St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest party days of the year, with cities across the U.S. turning green for the occasion. While places like New York City, Boston, and Chicago are famous for their massive celebrations, they’re far from the only places that go all out for St. Paddy’s. In fact, some of the most spirited—and surprising—celebrations happen in cities you might not expect. If you’re looking to switch things up this year, these unexpected destinations bring their own unique flair to the holiday!
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is one of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day outside of major cities like New York or Boston — and for good reason. The city has been honoring the holiday since 1824, making it home to one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States. Each year, the festivities draw nearly half a million visitors, transforming Savannah into a sea of green.
The highlight of the celebration is the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the largest in the country, featuring elaborate floats, Irish dancers, marching bands, and even military units. The parade kicks off in the historic district and winds its way past iconic landmarks like Chippewa Square and Forsyth Park, where the fountain is dyed green in honor of the holiday.
Beyond the parade, River Street and City Market become the heart of the party, with live music, beer gardens, and outdoor festivities lasting well into the night. For an extra dose of fun, check out the Shamrock Run 5K, the lively St. Patrick’s Day Festival, or hop on a Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl to experience the city’s famous nightlife.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis may not be the first city that comes to mind for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but it has one of the biggest and most spirited in the Midwest. Each year, the city hosts two major parades, drawing thousands of revelers to different parts of town. The main event is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown St. Louis, which takes place on the Saturday before or on March 17. The parade features hundreds of elaborate floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers, making its way through the streets of the city’s historic core. The festivities continue at the lively Irish Village, where attendees can enjoy traditional Irish food, drinks, and live music.
Or you can head to the Ancient Order of Hibernians Parade in the Dogtown neighborhood, an authentic Irish-American celebration held on St. Patrick’s Day itself. This neighborhood parade has a more local feel, with strong ties to the city’s Irish heritage. Bars and restaurants in Dogtown overflow with festive crowds, and live bands keep the party going well into the night.
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Yes, this is the Scranton from The Office, but beyond its pop culture fame, this Pennsylvania city is home to one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on the East Coast. Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a massive event, regularly drawing over 100,000 spectators — a surprising turnout for a city of its size. Taking place on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, the parade features over 12,000 participants, including marching bands, bagpipers, Irish dancers, and dazzling floats. The event has been a city tradition since 1962 and has grown into one of the country’s top St. Patrick’s Day parades.
The celebration doesn’t stop there. Bars and pubs throughout downtown Scranton, like Backyard Ale House and The Bog, overflow with revelers enjoying Irish beer, live music, and traditional food. The night before the parade, the city hosts the Brian P. Kelly Memorial Race, a two-mile run that kicks off a full weekend of festivities.
Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi, might not be the first place that comes to mind for St. Patrick’s Day, but its celebration is one of the most idiosyncratic in the country. What started in 1983 as a quirky gathering outside Hal & Mal’s, a popular local restaurant and bar, has grown into a massive annual event drawing at least 75,000 people. When local restaurant owner Malcolm White and a group of friends organized the festivities, they took inspiration from Mississippi-born playwright Tennessee Williams. Revelers dressed as characters from Williams’ famous plays, bringing a theatrical element to the celebration. Over the years, the parade has evolved, but its spirit of creativity and eccentricity remains.
The highlight is the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival, an over-the-top celebration blending Irish tradition with Southern flair. The parade is known for its playful floats, costumed revelers, and a colorful atmosphere that feels like a mix of Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day. Each year, the event chooses a fun parade theme, and past Grand Marshals have included celebrities, local figures, and even eccentric characters.
Beyond the parade, the festivities include a pet parade, a children’s costume contest, live music, and food vendors offering Southern and Irish-inspired dishes. The event also supports a good cause, raising money for the Children’s Hospital of Mississippi.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina brings a coastal twist to St. Patrick’s Day with a vibrant celebration set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Each year, the city hosts the Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, drawing locals and visitors alike for a day of Irish-themed fun.
The parade kicks off in historic downtown Wilmington, making its way through the streets with lively marching bands, Irish dancers, and colorful floats. After the parade, the celebration continues at Riverfront Park, where the festival features food vendors, family-friendly activities, and live performances. One of the highlights is the traditional Irish music and dancing, with members of the Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dancing putting on crowd-pleasing performances.
For those looking to raise a glass to the occasion, Wilmington’s local bars and breweries join in the festivities, offering Irish beer specials and themed events. The city’s popular Riverwalk, lined with restaurants and pubs, becomes a gathering spot for revelers enjoying the St. Patrick’s Day spirit well into the evening. Adding to the feel-good atmosphere, Wilmington’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations also support local charities, including organizations like Nourish NC, which helps fight food insecurity among children in the area.
