How do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? Whether you hail from Irish ancestry or just want to get decked out in green, here are some St. Patrick's Day parades and festivals in New York State to make this holiday the best one yet. Céad míle fáilte to New York!

Originally published: 02/22/2019; Updated: 02/06/2024

Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade (Capital-Saratoga)

Go all out in all green for the Capital's 74th parade on March 16, 2024, when it kicks off at 2 pm from the corner of Quail and Central Avenues and ends at State and Green Streets. But if you want to start celebrations earlier, you're in luck. Events begin with the traditional Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church at 9 am to celebrate the day. Albany; March 16, 2024.

Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Buffalo (Greater Niagara)

Credit: Nancy K Parisi
Credit: Nancy K Parisi

Break out the kilt and head up to the Greater Niagara region to take part in Buffalo's largest celebration of Irish heritage. The Saint Patrick's Day Parade of Irish dancers, bands, civic organizations, and more will begin at 2 pm near the McKinley Monument and make its way north on Delaware Avenue to North Street. Enjoy the spectacle with family and friends as you celebrate Irish culture and the coming of spring. Buffalo; March 17, 2024.

TOPS Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade (Finger Lakes)

Show your Celtic pride as thousands of spectators head downtown for Rochester's 47th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade where you'll enjoy music, dance, and plenty of tasty eats. The parade starts at 12:30pm at East and Alexander and ends at the corner of Fitzhugh Street. Rochester; March 16, 2024.

Saint Patrick's Day Parade (New York City)

NYC St Patrick's Day Parade PHoto by Dominick Totino Photography Courtesy of NYC St. Patrick’s Day
Photograph: Dominick Totino

The NYC St. Patrick's Day parade began in 1762 and is the oldest recorded Saint Patrick's parade in the world! The festival draws an eclectic crowd from around the world to celebrate the Irish for more than 30 blocks along Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, starting at East 44th Street. The 263rd celebration of the NYC parade will be held on March 16th, beginning at 11:00am. New York; March 16, 2024.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Syracuse (Finger Lakes)

Syracuse St Patricks Day Parade - Photo by Jame Cahill

Start your St. Patrick's Day celebration early this year with the Syracuse 42nd annual St. Paddy's Day Parade—the largest per-capita parade in the nation! Partake in celebration of the Irish of Central New York. The theme of this year’s parade will be "Kettle’s On," to celebrate the warm tradition of sharing what they have even if what they have to offer is humble and the hospitality of the Syracuse community. Dress in theme by wearing traditional tartans, woolens, and lace! Syracuse; March 16, 2024, 12pm.

Rockland County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Hudson Valley)

Make your way to Rockland County for the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York State! This annual celebration honors Irish heritage with food, fun, festivities, and a grand parade all taking place on Sunday, March 17 at 1:30pm. Pearl River; March 17, 1:30pm-4pm.

Turn the River Green (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

What do Chicago, Tampa, and Jamestown all have in common? They’re the only cities in the United States that dye their rivers green for St. Patrick’s Day! On March 16 at 10am make your way down to Jamestown’s Chadakoin River for fun activities including a visit from Lucky the Leprechaun, a river walk, and live music, with the river turning a dramatic green at 11am. Jamestown; March 16, 10am-12pm.

Garden of Green: Exquisite Jewelry from the Collection of Van Cleef & Arpels (New York City)

An exhibit with turquoise and light green walls featuring jewels in various shades of greenPhoto courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels

Treat your eyes this St. Patrick’s Day to a dazzling display of green jewels at the American Museum of Natural History’s Garden of Green exhibit. Open now through Sunday, March 17, visitors can take a look at 44 pieces of green gemstone jewelry from apple-green peridot to the deep green of malachite from the collections of renowned French high jewelry Maison Van Cleef & Arpels. This special exhibition is also accompanied by the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, which includes the Patricia Emerald, a 632-carat emerald crystal. Manhattan; now-March 17.

St. Pat’s Ramble (Hudson Valley)

For the 11th year, the village of Montgomery will be hosting its Annual Run for the Gold 5K on March 16th and St. Pat’s Ramble Parade the following weekend on March 23rd at 12:00pm. The race begins at 10:00am and all ticket proceeds support causes throughout the Montgomery community. At St. Pat’s Ramble, there is plenty of fun for all ages!  Montgomery; Run for Gold 5K, March 16, 2024; Ramble Parade, March 23, 2024.

Irish Festival (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

Go green this St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Watertown! Partake in festive, family-friendly fun, good food, entertainment, and celebration of all things Irish. Festival highlights include cornhole tournaments, comedy night, Miss Ireland pageant, shamrock run, all culminating with a parade on March 17th at 1:00pm. Proceeds from the festival will be donated to a Scholarship Program. Watertown; March 15 – March 17, 2024.

Sound Shore St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Hudson Valley)

Join the town of Mamaroneck in celebrating their 12th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The route will run down Mamaroneck Avenue and kicks off at 1:30 pm. Don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets or donate to the parade—all proceeds go toward college scholarships that the parade offers to local students. Mamaroneck; March 24, 2024.

Huntington St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Long Island)

Watch as Long Island’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade marches down Huntington’s New York Ave. to Main Street for its 90th annual celebration. Join the town on March 10 at 2pm, listen to the music of dozens of talented pipe bands, and revel in all things Irish heritage. Looking for even more ways to celebrate? On March 24 at 12pm, head to the easternmost point of Long Island for the Montauk St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Huntington; March 10, 2pm. Montauk; March 24, 12pm.

Old Forge St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Adirondacks)

Don’t miss the most spectacular St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the Adirondacks in Old Forge. Watch as dazzling floats and talented local groups parade down Main Street on Friday, March 15 at 5pm. Old Forge; March 15, 5pm.

Peek’n Peak St. Patrick’s Day Spring Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all weekend long at Peek ’n Peak Resort from March 15-17. Enjoy live music and great food at the Sports Bar and Bistro 210, dance your heart out at the Retreat Deck Party with a live DJ, watch the iconic Cardboard Box Derby and Pond Skim, and more! Clymer; March 15-17. 

Northern Westchester-Putnam St. Patrick's Day Parade (Hudson Valley)

On Sunday, March 10, celebrate Irish heritage at the third largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the state! Join more than 30,000 attendees for the 47th annual parade as lively marching bands, dance groups, and various organizations throughout the state make their way down Mahopac's Route 6. Mahopac; March 10, 2pm.


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