9 Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Pennsylvania
Green beer, corned beef and cabbage, parades, and plenty of fun. St. Patrick's Day is upon us and Pennsylvania is getting ready to celebrate things big. From enormous festivals in Philadelphia to pub crawls in Harrisburg, it won't be challenging to find something spirited to participate in. Here are the best places to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade, Pittsburgh, PA
Nothing says a celebration quite like a large American city going all in to celebrate a holiday, and the state’s second largest city does just that. Festivities begin promptly at 8 a.m. with mass, and the parade starts just two hours later. Billed as the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the U.S, the gala is expected to include 23,000 attendees, 200 marching units, 18 marching bands, and plenty of floats and ethnic heritage organizations on hand.
Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade, Philadelphia, PA
Some sources claim that Philadelphia has the highest concentration of Irish-Americans in the country, and, to support that claim, the city reported celebrated is first St. Patrick's Day in 1771. There is expected to be 20,000 participants, and more than 200 heritage organizations, dance groups, marching bands, youth groups, floats, and more.
Fado Irish Pub, Philadelphia, PA
At Fado Irish Pub it's Irish Day every day, but on St. Patrick’s Day, the bar really rolls out the red carpet. Of course, you’ll find plenty of beer and whiskey flowing, Irish specials, and you will also enjoy live music throughout the weekend.
St. Patrick's Day Official Bar Crawl, Harrisburg, PA
Hosted by One Up Event, the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl was previously held in Philly and saw a reported attendance of over 3,000 participants. An event full of green beer and beads, there will be six bars participating, a free official tee for the first 200 people through the door, green swag, live entertainment, and food specials. Plus, you’ll find $3 beer specials, $5 whiskeys, and so much more.
Anne Bailey’s Irish Public House, Lancaster, PA
The St. Patrick’s Day festivities kick off at Ann Bailey’s on Friday night with live music and continue throughout the weekend. With musical act performing from sunup to sundown, you’ll also find Irish brunch and dinner featuring Baileys-soaked (the liquor) French toast, corned beef quiche, Shepherd’s Pie, and bangers and mash.
The Plough and the Stars, Philadelphia, PA
An Irish bar through and through, the Plough and the Stars offers dishes like Irish ham and cabbage as a regularly occurring special. However, throughout March, it will be celebrating both Ireland and March Madness by offering Irish dancers, live music, and Irish breakfasts.
Howl at the Moon, Philadelphia, PA
Howl at the Moon may not be a native Philly bar, but it is known for being a lively spot with a party vibe, dueling piano shows, hand-made cocktails, and novelty bucket drinks. All of this, of course, comes in handy on St. Paddy’s Day, but, additionally, you can expect to find plenty of Irish themed drinks, and tons of prizes and giveaways.
Jim Thorpe Irish Fest, Jim Thorpe, PA
Running for two concurrent weekends in a row, this festival does things really big. The town celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Irish-themed eats, strolling musicians, Celtic concerts, and all sorts of tomfoolery, festivities, and family fun. Plus, if you purchase a “Pot-of-Gold Passport,” you are sure to find deep discounts at many downtown destinations.
McGrath’s Irish Pub, Harrisburg, PA
McGrath’s is a longtime Harrisburg Irish favorite. Its menu in years' past has consisted of classics corned beef and cabbage, scotch eggs, bangers and mash, and more. You won't want to miss out on this jovial celebration!
