pubs, and enjoy a pint of Guinness or try some Irish whiskey while you raise a glass to St. Paddy!

• Chicago, IL

  A visit to Chicago in mid-March makes one thing evident: they’ve mastered the art of turning rivers into Shamrock smoothies.

  Your eyes aren’t being tricked by a leprechaun; the city dyes the entire Chicago River bright green for St. Patrick’s Day! The unique and iconic tradition is a Chi-town favorite, drawing visitors from all over to witness the spectacle.

  Chicago also boasts a vibrant Irish pub scene. And on St. Patrick’s Day, they allllll come alive with live music, Irish dancing, traditional cuisine, and of course, Chicago’s trademark warm hospitality.

  But don’t limit yourself to just one spot! Plenty of local bars, pubs, and taverns participate in the all-day fun, with pub crawls giving out everything from beads to breakfast!

• Cleveland, OH

  From Ireland to…the Midwest?!? Believe it or not, you guys, one of the best cities for St. Patrick’s Day fun is solidly in the middle of the U.S.

  Cleveland is home to one of the oldest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the country, with bagpipers and traditional Irish dancers showcasing the legendary musicality of the island. Catch green beads or just soak in the culture, whatever your green heart desires!

  The parade typically makes its way downtown, attracting both spectators and participants to the area. Downtown establishments, including pubs and restaurants, join the crowd’s celebration with special events and menus. Indulge in Irish-themed food, drinks, and music while you show off your Lucky the Leprechaun tee shirt.

  Corned beef and cabbage, anyone?

• New York City, NY

  Ummm, can we just agree that in March, NYC becomes the Big Green Apple?

  But despite its famous parade, the festive fun isn’t confined to a single event. There’s something for everyone!

  The parade, of course, is beyond famous. A tradition that goes back more than 250 years, it’s not just the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country; it’s one of the oldest (and largest!) in the world. This deeply rooted celebration of Irish heritage draws millions of spectators who line the parade route to enjoy marching bands, Irish dancers, and even bagpipers.

  The green-tinted fun continues throughout the entire city. NYC embraces the Irish spirit by turning its most iconic landmarks green. Turn your eyes to the Empire State Building at nightfall and you’ll see just what we mean!

• San Francisco, CA

  As one of the most culturally diverse cities in the U.S., it’s no surprise that San Francisco’s diversity extends all the way to the land of the leprechauns!

  The day starts off with the annual parade, showcasing Irish everything: music, dancers, pipe bands, and themed floats.

  The parade ends at City Hall, where the celebration is just beginning. Stay for the free live music straight from Ireland, where impressive Irish fiddle-playing blends effortlessly into more modern tunes.

  The Paddy’s Day celebrations last into the wee hours, with pubs across town featuring lively, authentically Irish fun, showcasing traditional food, drinks, and dancing. Greenery galore!

  Pro Tip: When you pack your shamrock-studded outfit, pack your camera, too! The Golden Gate City’s vibrantly artistic public spaces offer a stunning backdrop for the festivities.

Of course, St. Paddy’s isn’t just about wearing green; it’s about finding a pot of gold at the end of your travel rainbow and celebrating with a Guinness (or two!) along the way. Which you’ll surely do at one of these spirited cities for St. Patrick’s Day!

Get a headstart on the shamrock shenanigans by shipping your lucky charms (and the rest of your stuff!) to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. No hauling bags, no stress at baggage claim. You’ll stroll through the airport happier than the leprechaun who finally found the pot of gold!

Let the green times roll!