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!
Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade (Capital-Saratoga)
Go all out in all green for the Capital's 69th parade when it kicks off at 2 pm 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 to the Blessed Sacrament School auditorium where the festivities are in full swing with Irish music, breads, and coffee/tea to celebrate the day. Albany; March 16, 2019
Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Buffalo (Greater Niagara)
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 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 17, 2019
Rockland County St. Patrick's Day Parade (Hudson Valley)
Say Erin go Bragh in Pearl River, a hamlet with a strong Irish community (Rockland GAA, a club for Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie is one town away in Orangeburg!). The Rockland County Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York. Take in an optional 9 a.m. Mass at Dominican Convent and breakfast at Pearl River Hilton (reservations required). The parade runs from North Middletown Road, through town, and culminates at the Pearl River Post Office. Performers include the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipes and Drums. Pearl River; March 17, 2019
TOPS Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade (Finger Lakes)
Show your Celtic pride as thousands of spectators head downtown for Rochester's 42nd 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 Rochester Riverside 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 IAC Kids. Rochester; March 16, 2019
Saint Patrick's Day Parade (NYC)
Photograph: Dominick Totino
Drawing an eclectic crowd from around the world to celebrate the Irish for more than 30 blocks along Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, this is an event you shouldn't miss. The parade began in 1762 and is the oldest recorded Saint Patrick's parade 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 on the festivities, which include bands, cultural pride organizations, dancers, and more. New York; March 16, 2019
Hill Top Inn Corned Beef & Cabbage (Finger Lakes)
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 Irish Dancers. It's a beloved annual event you won't want to miss. Elmira; March 17, 2019
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Syracuse (Finger Lakes)
Start your St. Patrick's Day celebration early this year with the Syracuse 37th 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 "Syracuse. Irish. Family," to represent the Irish community’s pride in family, their heritage, and Syracuse. This also relates to the Irish Claddagh ring’s ideals of love, loyalty, and friendship. Dress in theme by wearing traditional tartans, woolens, and lace! Syracuse; March 16, 2019
Sham "Rock" the Block (Adirondacks)
The weekend of Saint Patrick's Day marks the Annual Sham "Rock" the Block in Lake George, where you can celebrate Celtic culture the Adirondack 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 16–17, 2019
St. Patrick's Weekend at the Peak (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
For a jam-packed weekend full of St. Patty’s Day-themed events for all ages, head over to Peek ’n Peak Resort and book a room for the weekend so you don’t miss all the excitement. If you wear all green, you get 10% off all appetizers across the resort! Other activities include both adult and kid scavenger hunts, Green Beer specials, live music performances, leprechaun appearances, and so much more. Make sure to pack all the green garb you own and enjoy this weekend your family will be sure to remember for holidays to come. Clymer; March 15–17, 2019
St. Pat’s Ramble (Hudson Valley)
For the 7th year, the town of Montgomery will be hosting its Annual Run for the Gold 5K prior to the St. Pat’s Ramble Parade. The race begins at 10:00 am and all ticket proceeds support the Valley Central Youth Sports. Don’t forget to bring your young children as well—starting just before the 5K is the Chase the Rainbow Dash, a ¼ run for kids 8 years and under. At St. Pat’s Ramble, there is plenty of fun for all ages! Montgomery; March 23, 2019
Turn the River Green for St. Patrick’s Day (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Credit: The Post-Journal
What more festive way to spend St. Patrick’s Day than by watching a Leprechaun magically turn a river green? Join the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce at 11 am along the Riverwalk as they kick off the holiday weekend by turning the Chadakoin River, well, green! Local businesses will be participating in the fun so make sure you look out for “Leprechaun Crossing” signs to spot them. Elegant Edibles will be selling some snacks and hot beverages to keep you fueled for all the fun to come. The event is free and open to the public. Jamestown; March 16, 2019
North Country Irish Festival (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
Everyone is Irish at the 34th Annual North Country Goes Green Irish Festival. Lasting for an entire weekend, visitors can enjoy the Opening Ceremony and see the Miss Ireland Pageant on Friday. Participate in or watch the 31st Annual Shamrock Run on Saturday to give the phrase “Top of the morning to ya,” a new meaning. Try your luck at the Matt Brenon Memorial Dart Tournament and end the day with The Willoughby Brothers concert. Families with young children can get involved with crafts in the Children’s Room. On Sunday, the Irish Parade begins at 1 p.m. on Washington Street. Ready to get your Irish on even more? The Terry Mostyn Band, McCarthy Family Band, and Irish dancers will perform at select times throughout the weekend. Watertown, March 15-17, 2019
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Oswego)
Take part in the shenanigans and malarkey in the 1000 Islands by attending the 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Oswego. This parade has returned to Oswego after a one-year break. Celebrate the hundred thousand welcomes of the Irish spirit with marching bands and dancers as they perform along Bridge Street. After viewing the floats, visitors can check out local entertainment in numerous town locations. Oswego, March 9, 2019 at 1 p.m. on Bridge Street
Sound Shore St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Hudson Valley)
Join the town of Mamaroneck in celebrating their 8th 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 active students of the Irish community. Mamaroneck; March 17, 2019
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