By Soren Rivero
Are you looking for the best place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Well, you're in luck – throw on your favorite green socks and shamrocks, because this guide will show you the best cities in the U.S. to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! As the Irish say, sláinte!
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has been named the best city in the U.S. to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day time and time again, so it's no surprise that it remains the best in 2022.
Unlike many other cities, Chicago hosts not just one, but TWO amazing St. Patty’s Day parades! They go in opposite directions, so regardless of where you are, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of at least one. The most famous one heads towards downtown, which is where you’ll experience the real party-essence directly in the heart of Chicago. The other rests in Southside, where it’s still fun, but more relaxed and about sharing space with community.
What makes Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration so special is the annual tradition of dying the Chicago River a bright, almost psychedelic-looking emerald green. If you want to catch it, wake up early and head to the city in the morning when the sun is shining brightest!
Washington, D.C.
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than by heading to the vibrant U.S. capital?
A parade marches through the D.C. streets with dozens of multi-colored floats, marching bands, and people dressed in traditional Irish attire playing bagpipes. The parade actually happens on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day. So if you can’t attend any other event on the day of, head over to Washington, D.C. to get in on the fun!
Because of D.C’s notorious bar scene, a Bar Crawl event is being held on the 17th over at Sudhouse D.C. If you want to meet new people or really enjoy yourself on a last minute St. Patrick’s Day celebration idea, this is the place for you! Otherwise, try out some of the local bars and pubs with St. Patrick’s day themes to dance the night away!
Denver, Colorado
Did you know that Colorado’s largest parade celebration is the St. Patrick’s Day float parade?
Filled with fun, excitement, and more than enough beer to go around, this parade brings out both locals and tourists who want to have a great time. What makes this parade so special is the mix of Western and Irish culture through the use of horse-drawn carriages and rock-style stage performances! A handful of Irish-style pubs can also be found along the streets where the parade marches through, just be sure to arrive early for the best seat!
San Francisco, California
In 1849, thousands of people journeyed to San Francisco with the promise of gold at the end. While the attempt wasn't necessarily successful, it did result in a massive cultural influx that forever changed this city.
One such cultural influx was that of the immigrants from Ireland, who brought the traditions of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day to California. The holiday has now been rampant throughout the city for over 160 years. Much like other cities, parades with colorful floats accompanied by dancers and bands flood the streets starting from the corner of Second and Market and ending at City Hall. One of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in California is to attend a live poetry reading or music event hosted at a pub near the parade!
New York City, New York
New York City… the city that never sleeps, and also the city that never ceases to amaze the world with its ability to draw in millions of people for its epic parades.
NYC boasts a massive party held on St. Patrick’s Day that draws an estimated 1.5 million people each year. You’ll see decorations lining the streets and stores around Manhattan, where if you look hard enough, there might be a pot of gold for you to get your hands on! The real magic of this event takes place around St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown. Throughout the entire city (especially near Fifth Avenue and 79th Street), you’ll spot some happy party people dressed in all green attire with a pint (or two) of beer.
New Orleans, Louisiana
If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you won’t be shocked to hear that this bustling city knows how to host a fun party. Home to some of the most iconic nightlife activities in the Southern U.S., this exciting city is a must-visit destination for the best St. Patrick’s Day parties!
Even better, the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day lasts an entire week in New Orleans. You’ll see multiple parades marching through the streets, hosted by various communities. On St. Patrick’s Day , the magic of the scene amplifies nearly tenfold in a massive party held in the heart of the city’s French Quarter. What makes this all the better is the enchanting feeling of Mardi Gras still lingering in the air. This makes for nearly an entire month of partying and celebration!
