Last Minute Plans? Here’s What to Do in New York City on St. Patrick’s Day

When you look at March 17th and the calendar, and think of something to do from that evening, there’s only so many possibilities before we reach the obvious. Before we break out that ID to hand to the bartender, let’s see what else we can do in the gigantic New York City on St. Patrick’s Day before that amber sunset creeps over. 

St. Patty’s Day Parade

This year, the 264th St. Patty’s Day parade will take place on Monday, March 17 2025. This is the largest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the whole world, and will start at 11 a.m. sharp. The parade begins on East 44th Street and will make its way up Fifth Avenue until East 79th. The parade draws about 2 million spectators, it is quite the sight to behold. 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Tapping into the historical aspects of March 17, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. It’s the largest cathedral in the U.S., and is the starting point for the colossal parade. It’s a prime example of neo-gothic architecture and taking up the space of one city block means there’s lots to look at.

Traveling south underneath the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral lies the catacombs. Before the city-block sized cathedral was constructed, this Basilica was the location of the first Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. This underground exhibit showcases New York’s past and the inner workings of the church in its prime. 

Tap into that Irish Spirit(s)

New York’s Irish Centre will also be hosting its 40 Shades of Green event. 40 Shades of Green, not the Johnny Cash Song, is a cultural marathon celebrating all things Irish. There will be song and dance, a St. Patty’s Day feast and of course lots of green! The New York Irish Centre is located at 1040 Jackson Ave # 3, Long Island. 

You’ve had a day of dancing, parades, and even learned some history about St. Patrick himself and the cathedral. Time to take a well earned rest of navigating a very busy city, and enjoy a fresh pint. Finding a bar or pub will be no struggle in New York City for St. Patrick’s Day; thousands of them line the streets. On a day like St. Patty’s day you can probably just look to the direction the nearest person is walking unsteadily from, and you will most likely find a pint with your name on it.

Sources:

• https://www.nycstpatricksparade.org/
• https://www.newyorkirishcenter.org/
• https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/
• https://www.oldcathedral.org/
• https://www.overhereny.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nycs-st-patricks-day-parade/