You don’t have to be Irish to appreciate a solid St. Patrick’s Day shindig. Sure, according to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people in the US (just under 10% of the population) claim Irish ancestry. And while that’s a massive group, even millions more celebrate Paddy’s Day on (or around) March 17th nationwide.
The bottom line? This cheery holiday is an all-inclusive blast, no matter where you’re from.
How will you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year? (Photo Credit: Aveedibya Dey)
If you’re a beer lover, stew connoisseur, or can’t help tapping along to a good ‘ol Irish jig, here are the best US destinations to maximize your Paddy’s getaway, Irish style. From parades to concerts to pub crawls, these three cities host extra-special events to make your St. Patrick’s Day simply unforgettable.
Witness the River Run Green — Chicago, Illinois
You know a city takes its Irish roots seriously when it dyes the river green. In 1962, festive-feeling plumbers, who used bright green dye to identify leaks in pipes, dumped over 100 pounds of it into the Chicago River turning the water a vivid emerald green for a week.
Since then, Chicago has continued this Paddy’s Day tradition to mark the start of its weeklong celebration. Today, the plumbers’ union runs dyeing operations from boats trolling the waterway, and its environmentally-friendly dye formula keeps the river green for about five hours.
Say hello to Spring. (Photo Credit: @lollastylesuite)
Rest easy at Hotel Monaco Chicago before and after the festivities. (Photo Credit: @reibvn)
Watch dye masters work starting at 10 am on March 16th, from the Chicago Riverwalk or along the bridges between State Street and Columbus Drive. Afterward, don’t miss the 68th Annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade which kicks off at 12:15 pm and ends with rowdy revelry at many of the Irish pubs and taverns in the area.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago & The Kimpton Gray
Get Your Bagpipe and Punk Rock Fix — Boston, Massachusetts
Boston throws a Paddy’s Day party unlike any other city, thanks to a full 20% of residents who claim Irish ancestry. Head to South Boston (aka Southie) and join over a million people for its peppy St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which kicks off at 1 pm on March 17th, and includes a slew of floats, bands, bagpipe performers, acrobatic entertainers, and more.
In Boston, experience a celebratory parade like no other. (Photo Credit: Prescott Horn)
Boston is perhaps the closest you can get to Ireland without leaving the States. (Photo Credit: Barbora Dostalova)
Arrive early so you can beat the crowds for best viewing, and while you’re there, cheer on runners in the famous St. Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race. West 6th Street provides front-row access to watch 1,750 racers zip by in bright green costumes — a tradition since 1940.
After the parade ends, polish off your night with a Dropkick Murphys concert: An epic, upbeat American take on Irish punk-rock music that’ll have you thumping your feet to the beat in no time. Tickets sell out early, so book in advance.
Where to stay: Kimpton Marlowe Hotel
Revel in Irish-Inspired Pub Culture — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If a pub crawl is on your bucket list, St. Patrick’s Day in Philly is the place to do it. While there are several crawling options in the weeks surrounding Paddy’s Day, the Philadelphia Official St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl is the largest, featuring the city’s best venues, DJs, bands, and more.
Join the pub crawl in Philly on St. Patrick’s Day. (Photo Credit: Nikola Jovanovic)
We promise you’ll have a good time. (Photo Credit: @dovi)
And cheers! (While also staying hydrated.) (Photo Credit: Yasin Aribuga)
On March 17th, you can join the crew for food and drink specials, entry to favorite pubs across the city, and you can even win prizes for a costume contest. The crawl starts at Howl at the Moon, a lively joint with dueling pianos — and who knows where you’ll end up? (Pro tips: Bring a buddy, hydrate, and pre-schedule a ride pickup to return to your hotel safe and sound.)
If bar crawling isn’t your thing, hunker down at The Plough & the Stars — a cozy slice of Ireland right in the heart of Philly’s Old City District. It features thoughtfully prepared pub grub, properly poured Guinness, and live music with a low-key ambiance.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia or Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
