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How to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all across New England
Festivities include festivals, parades, pub crawls, and more.
The region is gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you prefer parades, pub crawls, or polar bear plunges, there’s a St. Patrick’s Day activity for everyone, in every New England state.
Ahead, discover ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day across New England.
Vermont: Burlington Irish Heritage Festival
Enjoy concerts, poetry readings, dance performances, and more at the city’s 30th annual Burlington Irish Heritage Festival in March. New this year is an authentic seanchaí, a traditional Irish storyteller and historian. The Murphy Beds will perform at the main event at Contois Auditorium on Sunday, March 16. Check out the full festival schedule. (Various dates, times, and locations)
Rhode Island: ‘Luck of the Irish’ St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl in Providence
Go bar hopping in Providence during the city’s “Luck of the Irish” St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl. Revelers get free entry into the bars (to be named the week of the crawl), featuring live music, drink specials, and giveaways. Participants buy a ticket online and will receive a pub crawl lanyard and digital map of the event. (Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16 from 4 to 10 p.m.; various bars in Providence, Rhode Island; $10-30; 21-plus)
Connecticut: 7th Annual Shenanigans Irish Festival
Celebrate the holiday with live music, vendors, and competitions at Stony Creek Brewery in Branford. Entertainment will include the band Black Ties and Bourbon from 2 to 5 p.m.; The New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums band from 5 to 5:30 p.m.; and DJ Nate from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors receive a free beer with their ticket. (Saturday, March 15 at noon; 5 Indian Neck Ave., Branford, Connecticut; $10 presale and $15 at the door; 21+)
Massachusetts: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston
Don your green and stake out your spot along the route of the three-mile route of the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted by the Allied War Veterans Council of South Boston. This massive event and 124-year-old Massachusetts tradition will include marching groups, floats, and bands. (Sunday, March 17 at 11:30 a.m.; parade begins at the Broadway MBTA station; free; all ages)
Maine: Rí Rá Paddy’s Day Plunge
If cold water doesn’t scare you, head to East End Beach on St. Patrick’s Day for the Rí Rá Paddy’s Day Plunge. It’s a 24-year tradition that raises money for the Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation. Afterward, swimmers can gather for a St. Patrick’s Day Irish breakfast at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant, followed by a raffle and other festivities. If that sounds too chilly, stay dry and just donate to the cause. (Monday, March 17 at 5:30 a.m. at East End Beach, Portland, Maine; all ages)
New Hampshire: Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade
The 28th annual Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade takes place on the last Sunday of March, so as not to compete with Boston and New York for quality bands, floats, and marching units, according to organizers. But expect a lot of the same spirit. (Sunday, March 30 at noon; the parade kicks off at Salmon and Elm streets; free; all ages)
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