St. Patrick's Day Parades and Festivities

Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Check out these great parades and celebrations of Irish history and traditions.

Wilmington-Brandywine Valley, Delaware
35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 13, noon
The 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is a magnet for Wilmington, Delaware’s large Irish population and unofficially ushers in spring. The parade begins at 4th Street and, appropriately, ends at St. Patrick’s Church on 15th Street. More than 10,000 spectators are expected to line King Street to see the Irish dancers and bands.

Buffalo-Niagara, New York
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 14, 2 p.m.
Join in Buffalo's largest celebration of Irish heritage. Celebrating for more than 65 years, the St. Patrick’s Day parade down Delaware Avenue begins at Buffalo's City Hall and ends at North Street. The parade features Irish dancers, bands, civic organizations and others who march in honor of St. Patrick.

Naper Settlement, Naperville, Illinois
The Irish in America, March 14, 7 p.m.
Weaving music with stories, singer and songwriter Lee Murdock presents a compelling story of Irish immigrants in Illinois, during this presentation of the History Speaks Lecture Series at Naper Settlement's Century Memorial Chapel. As they came to America to build their new lives in a foreign land, the Irish were also essential in building the canals, railroads and towns that became Illinois and America. Both traditional ballads and modern historical songs are featured in this presentation.

Landmark Center, St. Paul, Minnesota
Day of Irish Dance, March 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration, March 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take in all things Irish at two events at Landmark Center. Lively Celtic music, dancing and authentic vendors -- come enjoy these great St. Paul traditions!

McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 14 and St. Patrick’s Day, March 17
Those enjoying Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, may wish to stop by McGillin’s Olde Ale House for a sampling of Irish tradition dating back 150 years.

Readers: Do you have a favorite St. Patrick’s Day parade, event or tradition? Please share them in the comments section below.

Photos top to bottom: Irish dancers at Wilmington, Delaware parade courtesy of Mike Biggs; McGillin's Olde Ale House sign.