There comes a time every March when the world collectively decides that green is their color. St. Patrick's Day is a curious holiday. It began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland but has since morphed into a global celebration of Irish culture, both authentic and imagined. It is a day of parades, fiddles, and an astonishing amount of green-dyed beer. In the United States, where nearly 30 million people claim Irish ancestry, the celebrations are taken to a whole new level.

While many towns will host a small parade and a few pubs will serve corned beef and cabbage, some cities have turned St. Patrick's Day into a massive, multi-day festival. These are places where Irish heritage runs deep, where the parade routes are measured in miles, and where the entire city seems to shut down to partake in the "craic" (a Gaelic word for fun and entertainment). It is an immersive experience that goes beyond just wearing a "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" t-shirt.

If you are looking to graduate from your local pub crawl to a full-blown St. Paddy's Day pilgrimage, you are in luck. We have rounded up five of the best places in the USA where the shamrocks are bigger, the music is louder, and the celebrations are legendary.

The Green River Of Chicago Illinois

When it comes to grand St. Patrick's Day gestures, it is hard to top Chicago. Every year, on the Saturday before the holiday, the city performs a bit of modern-day magic by dyeing the Chicago River a brilliant, almost supernatural shade of emerald green. It is a tradition that dates back to 1962 and has become one of the most iconic images of St. Patrick's Day in America. Crowds line the bridges and riverbanks to watch as boats dispense a secret, eco-friendly orange powder that turns the water a vibrant green right before their eyes.

The river dyeing is just the kickoff for a day of massive celebration. Shortly after the river turns green, the downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade begins. It is a huge affair, featuring a sea of bagpipers, Irish dancers, elaborate floats, and local politicians eager for some Irish cheer. The sound of drums and pipes echoes between the skyscrapers as the procession makes its way up Columbus Drive through Grant Park.

The festivities are not confined to downtown. Chicago’s large Irish-American population means that neighborhood celebrations are just as lively. The South Side Irish Parade, held on a separate day, is another massive community event with a more family-focused feel. Whether you are watching the river, marching in a parade, or settling into a cozy pub in an Irish neighborhood like Beverly, Chicago offers a St. Patrick's Day experience that is both spectacular and deeply rooted in the city's heritage.

The Historic Charm Of Savannah Georgia

You might not associate the Deep South with St. Patrick's Day, but Savannah, Georgia, hosts one of the largest and oldest celebrations in the country. This city, with its Gothic architecture and Spanish moss-draped oaks, transforms into a massive green party for several days around March 17th. The tradition dates back to 1824, and the modern event draws hundreds of thousands of people to the city's historic squares.

The centerpiece is the St. Patrick's Day Parade, a three-hour-long spectacle that winds its way through the heart of the historic district. What makes Savannah's parade unique is its distinctly Southern charm. You will see the expected bagpipers and Irish dancers, but you will also see families who have been setting up picnics in the same spot in the squares for generations. The city’s open-container policy means the parade route becomes one giant, friendly street party.

Here are a few things that make Savannah's celebration special:

  • The "Greening of the Fountain": In a ceremony in Forsyth Park, the city's famous fountain is dyed green a week before the parade, officially kicking off the festivities.
  • Tara Feis: A free, family-friendly Irish festival held the weekend before the parade, featuring live music, crafts, and cultural performances.
  • The Party Atmosphere: The entire Historic District becomes a festival zone, with live music stages and food vendors set up on River Street.
  • Southern Hospitality: Despite the massive crowds, the event maintains a friendly, welcoming vibe that is quintessentially Savannah.

The Authentic Heritage Of Boston Massachusetts

As one of the most Irish cities in America, it is no surprise that Boston goes all out for St. Patrick's Day. The connection here is deep and genuine; the holiday is not just a party but a celebration of the city's very identity. In fact, Suffolk County (which includes Boston) officially recognizes March 17th as Evacuation Day, commemorating the day the British troops evacuated Boston in 1776, a feat aided by Irish-American General Henry Knox.

The main event is the South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is one of the oldest in the country. "Southie," the city's traditionally Irish-American stronghold, becomes the epicenter of the celebration. The parade is a proud display of Irish heritage, featuring a massive contingent of pipe bands, military units, and local community groups. It is a long, loud, and proud procession that draws over a million spectators.

Beyond the parade, Boston offers a wealth of Irish culture. You can follow the Irish Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour that takes you to 20 different sites significant to the city's Irish history. The city's numerous Irish pubs, from the historic Doyle's Cafe (now sadly closed but with hopes of reopening) to the lively pubs around Faneuil Hall, are packed with patrons enjoying live traditional music sessions, known as "trad sessions." For a more high-energy musical experience, Boston's own Celtic punk rock band, the Dropkick Murphys, traditionally holds a series of sold-out concerts in the city around the holiday.

The Big Easy Twist Of New Orleans Louisiana

New Orleans has a knack for turning any holiday into a unique and unforgettable party, and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. The city's Irish heritage is often overshadowed by its French and Spanish influences, but the Irish have been a significant part of the city's history since the 19th century, particularly in the neighborhood known as the Irish Channel.

New Orleans doesn’t just have one parade; it has a series of them, each with its own quirky traditions. The main event in the Irish Channel is famous not for beads but for vegetables. As the floats and marching clubs pass by, they toss the ingredients for a traditional Irish stew to the crowds, cabbages, carrots, potatoes, and onions fly through the air. It is a bizarre and wonderfully messy spectacle.

The festivities in the French Quarter take on a different character, blending Irish traditions with Big Easy flair. The parade here is a walking affair that makes frequent stops at the many bars along its route. Instead of tossing cabbages, marchers are known for handing out paper flowers in exchange for a kiss. It feels like a miniature Mardi Gras, complete with vibrant costumes, loud music, and an infectious party spirit that spills out from the bars and onto the cobblestone streets.

The Shortest Parade In Hot Springs Arkansas

For a St. Patrick's Day celebration that is less about scale and more about pure absurdity, look no further than Hot Springs, Arkansas. This city proudly hosts the "First Ever 11th Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade." The name might be a mouthful, but the parade route is not. It takes place on the 98-foot-long Bridge Street, which Ripley's Believe It or Not! has officially declared the shortest street in the world in regular daily use.

What this parade lacks in length, it makes up for in personality. It is a condensed, chaotic, and hilarious event that attracts an eclectic mix of participants and celebrities. You will see everything from a troupe of "Irish" Elvis impersonators to the "World's Largest Leprechaun." The parade has featured celebrity grand marshals like Kevin Bacon, Joey Fatone, and Ralph Macchio, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

The event is a tongue-in-cheek celebration that doesn't take itself too seriously. The entire affair is over in about an hour, but the party continues long into the night with free concerts and block parties. It is the perfect destination for someone who loves the spirit of St. Patrick's Day but prefers a heavy dose of humor and weirdness with their green beer. It proves that you do not need a long route to have a good time.