St. Patrick's Day Verified listing

St. Patrick's Day in Boston is a vibrant and festive celebration of Irish culture, making it one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day events in the United States. Held annually on March 17th, the ticketed and free-to-attend festivities take over various locations across the city, especially in South Boston, known as Southie, which is famously home to a large Irish-American community. The day’s events typically kick off with a parade, which is one of the oldest and largest in the country, drawing crowds of over 600,000 people. The parade, which begins at 11:00 AM, winds through the streets of South Boston, featuring colourful floats, bagpipers, Irish dancers, marching bands, and community groups celebrating all things Irish.

In addition to the parade, St. Patrick's Day in Boston includes a host of activities such as live Irish music performances, dance shows, and traditional Irish food and drink. Local pubs, especially in the South Boston area, are a major part of the celebration, serving up Irish favourites like corned beef and cabbage, Guinness, and Irish whiskey. Many of the bars and restaurants host live bands playing traditional Irish folk music, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere throughout the city. Boston's streets and pubs become filled with people wearing green attire, often adorned with shamrocks, and celebrating with family and friends in a spirited, inclusive environment.

The St. Patrick's Day celebration in Boston is suitable for all ages, though the pub scene and evening celebrations can lean toward a more adult-focused crowd. The day’s events generally run from the morning through the evening, with the parade being the focal point of the early hours. Afterward, the festivities continue with concerts, street parties, and pub crawls, many of which last well into the night. Visitors should plan ahead as the city can get crowded, especially around the parade route and popular bars. Whether you’re joining the parade, enjoying the music and dancing, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, St. Patrick’s Day in Boston is a memorable experience filled with culture, history, and celebration, making it one of the most exciting places to be on March 17th.