St. Patrick’s Day is once again shaping up to be a thrilling celebration of Irish culture, with festivities happening throughout the weekend of the 17th of March!
With events taking place in the days before and after, the holiday has evolved into a full-scale festival embraced by communities worldwide. In Ireland, it remains a national holiday, giving many the chance to fully immerse themselves in the fun and heritage.
With so much happening, we’re spoiled for choice! Give a search for your local area and you’re likely to find standout events showcasing the best in Irish music, song, and dance this year.
Below, we’ve started a list of free St. Patrick’s Day Parades around the world to kick off your celebrations.
Parades Around the World
Ireland
- Dublin – March 17, 12:00 PM City Centre, Parnell Square
- Cork – March 17, 1:00 PM City Centre
- Galway – March 17, 11:00 AM University of Galway to Black Box Car Park
- Limerick – March 17, 12:00 PM City Centre
- Kilkenny – Saint Patrick’s Festival March 14 to 17
- Wexford – March 17, 2:00 to 5:00 PM Enniscorthy
- Mullingar – March 17 Time TBA
- Athlone – March 17, 12:30 PM
- Roscommon – Ballaghaderreen March 17, Time TBA
- Waterford – March 17, 1:00 to 3:00 PM
- Tullamore – March 17, 11:30 AM
- Clonmel – March 17, 3:00 PM
- Killarney – March 17, 2:00 PM Mission Road
Most towns in Ireland will host a parade on March 17.
United Kingdom
- Belfast – March 17, 1:30 PM City Centre
- Derry – March 17 Bishop Street Carpark at 3.00pm
- Armagh – March 17, 2:00 PM Departing from Christian Brothers School
- London – March 15, 12:00 PM Central London, Near Green Park Station
- Manchester – March 15, 12:00 PM Irish World Heritage Centre to Deansgate
Mainland Europe
- Madrid, Spain – March 15, 5:00 PM Gran Vía to Plaza de España
- Munich, Germany – March 15, 12:00 PM Münchner Freiheit to Odeonsplatz
- The Hague, Netherlands – March 15, 12:30 PM Grote Markt
Scandanavia
- Stockholm, Sweden – 14th March, 14:00 PM Kungsträdgården
- Oslo, Norway – March 15, 12:00 PM Jernbanetorget
- Helsinki, Finland – March 14, 14:00 PM Töölö Sports Hall carpark (Kisahalli)
- Copenhagen, Denmark – March 15, 15:30 PM Rådhuspladsen
Canada
- Montréal – March 22, 12:00 PM Corner of Fort and De Maisonneuve Streets
- Toronto – Sunday, March 15, 12:00 PM Yonge Street
United States
- New York City, New York – March 17, 11:00 AM Fifth Avenue
- Boston, Massachusetts – March 15, 11:30 AM
- Chicago, Illinois
- South Side Parade – March 15
- Downtown Parade – March 14
- River Dyeing – March 14, 10:00 AM, Chicago River
- Northwest Side Parade – March 15, 12:00 PM
- Denver, Colorado – March 14, 9:30 AM 19th and Wynkoop
- San Francisco, California – March 15 Downtown
- Savannah, Georgia – March 17 City Centre
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin – March 15, 12:00 PM Downtown
- Cleveland, Ohio – March 17, 1:04 PM Superior Avenue
- Detroit, Michigan – March 16, 1:00 PM
- Hartford, Connecticut – March 15, 11:00 AM Capitol to Memorial Arch
- New Orleans, Louisiana – March 16 Metairie Road
- Houston, Texas – March 15, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM POST Houston
- Charlotte, North Carolina – March 15 Uptown
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – March 16, 11:00 AM
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – March 15, 10:00 AM Grant Street
- Kansas City, Missouri – March 17, 11:00 AM Broadway Boulevard
South America
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: Monday, March 17, 3:00 PM (Avenida de Mayo)
Africa
We didn’t spot any specific parade times, but you’ll find parties, music festivals, and fun events across Liberia, Ghana, Egypt, South Africa, and more.
