At around 20 percent, Boston has the most concentrated Irish population of any city in America. When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, Massachusetts does it big. I mean, really big. Whether you’re among a crowd of one million at Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, rocking out with the Dropkick Murphys, or sipping on a few brews with your buddies at a local tavern, you’ll be able to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day virtually anywhere in the Bay State, but here are our 13 favorite spots.
More of a family-friendly parade than some of its beer-infused counterparts, the Worcester County St. Patrick's Day Parade has become a staple for many St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The Worcester County St. Patrick's Parade Committee is a nonprofit organization "dedicated to a safe, family-oriented parade. Head to Park Ave on the early side to get a good spot, though any spot is good if you're in good company!
The Dropkick Murphys have become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, and they’re treating fans to concerts in celebration. The Celtic rock band has an annual “St. Pat’s Tour,” and even has an entire album dedicated to the day, titled “Live on St. Patrick’s Day from Boston, MA.” Keep an eye out for their tour schedule around the holiday.
Notable radio host Brian O'Donovan hosts A St. Patrick's Day Celtic Sojourn, featuring top musicians at Harvard University's Sanders Theatre. Come out and listen to traditional Irish tunes at one of the two shows. This tradition is presented by WGBH and is guarenteed to be a delight to your ears.
Since its inception in 1952, the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade has been a fun community celebration. Prize winning floats, bagpipes, U.S. veterans, notable celebrities, and more comprise this fun family event. Over 400,000 people are expected each year, so get there early to grab a good viewing spot!
A two-day St. Patrick's Day festival takes place annually at Harpoon Brewery. Live music, endless beer, and a sea of green clad beer lovers make this festival stand its ground. In a heated tent, this festival is the ticket to a great St. Paddy's Day weekend!
Dubbed "the largest St. Patrick’s parade on the South Shore" the Scituate St. Patrick's Day Parade is a Massachusetts staple. Leading up to the paradem you can get a jumpstart on the fun with events like the Mad Hatter's Ball, a Grand Marshall's Dinner, and an LCR Tournament. Head to Scituate Harbor for this monumental parade!
Boston residents know that St. Patrick's Day celebrations go on for weeks. In fact, the city's Irish Film Festival takes place just a few days after the actual holiday. Enjoy three days of films that focus on Ireland and its culture. You won;t want to miss this unique cultural experience.
For old-fashioned fun and the crowning of a lovely Colleen check out the Springfield St. Patrick's Day Parade. With events surrounding the parade like a 10K road race, a buffet breakfast, a ball, a brewery party, and much more you're in for a treat! While the parade brings its city together, more outsiders visit to attend the events each year.
Serving up renowned corned beef and cabbage, Flynn's Irish Pub in Mansfield, is the perfect place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy the delicious food, the mile long menu of beer, and the traditional Irish pub atmosphere. You'll be in good company this St. Patrick's Day!
The annual Marshfield St. Patrick’s Day 5K is an event that really brings the community together. Prizes are awarded and all proceeds benefit the Marshfield Education Foundation. Runners are awarded with free shirts upon registration.
Enjoy craft beer and authentic Irish cuisine all weekend long at Olde Magoun's Saloon in Somerville. Is there any better way to let your Irish show? With live music, a few pints of Guinness, and an amazing menu of traditional Irish cuisine you won't want to be anywhere else. The bar and grill even has its own selection of small batch Schotch, Bourbon, and Rye Whiskey.
The Cape kicks off its St. Patrick's Day festivities a bit early, so if you're planning on hitting all of the green celebrations, this should be the first on your list! With award winning floats, a Grand Marshal awards Dinner, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, and much more, this parade is always a festive time.
Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade is among the biggest in the entire country. It attracts millions of spectators each year, making it one of Boston's can't miss events. In addition to the bands and floats, the crowds are very interesting to watch, as they tend to include some very colorful characters. This is the ultimate celebration in the Boston area.