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New London, Wisconsin
New London, Wisconsin, might be a small town, but when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, it transforms into “New Dublin” for a week-long Irish celebration unlike any other in the state. The festivities, organized by the local Shamrock Club, bring a unique mix of tradition, community spirit, and fun. The celebration kicks off when a group of mischievous “leprechauns” from the Shamrock Club sneak around town changing road signs to read “New Dublin.” Throughout the week, local pubs feature live Irish music, and restaurants serve classic dishes like corned beef and cabbage.
The grand finale is the New Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest in Wisconsin, featuring marching bands, bagpipe players, colorful floats, and performers. A post-parade Irish Fest keeps the party going with live music, Irish dance performances, and plenty of Guinness and green beer. What makes New London’s celebration so special is its deep Irish roots. Many Irish immigrants settled in the area in the 1800s, and the town continues to honor that heritage each year with one of the most authentic and enthusiastic St. Patrick’s Day parties in the Midwest.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio may not seem like a traditional St. Patrick’s Day destination, but the city embraces the holiday with a distinctive Texas twist — by dyeing the San Antonio River green! While Chicago is famous for turning its river emerald for the occasion, San Antonio’s version lasts longer, with the slow-moving waters staying green for up to three days. The celebration centers around the St. Patrick’s Day River Parade, where decorated barges float down the iconic San Antonio River Walk, featuring Irish-themed performers, live music, and costumed characters. Spectators can enjoy the parade from the many restaurants and bars lining the 2.5-mile-long River Walk, one of Texas’ most visited attractions.
In addition to the parade, the city hosts a festival with live music, Irish dancing, and a family-friendly Lucky Dog Parade and Costume Contest. For those looking to join in the fun, the Howl at the Moon Street Fest & Silent Disco keeps the party going late into the night, while local bars and pubs serve up Irish beer and themed cocktails.
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Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta may be known for its Southern charm, but when St. Patrick’s Day arrives, the city turns into a lively hub of Irish-themed festivities. Home to one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the U.S., Atlanta has been celebrating the holiday since 1858, and today, the event draws thousands of spectators to Midtown.
The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade is a highlight of the city’s celebration, featuring over 2,000 participants, including bagpipe and drum corps, Irish dancers, marching bands, and even a five-story-tall St. Patrick’s balloon. Along with the world’s largest Irish flag, the sights and sounds of the parade make for an unforgettable spectacle.
Beyond the parade, Atlanta offers plenty of ways to keep the celebration going. The St. Patrick’s Parade 5K brings runners out in green gear, while the Midtown Green Mile Block Party and the St. Patrick’s Day Block Party in Buckhead turn the city’s nightlife spots into all-day celebrations with Irish beer, music, and dancing. Colony Square’s “Luck of the Square” event also offers family-friendly entertainment, including live performances and outdoor games.
FAQs:
Q: When is the best time to arrive for St. Patrick’s Day events in these cities?
A: Many parades and festivals take place the weekend before or on March 17. Arriving a day early ensures you get a good spot for popular events and avoid last-minute travel issues.
Q: Are St. Patrick’s Day events in these cities family-friendly?
A: Most parades and festivals, especially in cities like Savannah, Wilmington, and Scranton, are family-friendly. Some after-parties and bar crawls cater more to adults, so check event details before attending with kids.
Q: Do I need tickets for St. Patrick’s Day parades or festivals?
A: Most parades are free to attend. Some official festivals, concerts, or VIP viewing areas may require tickets, so it’s best to check each city’s event website ahead of time.
Q: What should I wear to a St. Patrick’s Day celebration?
A: Green is a must! Many attendees also wear fun accessories like shamrock hats, Irish flags, and festive beads. If attending outdoor events, check the weather and dress accordingly.
Q: How crowded do these events get?
A: Bigger celebrations like those in Savannah and St. Louis draw large crowds, so expect packed streets. If you want a more laid-back experience, smaller cities like New London or Hot Springs might be a better fit.
Q: Is public transportation available during St. Patrick’s Day events?
A: Many cities increase public transit service, but expect delays and crowding. In places like Savannah and Atlanta, rideshare services and walking are often the best options due to road closures.
Q: Can I bring my own alcohol to outdoor St. Patrick’s Day events?
A: Rules vary by city. Some allow open containers in designated areas, like Savannah’s historic district, while others strictly enforce public drinking laws. Always check local regulations before heading out.
Did we leave out your favorite St. Patrick’s Day destination? Tell us about it in the comments below!