Philadelphia’s Biggest & Best 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Events
It’s time to dig out every green thing you own – though we Philadelphians are no strangers to the color green (especially this past week) – because St. Patrick’s Day is coming, and in Philadelphia, that means one thing and one thing only: Erin Express. If you’re not already prepping your liver, lacing up your most comfortable bar-crawling shoes, and mentally preparing to drink your weight in Guinness, you’re doing St. Paddy’s Day a disservice. And if you’ve never been? Consider this your official welcome to one of the wildest traditions Philadelphia has to offer.
Let’s break down where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your St. Paddy’s weekend in Philadelphia.
First Things First: What Even Is Erin Express?
If you’re unfamiliar, Erin Express is a 60+-year-old tradition that’s basically an all-day drinking marathon, happening this year on March 15th and March 16th. Each stop has its own party atmosphere, packed with drink specials, DJs, and the kind of crowd that makes you wonder if anyone in Philadelphia actually has responsibilities. You don’t need to plan a route— just close your eye, pick a bar off the route, and repeat until you forget how many bars you’ve been to. But don’t wait to grab your ticket—this event sells out every year, and you don’t want to be the one watching it all unfold on Instagram from your couch.
Where Else to Celebrate St. Paddy’s in Philadelphia
Of course, Philadelphia doesn’t stop at just one event, so if you’re looking to keep the party going before, during, or after Erin Express, there are plenty of other places to celebrate.
Via The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Webiste
The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16th is the perfect way to pre-game with some bagpipes, floats, and people aggressively repping their 1/16th Irish heritage. Also, put some respect on this parade's name – it’s one of the oldest St. Paddy’s parades in the entire country (dating back to 1771!)
The Plough & The Stars
This classic Old City Irish pub goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day with live music, traditional Irish food, and plenty of Guinness flowing. If you want big Irish pub energy, this is the spot.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
McGillin’s, aka Philadelphia’s oldest bar, basically turns into St. Paddy’s HQ for the entire weekend. Expect green beer, Irish whiskey flights, live music, and packed crowds singing along to Dropkick Murphys.
