Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations 2018
St. Patty’s day is no longer just for the Irish, it’s become a day for everyone to congregate in Kelly green with their friends, family and strangers alike to celebrate Irish culture, with parades, dancing, food and of course a glass of beer (green if you’re lucky). Cities across the globe have developed their own rich traditions to observe March 17th, from large scale parades, fundraisers to turning the city’s river green. Vinnie Van GO would like to share some of the best can’t miss destinations across the globe to help you celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
Chicago
The dyeing of the river has been a tradition for many generations and attracts thousands of dressed in green to see the action live. And by thousands, we mean 400,000 of your closest Irish loving friends! Sadly the coloring only lasts for about five hours, so be sure to get there right when it happens! This parade is packed with all things Irish – colorful floats waving green/white/orange flags, troops of Irish step dancers, booming marching bands and bagpipers, and, of course, anything green! It happens rain or shine and lasts for about three hours.
Indianapolis
The St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is made up of official St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Indianapolis & Block Party, a Run & Walk and the Greening of the downtown canal. This is the largest fundraiser of the year. This family event will take place in downtown Indianapolis over three days in March in 2018
London
See the spectacular parade, catch free performances in Trafalgar Square, and enjoy Irish food and Guinness, as you celebrate St Paddy’s Day in London.
Be amazed by flamboyant pageantry, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the UK, sports clubs and Irish dancing schools in the annual London St Patrick’s Day Parade. The procession makes its way down Piccadilly from 12pm, on a 1.5-mile (2.4km) route, passing some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including The Ritz, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square and onto Whitehall. Watch St Patrick’s Day performances by well-known Irish acts, rising stars and special guests in Trafalgar Square. Then tuck into traditional and modern Irish food from the market, browse craft stalls, and enjoy special family activities for free.
New York City
Whether you hail from the Emerald Isle is of no consequence—on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone can lay claim to being at least a little bit Irish (even the City’s bagels and beer, which go green for the occasion). The parade itself lays claim to being the oldest (it was first held in 1762) and largest of its kind in the world. So clad yourself in Kelly green and watch bagpipers, marching bands and assorted revelers from near and far as they march up Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street. The parade starts at 11am and typically ends by 5pm.
Hawaii
If you’re looking for the ultimate family-friendly find, why not check out the Waikiki St. Patrick’s Day Parade? Beginning at Fort DeRussy, the festivities will trace a route through Waikiki, down Kalākaua, finishing at Kapiʻolani Park. Parade begins on Kalakaua Avenue fronting Fort DeRussy and ends at Kapiolani Park, noon-1:30 p.m.; party is at Kelley O’Neils, 4:30 p.m., free. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the last parade on the planet each year, then enjoy lots of beer, Irish food and live entertainment.
Boston
St Patrick’s Day events in Boston include the huge St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston takes center stage on the Sunday closest to March 17th, attracting up to one million spectators.
You’ll enjoy the colorful floats, Irish and American pipe and drum bands, and enthusiastic crowds. – but that’s only the beginning of fun things to do. Join the Dropkick Murphy’s rollicking annual House of Blues concerts, or visit our famous Irish pubs. Or explore Boston’s Irish heritage along the Irish Heritage Trail, or check out the Irish Film Festival. You’ll quickly see why Boston is considered to be the most Irish of any American city! Best of all, you’ll also get to experience a bit of “real” Boston culture.
Las Vegas
Fremont Street Experience is the epicenter of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in downtown Las Vegas. The venue has become a major tourist attraction for downtown Las Vegas and this year’s St Pat’s celebration will be the venue for four days of FREE Live Music, March 16-19, 2017. Festivities will include authentic Irish entertainment, live tribute bands and lots of bars offering drink specials on St Patrick’s Day. Don’t miss the Firefighters Parade and challenge
San Francisco
The 167th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Francisco is a well established event with historic ties to the city. The parade itself is a huge draw for attendees from all different demographics and ethnicity. The Festival at City Hall provides a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about Irish history and culture while having fun at the event. A full day of activity is planned for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Civic Center Plaza and on Grove Street, from Polk to Larkin Streets.
The event takes place Saturday, March 17th, 2018 at the Civic Center Plaza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Plaza and the parade starts at 11:30 a.m.
Toronto
This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, March 11th, and will march its traditional route from Bloor and St George, winding its way down Yonge Street and finishing before the review stand on Queen Street at Nathan Phillips Square. With over 4,000 participants in the parade, there is color and flavor representing the city’s distinct and diverse community. This is clearly on show with the number of participants who represent many communities of the city.
New Orleans
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans at the annual Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The parade will start on Napoleon Ave and Tchoupitoulas and continue onto Magazine Street and conclude on Jackson Ave. This historic parade begins with a pre-parade mass followed by the parade featuring hundreds of men donned in tuxedos. The parade supports fundraisers such as Special Olympics; the Chrones Benefit Golf Tournament for Chrones Research; The Chefs’ Charity of St. Michaels.
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