Shamrocks and Smiles: The Best St. Patrick’s Day Festivals in the U.S.

By Stephanie Schiraldi on March 11, 2016

You may not be able to head to the Emerald Isle for St. Patrick’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. These parades and festivals around the U.S. offer just as much live music, dancing and traditional food as the real deal. Be sure to check out the annual dyeing of the Chicago River!

1

Delray Beach Parade and Festival

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This Florida festival will be partnering with Honor Flight this year to have over 60 WWII Veterans leading the parade!

Delray Beach Saint Patrick's Day Parade

2

San Diego Shamrock Festival

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The 22nd Annual Bud Light shamROCK features three stages of entertainment with DJ’s, Irish rock bands and Irish dancers. Shamrock is a 21+ festival.

San Diego Shamrock

3

Olde Town Arvada Festival

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This family-friendly event features arts and crafts booths, food booths, kids entertainment, beer and wine sales and live bands for all to enjoy.

Olde Town Arvada

4

New York St. Patrick's Day Parade

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New York's St. Patty's Day parade marches up Fifth Avenue, past St. Patrick's Cathedral, and finishes at the American Irish Historical Society.

Time Out

5

Raleigh Parade and Festival

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Raleigh's St. Patrick's Day parade began in 1983 with about a dozen Irish-Americans marching down Wilmington Street. This family-friendly event is now in its 34th year!

Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee

6

North Myrtle Beach Parade and Festival

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The 28th Annual St. Patrick’s Day festival and parade in North Myrtle Beach features three stages of live music and a children’s area with rides and amusements!

North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation

7

San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade

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With over 100 colorful floats, Irish dance troupes and marching bands, this parade in San Francisco attracts around 100,000 viewers every year.

Funcheap SF

8

Chicago Parade and River Dyeing Ceremony

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Head down to the Chicago River as 45 pounds of eco-friendly vegetable dye are poured into the Chicago River to turn it emerald green. This tradition attracts nearly 400,000 spectators downtown before the parade.

Choose Chicago

9

Wichita Falls Street Festival

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This street festival features live music from groups such as Celtic Aire, the premier Celtic and folk ensemble of the United States Air Force, along with a 5K Downtown Dash.

Downtown Proud

10

St. Pat's in Five Points

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This St. Pat's celebration in Columbia, South Carolina features the Get To The Green races along with tons of food and arts and crafts vendors!

Five Points Association