How do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? Whether you hail from Irish ancestry or just want to deck out in green, here are the St. Paddy's Day parades and festivals to make this holiday the best one yet. Céad míle fáilte to New York State!
Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade
Go out out in all green for the Capital's 68th parade when it kicks off at 2pm and moves east along Washington Ave toward City Hall and Pearl Street. But if you want to start celebrations earlier, you're in luck. Head downtown to Academy Park where the family festival is in full swing with music, step-dancers and vendors to celebrate the day. Albany; March 17
Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Buffalo
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 near City Hall and make its way down Delaware Avenue to North Street. Enjoy the spectacle with family and friends as you celebrate Irish culture and the coming of spring. Buffalo; March 18
Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade
Show your Celtic pride as thousands of spectators head downtown for Rochester's 41st annual St. Paddy's Parade where you'll enjoy music, dance and plenty of tasty eats. But if you're looking for a new way to celebrate with the kids, visit the Celtic Family Faire at the Radisson Hotel where Irish dancers, a petting zoo, build-a-bear stand, magician and craft stations are in full swing. This family event is alcohol-free and admission donations go to CURE Childhood Cancer foundation. Rochester; March 7
Saint Patrick's Day Parade in NYC
Photograph: Dominick Totino
Drawing an eclectic crowd from around the world to celebrate the Irish for 30 blocks along Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, this is an event you shouldn't miss. The parade began in 1762 and is the oldest Saint Patrick's procession in the country--and one of the oldest parades in the world! While you're in town, be sure to check out Saint Patrick's Cathedral, one of New York's most stunning landmarks, which hosts public tours most days. Dress in your best green garb and join in the festivities, which includes bands, cultural pride organizations, dancers and more. New York; March 17
Hilltop Inn Corned Beef & Cabbage
Not only is this historic inn serving up hearty corned beef and cabbage (crowds line up so make a reservation), but your meal also comes with a heaping side of live music and Irish dance. Visit this beautiful landmark for festive food plus performances from Irish Balladeer Pat Kane and Ring of Chiarraighe Dancers, it's a beloved annual event you won't want to miss. Elmira; March 17
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Syracuse
Start your St. Patrick's Day celebration early this year with the Syracuse 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 "the fabric of our culture: the fabric of our society." Dress in theme by wearing traditional tartans, woolens and lace! Syracuse; March 17
Sham "Rock" the Block
The weekend after Saint Patrick's Day marks the Annual Sham "Rock" the Block in Lake George, where you can celebrate Celtic culture the Adirondacks' way. Sample Irish food and drink, take in a variety of music and dance performances, and enjoy a parade on Sunday afternoon. Be sure to try the special Shamrock Sangria courtesy of Adirondack Winery, which will host tastings all weekend. Lake George; March 17 - 18
Irish American Heritage Museum
The Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday. Explore the contributions of the Irish people to the Americas and learn about the history of the Emerald Isle. Peruse rare artifacts and records, as well as the current exhibit, "Dublin Town: The Photography of Dominique Beyens." Albany; open year-round
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