Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Philadelphia: Bar Crawls, Parades, and More!
If you're ready to don your greenest apparel, embrace the luck of the Irish, and celebrate in style, Philadelphia is certainly the place to be this St. Patrick's Day. From traditional parades resounding with bagpipe music to lively bar crawls like the famous Erin Express, the City of Brotherly Love sure knows how to throw down an epic St. Patrick's Day. Grab your luckiest shamrocks, your “Kiss me, I’m Irish” shirt, and let's check out our favorite events to help celebrate St. Paddy's Day, Philly style.
We wouldn't start our ultimate guide anywhere else but at the Erin Express Bar Crawl, Philly's most vibrant and spirited St. Patrick's Day tradition. What could be more fun than hitting multiple bars in one event? That's exactly what the Erin Express Bar Crawl offers you. Originating in Philly as a day-long bar crawl, it's a tradition that holds a warm place in the heart of the city's celebration. This iconic event hits the finest Irish pubs and Irish-for-the-day bars across the city, inviting participants to embrace the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. You'll hop from pub to pub, savoring a heady mix of green beer and Jameson—in the true spirit of St. Patrick's Day, of course.
From locals to visitors, everyone is welcome to join! The camaraderie in these places? It's infectious.
Via Philadelphia Saint Patrick's Day Website
Via Lincoln Mill Haunted House Instagram
Now, if you're thinking this is all about raising a few pints of green beer, you'd be half right. But we can’t forget about Philadelphia's legendary St. Patrick’s Day Parade, happening on March 10th this year. Say it with me folks: tradition! Running since 1771, this parade keeps Philly’s Irish roots alive and kicking. Expect to see streets awash with color and vibrancy, with marching bands, dance groups, and decorated floats making their glittering way down Market Street. Take your spot among the crowds and feel the energy! But make sure to wear something green - it's pretty much an unwritten rule here.
If thrill and excitement are what you crave, the Lincoln Mill Haunted House offers a different twist to your typical St. Patrick's Day festivity. Tucked away in Manayunk, the event draws enthusiasts both young and old, looking for an adrenaline-inducing experience. Brace yourself - it's not all giggles and rainbows here - expect to encounter the spookier side of Irish folklore.
On a more somber note, there's the religious observance. The significance of St. Patrick's Day extends beyond its well-known reputation as a drinking holiday. For those wishing to connect with the more solemn side of the day, Philly’s St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church holds special services. Lit candles, pin-drops silence, and beautiful hymns; it's all very touching and provides a stark contrast to the city-wide party happening outside its walls.
But as the sun sets, Philly reverts back to its celebration mode. After all, when the clock strikes party o'clock, there's no slowing down. From authentic Irish dance parties to live band performances, there's a flurry of exciting events scattered across the city. Be sure to toast to St. Paddy in true Philly style, with a rocks glass of Jameson in your hand and your dearest friends by your side.
As they say, there's an Irish joke that God invented whiskey to prevent the Irish from ruling the world. Well, on St. Patrick's Day in Philly, it certainly feels like the Irish rule our world. So get out there and let that Philly-Irish spirit roar. See you out there!