Asia
- Singapore – Sunday, March 15, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Lawn in front of Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place
- Seoul, South Korea – March 14 St Patrick’s Day Festival 2026, Sindorim D Cube, 1:00 to 6:00 PM
- Tokyo, Japan – March 15 – Omotesando Avenue, Harajuku, 1:00 PM
Australia
- Sydney – Sunday, March 15, 11:00 AM Pitt Street near Martin Place
- Brisbane – Saturday, March 15, 10:30 AM Botanical Gardens, Alice Street
More Events to Check Out!
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
St Patrick’s Festival is Ireland’s national celebration on the 17th of March and honours the legacy of our very own patron saint. What began centuries ago as a religious feast day has grown into a dynamic cultural festival that reflects the creativity, diversity and spirit of modern Ireland.
Today the festival is recognised around the world as a celebration of Irish identity, bringing together communities through music, performance, storytelling and spectacle. It highlights both long-standing traditions and contemporary artistic expression, welcoming people from every background to take part.
At the centre of the celebrations is the internationally renowned National St Patrick’s Day Parade, held every year on the 17th (regardless of the weather). The parade features large-scale artistic pageants, visiting marching bands, performers from across Ireland and participants representing various clubs and communities from all corners of the country.
Alongside the parade, the 2026 Festival will present a wide-ranging programme of events from March 14 to 17 throughout Dublin city centre, offering something for all ages and interests.
(Photo credit: stpatricksfestival.ie)
For a full list of festival events, visit stpatricksfestival.ie.
St. Patrick’s Festival 2026 in Belfast
Belfast marks St Patrick’s Day with a vibrant programme that reflects its status as a UNESCO City of Music. The St Patrick’s Music Festival forms a key part of the city’s celebrations and showcases the depth and diversity of Irish musical traditions.
The programme brings together artists and audiences in a celebration that crosses genres and cultural influences. From headline concerts and intimate workshops to outdoor performances and community gatherings, the festival highlights both heritage and innovation.
Events take place across a variety of venues, featuring traditional music, pipe bands, céilí dancing, educational workshops and family friendly activities. The Cathedral Quarter becomes a focal point of activity, with live performances and a Festival Village creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
(Photo credit: visitbelfast.com)
For a full festival lineup and details, visit visitbelfast.com.
Montserrat, West Indies and St. Patrick’s Day
In Montserrat, St Patrick’s Festival is a two week celebration that uniquely blends Irish and African heritage. The festivities build towards March 17, which is observed as a public holiday on the island.
Montserrat stands apart as the only nation outside Ireland to recognise St Patrick’s Day as a national holiday. The date also commemorates a historic slave uprising in 1768, giving the festival a powerful historical significance.
The celebrations combine cultural remembrance with vibrant modern events. Visitors can expect live music, parades, food festivals, sporting events, guided tours and community gatherings that reflect the island’s rich and distinctive identity.
London St. Patrick’s Festival 2026
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Parade Start: Near Green Park Station
Time: 12:00 PM
London’s annual St Patrick’s Day Festival brings the capital alive with Irish culture, creativity and celebration.
The day begins with a colourful parade setting off near Green Park Station and winding through central London before culminating in Trafalgar Square. The procession features Irish marching bands, dancers and community groups, drawing tens of thousands of spectators each year.
In Trafalgar Square, a full programme of performances continues throughout the day in partnership with the London Irish Centre. Audiences can enjoy live music, dance, family activities and a showcase of Irish food and culture in one of the city’s most iconic settings.
The festival celebrates the longstanding connection between Britain and Ireland and recognises the contribution of the Irish community to life in London.
(Photo credit: www.london.gov.uk)
And so much more around the world!
Globally, cities all over the place will host St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations, though dates may vary. Whether you’re thinking about New York, Berlin, Chicago, Petoria, Cairo, Halifax, Boston, Seoul, Dubai, Auckland, Sydney, or any other, you should be sure to check local listings for specific details.
We couldn’t possibly find and list them all, so if you know of any other events, share them in the comments for others to see. And enjoy!
To get session-ready for the big day browse our full range of traditional Irish musical instruments for sale and order now.
Can’t wait for the 17th?? Start the party now with the McNeela Traditional Irish Music Paddy’s Day Playlist
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