The calendar has officially turned to March which means it’s time to start planning your Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations! From classes and festivals to parades and pub crawls, there are plenty of ways to partake in the festivities happening in Philly and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re Irish, or just Irish at heart, there’s no wrong way to celebrate, so pick out your best green shirt, grab your friends, and may your day be touched by some Irish luck!
BAR CRAWLS
Philadelphia Luck of the Irish Bar Crawl
When: March 11th, 12:00 PM
Where: Howl at the Moon Philadelphia + Various Venues | 258 South 15th Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
Philadelphia are you feeling lucky? Join in on the annual Philadelphia Luck Of The Irish St Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl, when we turn the streets to gold in search of lucky leprechaun and golden good times. The crawl includes free entry into some of the area’s best bars, up to 50% off exclusive drink specials, live music, bands, and DJs, and up to 20% off select food specials. Some of the participating bars include Howl at the Moon, McGlinchy’s Bar, Finn McCool’s Ale House, and Drinkes Pub.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/44nn8y2a
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl Philadelphia and Erin Express
When: March 11th, 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Rec & Royal 111 South 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Don’t be fooled by imitations, this is the Official St. Patrick’s Day Philly Bar Crawl now combined with a 60+ year tradition, The Erin Express! This crawl features 20+ bars, free cover charge, green swag for participants, food specials at select locations, and DJs and entertainment. Participating bars include XFINITY LIVE, Old City Beer Graden, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Paddy Whacks, and Newdeck Tavern.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/3pjv5jfz
Kiss Me, I’m Irish St.Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
When: March 17th: 5:00 PM -2:00 AM & March 18t, 2:00 PM -2:00 AM
Where: Howl at the Moon Philadelphia + Various Venues | 258 South 15th Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
Why limit your St. Patty’s Day party to just one day? The Kiss Me, I’m Irish bar crawl is a two-day event featuring some of the best bars in the city. Check-in begins at Howl at the Moon where participants will be given wristbands that will give them access to any participating bar with no cover charge. Plus the wristband also helps crawlers drink specials all night. Some of the participating bars include Bru Craft & Wurst, Hard Rock Cafe, and Tradesman.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/3jy7hvcc
IRISH PUBS
McGillian’s Old Ale House
When: Month of March
Where: McGillian’s Old Ale House | 1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Check out the oldest continually operating pub in the city for a month-long celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Throughout the month of March, enjoy authentic Irish stout, specialty drinks, and a rotating list of Irish food specials including bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and Irish lamb stew. Throw back one of their St. Patrick’s Day cocktails like an Irish Potato martini, Shamrock hot chocolate, or a peppermint patty shot. The doors open early on St. Patrick’s Day at 10 A.M for green beer and green cheer.
Fado
When: March 17th
Where: Fado | 1500 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Join in on the festivities at one of the city’s favorite Irish pubs, Fado! Doors open early on St. Patrick’s Day with no cover charge until 5:00 PM. Live music starts at 6:00 PM followed by a DJ set from 10:00 – 2:00 AM.
The Plough & The Stars
When: Month of March
Where: The Plough & The Stars | 123 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Plough & Stars has been a staple of Old City since 1997 and offers warm, Irish hospitality all year long. This month check out some of their unique events, delicious Irish food, and of course great beer selection. Every Sunday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM The Plough and The Stars hold a traditional Irish music session. This month, the bar is also hosting an Irish language meet-up on the 5th and 19th at 3:00 PM.
EVENTS
St. Patrick’s Gay!
When: March 17th, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Love City Brewing | 1023 Hamilton Street Philadelphia, PA 19123
Join Balena Canto and Love City Brewing for a queer twist on St. Patty’s Day – St. Paddy’s Gay! Expect a night of all things Irish with beer, food, and entertainment just a little more fabulous. There will be an all-night lineup of entertainment including local queer artists performing Irish music ranging from folk to The Cranberries and everything in between, plus a late-night DJ set. The night also will feature an Irish-themed drag and burlesque show, an Irish potato eating contest, a mini-parade to show off festive looks, raffles, and food provided by VIVA food truck.
Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/mr3ez6cn
RUNS/FUNDRAISERS
St. Patrick’s Day Meetup presented by Run PHILADELPHIA
When: March 18th, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Schuylkill River Trail, Philadelphia, PA
Join the luck of the Irish through one of the most scenic routes in the city this St. Patrick’s Day for the most festive 5K, 10K, or Half-marathon of the year! Put on your green gear and lace up your sneakers for a fun and colorful morning filled with exercise, laughter, and friendly competition. This race is perfect for all experience levels and even for those who just want to get into the holiday spirit! Don’t miss out on the chance to make memories and burn some calories. Register today and be a part of the greenest run of the year!
Registration and more information here: https://tinyurl.com/mwj4mprf
Pints For A Purpose – St. Baldrick’s Head Shaving Event at Fadó
When: March 5th, 2:00 PM
Where: Fado | 1500 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
At the Pints For A Purpose Event at Fado, you can have some fun and be a hero for kids battling cancer. Their head-shaving event benefits the largest charitable funder of childhood cancer research grants. You can sign up to shave your head or to raise money another way.
Registration and donation information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/3eswbydj
PARADES
Friendly Sons & Daughters Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 12th, 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: The Philo (Stotesbury Mansion) | 1923 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Bring your family and friends and march with the Friendly Sons and Daughters in their St. Patrick’s Day parade! After the parade, you can join The Philo, Irish American Business Chamber & Network, Irish Diaspora Center, and Brehon Law Society for a family-friendly parade party! The party will feature live music by Killen and Clark, snacks and refreshments, and a cash bar.
Prior registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/39jvd6zx
Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 12th, 11:00 AM
The St. Patrick’s Day parade is a Philly tradition that dates back to 1771! This year’s theme is “St. Patrick, Let There Be Peace.” The parade is also commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement and will give an opportunity to reflect on the success of the peace process in Ireland. The parade route starts at Penn’s Landing, wraps through Old City, goes past City Hall, and features a staging area from 16th-20th on JFK Blvd.
