Find the Best Things

Join in on the Fun for St. Patrick's Day in Pennsylvania

pa st patricks day places

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 big things. From enormous festivals in Philadelphia to pub crawls in Harrisburg, finding something spirited to participate in won't be challenging. 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 10 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.

Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House, Lancaster, PA

The St. Patrick’s Day festivities kick off at Annie 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.

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! 

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade: This massive celebration features 23,000 participants, including 200 marching units and 18 bands. It's one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the U.S., making it a must-attend event in Pennsylvania.
  • Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade: Boasting a deep historical connection with 20,000 participants and more than 200 groups, Philadelphia's parade is a vibrant showcase of Irish-American culture with dancers, bands, and floats.
  • Fado Irish Pub: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day, where it's always Irish. Enjoy live music, flowing beer and whiskey, and traditional Irish fare in an authentic pub setting.
  • St. Patrick's Day Official Bar Crawl: Previously held in Philadelphia with over 3,000 participants, this event includes multiple bars, live entertainment, and special green-themed giveaways.
  • Annie Bailey's Irish Public House: Kick off the weekend with live music and enjoy a menu featuring Irish favorites like Shepherd's Pie, corned beef quiche, and an Irish brunch.
  • The Plough and the Stars: This Irish pub celebrates all month with traditional dishes, Irish dancers, and live music, offering a festive atmosphere perfect for St. Patrick's Day revelers.
  • Jim Thorpe Irish Fest: A multi-weekend festival that includes Celtic concerts, strolling musicians, and Irish-themed foods, with special discounts available through the "Pot-of-Gold Passport."
  • McGrath's Irish Pub: A beloved local spot known for its festive atmosphere and traditional Irish dishes like scotch eggs, bangers, and mash, making it a great choice for celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
  • Hot Stories
    Select a Pennsylvania town to find
    the Best Things To Do and Places To Go around you