Imagine this: The pub door swings open, spilling out lively fiddle music, laughter, and the rich scent of Guinness. Inside, the warm glow of candlelight reflects off dark wood, and a sea of green shamrocks, beads, and tweed caps fills the space. The bartender easily slides pints of green beer as a trio of musicians keeps the crowd stomping along. Voices rise in song, some clear, others slurred with laughter, as the energy builds in the packed room.
Dancers spin, a waitress weaves through with trays of beer and whiskey, and an old man chuckles over his pipe in the corner. A fresh pint lands on the bar; no words needed, just a silent welcome. As the music swells and the crowd sways, St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans comes alive, where Irish spirit meets Southern revelry in one unforgettable night.
You are missing out if you haven’t experienced St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans. That’s why, for your convenience, we compiled our list of the best events, restaurants, pubs, and things to do on St. Patrick’s Day in the New Orleans area. Whether or not you are Irish, we hope this article inspires you to plan to make this St. Patty’s the best year yet!
Upcoming Events: St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Greater New Orleans
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the excitement of a classic New Orleans parade, where Irish tradition meets the city’s signature flair. Find a spot along the route and get ready to catch flying beads, lucky trinkets, and even cabbages tossed from festive floats. Watch as marching bands fill the streets, Irish dancers step in perfect rhythm, and bagpipers add a Celtic touch to the celebration. What a joyful way to embrace the spirit of the holiday!
Here is a list of our top St. Patrick’s Day events and parades in Greater New Orleans:
Feb 24 – 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Downtown Irish Club’s Block Party
March 15 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Parasol’s Block Party Celebration
March 15 – 1 p.m. Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 15 – New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
March 16 – 12 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Metairie Road
March 17 – 7:00 p.m. Downtown Irish Club Parade
The Best St. Patrick’s Day Restaurants and Pubs in New Orleans
Below are our top picks for restaurants and pubs for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day in Greater New Orleans!
McKinley’s Irish Pub – Harahan
Pat O’Brien’s – New Orleans
Finn McCool’s Irish Pub – New Orleans
Finnegan’s Easy – New Orleans
Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans
Bourbon Street Drinkery – New Orleans
The Pelican Pub – Slidell
The Significance of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17, is a joyful tribute to St. Patrick, the beloved patron saint of Ireland, who brought Christianity to the Irish in the 5th century. After being kidnapped and enslaved in Ireland as a teenager, St. Patrick escaped, became a priest, and returned to Ireland as a missionary. One of the most well-known legends about St. Patrick is that he used the three-leafed clover to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Over time, this holiday has blossomed into a vibrant global celebration of Irish culture, featuring lively parades, traditional music, and the cheerful color green!
In New Orleans, St. Patrick’s Day is especially meaningful, as the city wholeheartedly embraces its Irish roots with spirited street parties, charming community parades, and unique local traditions like tossing cabbages and tasty ingredients for Irish stew. This day is all about coming together—whether it’s celebrating our rich history, savoring delicious Irish cuisine, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere. Let’s join the fun and make wonderful memories together this St. Patrick’s Day!
Engaging Craft Projects for Kids to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Make St. Patrick’s Day extra special for little ones with fun and festive activities that spark creativity and tradition. Start the day by crafting shamrock crowns, rainbow necklaces, or leprechaun masks before heading out to watch a lively parade, where little ones can catch beads, trinkets, and even cabbages from colorful floats.
Back home, mix up a batch of gooey green slime for hands-on fun, or bake shamrock-shaped cookies to decorate with bright icing and sprinkles. With so many ways to play, St. Patrick’s Day becomes a magical celebration of fun and imagination!
St. Patrick’s Kids Activities – YouTube Videos
Iconic Songs and Artists that Define Irish Music on St. Patrick’s Day
Bring the lively spirit of Irish music to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Create a playlist of traditional folk songs and energetic jigs featuring Irish music legends like The Dubliners, The Pogues, and Van Morrison, or explore modern Celtic rock for an upbeat twist. Whether you’re at a pub, a family gathering, or relaxing at home, let the sounds of fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns set the festive mood. For a truly memorable experience, catch a live performance at a local bar or festival and let the rhythm of traditional Irish tunes inspire everyone to clap, sing, and dance.
Here’s our list of Irish tunes to set the mood for his St Patrick’s Day!
The Dubliners – ‘The Fields of Athenry’ – Oppression and Resistance, Love and Sacrifice, unofficial Irish anthem.
Luke Kelly – ‘Raglan Road‘ – unrequited love, heartbreaker
Whipping Boy – ‘When We Were Young’ – 90s alt-rock, longing for the past while reflecting on the complexities of growing up
Thin Lizzy – ‘Dancing In The Moonlight‘ – carefree excitement, youthful defiance
The Pogues – ‘Dirty Old Town’ – A raw, folk-punk energy that resonated with working-class themes and Irish identity.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day in Greater New Orleans, whether you’re catching a lively parade, enjoying traditional Irish fare, or dancing to the sounds of Celtic music. However you choose to celebrate, the city’s unique blend of Irish heritage and Southern charm makes for a truly special experience.
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