St. Paddy's parade in Boston

9 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Boston

Last updated: March 2024


Tradition reigns supreme in Boston for St. Patrick’s Day. Due to the large Irish population and widespread celebrations of the heritage, the city is a hotspot for a variety of activities. Bar crawls, authentic meals, historic ventures, and special events in Boston aid to its trademark festivities. Read on to find out more about St. Patrick’s Day events in Boston.

Watch the South Boston St. Paddy's Day Parade

St. Paddy's Day Parade in Boston

One of the city’s favorite annual events, the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on March 17. Beat the crowds — each year the turnout equals over half a million attendees — and head to the Broadway T station to save spots at the beginning of the parade and witness a nearly 300-year-old tradition. 

In addition to honoring our nation’s military and veterans, the signature holiday music acts like bagpipes and marching bands will file down the Boston streets. Notable metropolitan figures will move between themed floats, dancers and entertainers alike, making this event enchanting for the entire family.

Walk the Irish Heritage Trail

Irish Heritage trail in Boston

In the event that St. Patrick’s Day weather is gorgeous, the perfect immersive activity exists in the form of a leisurely stroll through the city on the Irish Heritage Trail. The Boston Irish Tourism Association manages this scenic and educational walk through the Back Bay area and beyond. Three sections and dozens of landmarks constitute this three-mile trail, including picturesque statues that tell deeper stories of the city’s past prominent figures. This is a prime opportunity to understand the foundation of the original Irish settlers in New England, as walkers move between the Rose Kennedy Garden and Fenway Park.

Visit the Boston Irish Cultural Center

After the walk through the Irish Heritage Trail, head over to the Irish Cultural Center for another heaping dose of Boston history. The ICC is home to several Sets atop a lush stretch of lawn, the Irish government provides a portion of funds to create a pleasant and authentic experience for guests. Visit the pub for Irish fare and drinks, heightened with traditional music performances both weekly and monthly, and stop into the library to brush up on Irish history and literature. Be sure to check the schedule for workshops and special events.

Look for a Pot of Gold at Massachusetts State House

Massachusetts State House in Boston

Visit the pot of gold on the history rainbow of Boston: the Massachusetts State House. The capitol building, perched on Beacon Hill, is recognized by its shining gold dome and potent history. A beautiful rotunda and richly decorated interior add prestige to tours throughout the building

While the majority of the grounds are dedicated to governing offices, in-person and virtual tours are available. Be on the lookout for the sacred cod hanging from the ceiling in the House of Representatives office, as a representation of the importance of the Boston fishing industry.

Casual Guinness at Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap

Night Shift Brewing Kitchen and Tap at Encore Boston Harbor

Given the amount of Irish pubs and watering holes in Boston proper, bar crawls are rampant during this lucky weekend. When the night calls for a few pints in one spot, especially in the nights leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, a casual pub is always the answer. Encore’s very own Night Shift Brewing is pouring over 20 delicious local craft beers every night, along with elevated pub fare. 

Grab a Local Luck IPA on your next visit, as the signature brew of Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap, and check out the limited release list for unique brews all night long.

Pregame with DJ Appearances at Mémoire Friday and Saturday

Encore Boston Harbor Memoire

Boston’s streets will be packed during St. Paddy’s Day weekend, so get all the partying done in one place. Mémoire is Encore’s resident nightclub, and the club is featuring big names in music mixology for St. Paddy’s Day weekend. Friday March 15 brings Offset’s Set It Off tour afterparty to the fray, and Saturday March 16 features SWEETLK as the DJ of the night. Equipped with 20 luxury tables and a world-class Funktion One sound system, guests will experience a night of unparalleled quality in sound and service. Rewrite the night at Mémoire. Inquire online here for reservations and bottle service.

Try a St. Patrick's Day Feast at Rare

Rare Steakhouse interior at Encore Boston Harbor

While corned beef and mash is a traditional choice for St. Patrick’s Day, nothing is heartier than a Sunday roast — or in this case, a Sunday steak dinner at Rare. This three-course tasting menu, priced at $75 per person, includes seafood specialties like roasted Maine lobster bisque and Ora king salmon to pair with a 6 oz prime filet, Caesar salad, and dessert. If the meal calls for additional delicacies, an order of Wagyu steak tartare and caviar service make the perfect accouterments, along with one of Rare’s specialty cocktails.

Shop for Green Outfits at Copley Place

Copley Square in Boston

Don’t get pinched this St. Patrick’s Day. Boston’s luxury shopping scene is ready and waiting to provide the perfect green outfit for a weekend of drinking and socializing.

At Copley Place, the top recommendation for appropriate attire is Van Cleef & Arpels, for the signature four-leaf clover adornments. After the finery shopping, head to designer stores like Gucci for brightly-colored garments, the flamboyant patterns of Tommy Bahama or the notable affluence of Versace. Department stores like Neiman Marcus carrying hundreds of brands are available onsite, for added variety to find the best in festive fits.

Stroll Through Green Gardens at Tower Hill Botanic Garden

purple allium lucy ball flowers blooming

Boston’s foliage is on show for spring, and St. Patrick’s Day is the opportune weekend to take a stroll in the great outdoors. At Tower Hill Botanic Garden, over 200 acres of stunning plant life take on educational and aesthetic meaning. The selections are meant to inspire others to see the world’s beauty, and the mission is realized through music events, flower sales, and evening activities among lights and splendor. While enjoying the grounds, stop in at Farmer and the Fork for refreshments, or pick up seeds and souvenirs at the Garden Shop. The garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.