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 285th 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 17 starting at 1 PM. 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. 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.
4. 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 14-17:
- March 14: House Of Blues
- March 15-17: MGM Music Hall at Fenway
5. Erin go Beehive! St. Patrick’s Day at The Beehive
6. 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 16 and 17.
7. Paddy Wagon and Live Music at Lookout Farm
Lookout Farm is putting the ‘green’ in greenhouse this St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a night full of festivities. On March 16, the Greenhouse will feature traditional Celtic music from 6 PM. They’re also offering an Ireland-inspired menu all March long with fish n’ chips, Reubens and more!
8. 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 15-17.
Find The Burren at 247 Elm Street in Davis Square in Somerville, MA
9. 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 17. 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 17 with more details to follow
10. 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 from March 11-16, 30 Melcher St, Boston, MA 02210
11. Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day special at one of these local restaurants
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:
- Bambara Kitchen & Bar: Corned Beef Hash brunch on March 17 from 7:30 AM until 1:30 PM
- The Banks Fish House: Oyster Reuben featuring fried oysters, corned beef, sauerkraut, and fried egg on March 17
- Buttermilk & Bourbon: Green Brunch on March 17 at both locations
- Summer Shack: Traditional Irish Boil with ten-day brined corned beef; served at both locations for dinner on March 17
- South Street Diner: Irish menu March 13-17, Join first responders in uniform on March 17 from 8-11 AM at the diner
- The Harp: through March 17 enjoy Irish bagpipers and Corned Beef Sandwich and Irish Bread Pudding
- MJ’s O’Connor’s: Menu specials through March 17 at both Back Bay and Seaport locations, Irish step dancers at 6 PM at Back Bay on March 17
12. Test your luck riding a mechanical bull at the “Let’s Get Lucked Up” party
Travel to “Nashville” in Boston’s Theater District. The mechanical bull riding party will feature live music courtesy of Adlie Thrower Duo and DJ Ace. Tickets for the March 9 event are $15 per person and required for entry. Reserve your visit to Nash Bar & Stage and learn more.
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!”
Events include:
- Green Road Concert (March 8)
- St. Patrick’s Week Ceili with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (March 9)
- Trevor Sexton & Ger O’Donnell Live (March 9)
- 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (March 12)
- Family St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (March 16)
- St. Paddy’s Day at the ICC with corned beef and cabbage (March 17)
Find more info and the full schedule of March events on the ICC website.
14. Enjoy this exclusive meal from a Michelin-starred Irish chef
Boston’s authentic and chef-driven Irish restaurant, The Dubliner, welcomes Michelin-starred guest chef, Jp MacMahon from acclaimed Aniar restaurant in Galway, Ireland. This special dinner will take place on March 8 and can be reserved online.
On March 15, The Dubliner will host its third annual Irish Networking Breakfast, and on St. Patrick’s Day, there will be a special menu all day long!
15. Attend Patriot Place’s Irish Festival Day
The 13th 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 16 from 11 AM until 4 PM at Patriot Place
16. 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 17 at 11 AM Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, 412 West Broadway, Boston
17. Catch the Celtics game at one of these local sporting venues
You might as well put that green outfit to good use and “bleed green” for the Celtics who will play an away game against the Washington Wizards on March 17. The game leaps into action at 6 PM! Watch it live with other fans at one of these local establishments.