St. Patrick’s Day is one of New York City’s favorite holidays, and the entire city gets in on it, from the wee ones to the big ones. It can be overwhelming to take in the full list of St. Paddy’s Day events in New York, so we’ve rounded up our favorites, depending on what you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking to party, have the kids in tow or want to get a dose of Irish history, there’s something here for everyone.
For Families
Sober St. Patrick’s Day (http://www.soberstpatricksday.org/)
Saturday, March 16
Sober St. Patrick’s Day is a family-friendly event for New Yorkers on Parade Day that aims to provide a great time in a safe, sober environment, to “reclaim the spirit of the day” and honor Irish heritage. The event includes a light supper, snacks, dessert and soft drinks as well as first-class Irish entertainment, from singers to button accordion champions to champion fiddlers and world-class step dancers.
New York Public Library Jiggy Tots (https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2019/03/14/jiggy-tots)
Various dates in March
This free series of events hosted by the New York Public Library is perfect for little ones. Upbeat traditional Irish music and songs are combined with popular toddler songs in this interactive session that will have your kids clapping, stamping and shaking shakers.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan Green Takeover (http://cmom.org/event/green-takeover/)
Sunday, March 17
CMOM is hosting a variety of kid-friendly Irish events on St. Paddy’s Day. Use the color green to make art throughout the day, create a green leprechaun hat or finger paint on a green mural wall.
For Culture & History Buffs
Annual St. Patrick’s Open Day (https://irishartscenter.org/event/annual-st-patricks-open-day-2019)
Sunday, March 10
A true celebration of Irish heritage, visitors of all ages can enjoy this free event, including face paint, arts and crafts, Celtic language learning or trying a traditional Irish instrument. Or, simply grab a seat and check out the day’s live music and dance.
https://hiddennewyorktours.com/tours/#irishmob
Irish Hunger Memorial (https://bpcparks.org/whats-here/parks/irish-hunger-memorial/)
Open Daily, Self-Guided Tour Available
Download the app on your phone for a self-guided tour of this Memorial, which represents an Irish landscape with an abandoned stone cottage, stone walls, fallow potato fields and the flora on the north Connacht wetlands. It is both a metaphor for the Great Irish Famine and a reminder that hunger today is often the result of lack of access to land.
Big Onion Irish New York Tours (https://www.bigonion.com/tour/irish-new-york/)
Offered Year-Round
Explore the Lower East Side, the neighborhood formerly known as “Little Ireland” in this walking tour. In the 19th century, during the wave of Irish immigrants, more Irish residents lived there than in Dublin! Guides will stop at a variety of historic sites as they talk about the challenges, victories and opportunities of “Little Ireland.”
For Partiers
St. Paddy’s Pub Crawls (https://pubcrawls.com/events/saint-paddys/new-york-city#)
Friday March 15, Saturday March 16 and Sunday March 17
Pick your poison with a Happy Hour Pub Crawl, Luck of the Irish Crawl or Shamrock Stroll. Frolic through more than 50 bars with special deals, a festive atmosphere and more.
Get a Drink by the Parade (https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/where-to-drink-near-the-st-patricks-day-parade?package_page=35809)
Saturday, March 16
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on March 16 this year, and Time Out New York has a list of the best places to grab a drink nearby. Get in the spirit at aptly named pubs like Finnegan’s Wake or McFadden’s and finish up at–where else?–The Irish Exit.
Sail NYC St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Cruise (https://www.sail-nyc.com/nyc-st-patricks-day-brunch-cruise/)
Sunday, March 17
Set sail on the Manhattan II for a 2.75 hour brunch cruise featuring authentic Irish music, a four-course, Irish-themed brunch buffet, a complimentary drink and Irish-themed cocktails for sale. Fully circumnavigate the island of Manhattan to start your St. Paddy’s Day right.
St. Patrick’s Day Bingo Loco (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bingo-loco-st-patricks-day-tickets-56506267768)
Sunday, March 17
Bingo Loco bills itself as Ireland’s “Maddest Bingo Party.” With foul-mouthed hosts, DJs, insane games, classic party anthems, dance offs, confetti/Co2 cannons and crazy prizes like lawnmowers, convertible cars and international trips, this is quite literally not your grandmother’s bingo game.
For Everyone
The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 16
The St. Paddy’s Day Parade is a can’t-miss for New York’s celebration. View it from 11 am to 5 pm, along 5th Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street. The parade features entertainment from marching bands to traditional Irish music, bagpipers and dancers. There are 250,000 marchers each year.
Foodie Bonus!
Interested in grabbing some Irish grub while you’re out? Try one of Time Out New York’s Best Irish Restaurants (https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/best-irish-restaurants-in-nyc) for the tastiest eats.
If you’re planning to travel to New York on St. Patrick’s Day, Go Airlink provides an affordable NYC airport shuttle service. Check out our LGA airport shuttle, van service to JFK and more.