St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching, and you know what that means: Boston is about to become a sea of green clothing. In Boston, we’re not only celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, but also Evacuation Day, which is when the Siege of Boston by the British ended in 1776. So, check out the best ways to celebrate these holidays down below!
1. The 286th annual South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston returns for its 286th anniversary. This year, the parade will be held on Sunday, March 16 starting at 11:30 AM. It will start at Broadway T Station and continue down Broadway, concluding at Andrew Square!
2. Enjoy the special festivities at Faneuil Hall
For those looking for a St. Patrick’s Day destination outside the parade route, stop by Ned Devine’s at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. On March 17, Ned Devine’s is offering Irish specials, live Irish music, and Irish Step Dancers + Bag Pipers!
If you need a holiday friendly outfit, look no further than Irish Eyes at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Irish Eyes is the go-to spot for Irish clothing, giftware, jewelry, and much more. From four leaf clover hats, green sweaters, Claddagh rings, and festive scarves, Irish Eyes has everything you need for the weekend.
3. Drink Guinness At Scobie’s, the first Boston bar to import an Irish tap & draft system
Yep, you read that right! Scobie’s Bar & Cafe doesn’t play when it comes to Guinness. They collaborated with Guinness to be the first bar in Boston to use an imported Irish tap and draft system—and it’s specifically calibrated for Guinness!
When the glorious stout arrives on-site, the Guinness is stored in separate coolers. They even run it through separate lines and pour it off separate taps from the rest of those other beers!
This St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy authentic Irish cuisines such as fish and chips, roast of the day, baked fish or chicken, curry, and more! Be sure to wash it down with some of the smoothest Guinness you’ll find in Boston.
4. Try an anti-alcohol experience
If you prefer a sober St. Patrick’s Day, Abbie Romanul, Mocktail Expert and Founder of Raising the Bar, a delicious zero-proof mixology subscription service, has a few of the best destinations to get a mocktail below:
- Oleana, Inman Square: Pear & Cardamom spritz
- Sarma, Somerville: any zero-proof beverage
- Woods Hill Pier 4: Toucan Sam mocktail (combines Giffard nonalcoholic aperitif, molasses, roasted pineapple soda & lime)
Opt to check out Dray Drinks in South End, Boston’s first zero proof bottle shop, and fix your own beverage! They will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Pahty 12-6PM on March 17.
5. Dropkick Murphys St. Patricks Day concert
Boston’s most famous Celtic punk rock group always returns home for a St. Paddy’s concert, and this year is no exception. Catch them on tour in Boston:
- March 14-16: MGM Music Hall at Fenway
- March 15: Claddagh Fund Mini Concert + Meet and Greet at MGM Music Hall at Fenway
- March17: House of Blues
6. Erin go Beehive! St. Patrick’s Day at The Beehive
7. Hop aboard a Saint Patrick’s Day Brunch Cruise
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than all-aboard? Hop on the Northern Lights yacht and enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast as you cruise around the Boston Harbor. With rashers, black pupping, and of course some Irish coffee, you’ll start your day on a high note. Cruises run March 15 and 16.
8. Paddy Wagon and Live Music at Lookout Farm
Lookout Farm is putting the ‘green’ in greenhouse in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 14 and 16 with a pot brimming with golden festivities. The Greenhouse will feature traditional Celtic music and they’re also offering an Ireland-inspired menu all March long with fish n’ chips, Reubens and more! Learn more here.
9. St. Patrick’s Day Special Variety Dinner Show at the Burren
The Burren Backroom is hosting a special St. Patrick’s Day Irish variety show with traditional music, stories and dancing. You’ll even get a traditional Irish meal with corned beef and cabbage, followed by Shamrock Cake.
As for music, you’ll hear Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello, traditional Irish musicians who also happen to own the pub. As one of Boston’s best Irish pubs, it’s the place to be for St. Patrick’s Day, and was also named one of “the best in America” by Thrillest. Shows will run every 2 hours from 9am, with the dinner shows starting at 5 and 7 PM from March 14-16.
Find The Burren at 247 Elm Street in Davis Square in Somerville, MA
10. Enjoy the annual free St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast
Boston’s annual breakfast, hosted by Senator Nick Collins, who will be joined by Governor Maura Healy, returns just before the Southie parade on March 16. It will follow the same format as this month’s earlier International Women’s Day breakfast, however it is invitation only.
The entire Boston community is welcome to join the Senator and Governor for breakfast from 9 AM until 12 PM. The parade will follow after at 1 PM.
Find the breakfast on Sunday, March 16
11. Test your luck at this ping pong event
May the best player win! SPIN Boston is hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day ping pong event complete with Irish bites and a chance to earn some “gold-worthy” surprises!
Find it at SPIN Boston at 30 Melcher St, Boston, MA 02210
12. Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day special at a local restaurant
For a city with such a strong St. Patrick’s Day spirit and rich Irish history, it only makes sense that many Boston restaurants are shaking things up with special St. Patrick’s Day menus. From juicy Reubens to crunchy fish n’ chips, here are a few restaurants celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Boston:
- Sugar Factory Boston will paint itself green and gold with a festive colorful Ireland-inspired menu through March 20
- Smith & Wollensky will offer a succulent selection of steaks including its iconic American Wagyu
- The Dubliner touted as Boston’s best spot for Irish grub, the restaurant will host a live music with a authentic eats
13. Visit the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
This 46-acre Canton campus is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Irish culture in Boston.
“In the coming weeks, members and guests of the ICC are invited to join in a month-long St. Patrick’s Day celebration, experience the warmth of Irish hospitality, and enjoy the richness of Irish culture,” said Jerry McDermott, Executive Director of the ICC. “Come, be a part of the festivities, and create lasting memories with your family, friends and community!”
Find more info and the full schedule of March events on the ICC website.
14. Attend Patriot Place’s Irish Festival Day
The 14th annual Irish Festival returns to Patriot Place this month! Activities include performances from step dancers, Irish-themed vendors, pipe bands, and more at this family-friendly event.
Find it on March 15 from 11 AM until 4 PM at Patriot Place
15. Connect and celebrate with Southie Social
Prior to Southie’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Loco Taqueria and Oyster Bar will kick off the day with Southie Social. The event includes a live band, food and beverage, exclusive front-row parade views, and it all benefits The Greg Hill Foundation which helps local families affected by tragedy.
Find it on March 16 at 10 AM Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, 412 West Broadway, Boston
16. Enjoy St. Paddy’s from one of Seaport’s best rooftops
The Envoy Rooftop in partnership with Tabü Boston, Boston’s new event series, are teaming up to host an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a live DJ and pristine views! There will be music from Rolls Joyce, The Nghbrs and more. Learn more here.
17. Check out this paw-esome St. Patrick’s pup crawl in Chestnut Hill
Halloween isn’t the only holiday for pups in adorable attire! The Street at Chestnut Hill hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day Pup Crawl on Saturday, March 15, 12-2 PM. Meet other pups at Polkadog Bakery and journey around The Street for complimentary treats, customization opportunities, a chance to win $100 to Polkadog Bakery! While in the neighborhood, make sure to check out the special Mint Chip green shake topped with Whipped Cream and Gold Dusted Sprinkles at Van Leeuwen or Mint Shamrock Shake—a smoothie made with a delicious blend of spinach, kale, peppermint, chocolate chips, hemp seeds, banana, vanilla, dates, stevia and almond milk from Juice Press!