March 17, 2025 — Across the nation, Americans are celebrating St. Patrick's Day with vibrant parades, lively pub crawls, and plenty of green attire. From Miami Valley to Cleveland, and down to Savannah, the spirit of the Emerald Isle is alive and well.
Starting on the East Coast, Savannah kicks off its 201st St. Patrick's Day parade at 10:15 AM, drawing thousands to watch the festivities. This year, approximately 40 local youth will carry the flags of Ireland at the beginning of the parade, reviving a tradition from 1988 meant to engage younger generations with their cultural heritage. The weather is expected to cooperate with sunny skies and temperatures reaching 66 degrees, making it perfect for the anticipated crowd.
The parade will begin at East Gwinnett and Abercorn streets before proceeding north on Abercorn to Broughton Street, then east to East Broad, north to Bay Street, west to Savannah City Hall, and finally south on Bull Street to Madison Square. The enthusiasm and excitement of the attendees have been palpable, as many, like Dallas Negaard, have lined up early to secure their spots along the parade route, saying, "It’s like having a friend with a boat. If you know someone with a parade setup, it’s way more fun than doing it yourself!" This statement perfectly encapsulates the communal spirit of the celebration.
Moving northward, Cleveland celebrates its 183rd St. Patrick's Day parade today at 1:04 PM, expected to attract massive crowds to downtown. The parade, renowned as one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the country, kicks off at Superior Avenue and East 18th Street, making its way to Public Square. With more than 130 units, including high school marching bands and pipe bands, the event promises to be a feast of color and culture.
Attendees are advised to arrive early due to parking restrictions starting at 9 AM, which will last until 5 PM. Cleveland Division of Police has implemented increased safety measures, including jersey barriers, to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas. Public Information Officer Freddy Diaz noted the police’s aim to improve safety, stating, "We see other cities, and some of the challenges they face, and we learn from those. We improve our safety measures each time these events occur." Dozens of officers will be deployed along the parade route, alongside emergency medical services to handle any situations.
Swinging back to Miami Valley, the Dublin Pub located on the outskirts is set to open its doors at 5:30 AM for patrons eager to kick off the day's revelry. Owner Steve Tieber estimates attendance could reach between 7,000 and 10,000 people, with $15 tickets granting access to music, dancing, and food, ensuring the festivities start early. The Irish Club of Dayton will follow suit, opening at 7:00 AM with its 'Big O' Breakfast, featuring drink specials, Irish dancers, and live music to keep the energy high.
Harrigans Tavern, opening at 7:00 AM as well, plans to host its special Pav's Day menu alongside live music entertainment. Meanwhile, Flanagans Pub near the University of Dayton will begin their celebrations at 9:00 AM, including Irish dancers and drink specials, with complimentary shuttle services circling through Harrigans and Dublin Pub.
The second annual Springboro St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl is also setting its spirit of festivity with participating locations like Crooked Handle Brewing, and Heather's Café, beginning at 9:00 AM to usher morning drink specials, music, and food. There will be complimentary transport between venues, making it easy to hop around the city’s spirited establishments.
Rounding out Miami Valley’s celebrations, the St. Paddy's Day Piqua Beer Run promises fun at 6:30 PM, inviting participants to jog or walk through its 3.1-mile course with refreshments provided at each mile marker. This fun little twist on traditional races is sure to bring out yet more smiles, with participants encouraged to wear their best green gear.
The joyful celebrations, rich history, and communal weariness on this holiday transform every corner of the country with the green hue of St. Patrick's Day. From dancing with Irish jig and enjoying corned beef and cabbage to enjoying the spirit of neighborhood camaraderie, these local events bring together families and friends, all united under the festive banner. For many, these traditions echo the stories of ancestors and reminders of cultural roots, making the day not just about celebration but also about reflection on heritage.
So whether you're lining the streets of Cleveland, participating in Savannah's parade, or enjoying the live music at Dublin Pub, March 17, 2025, will be remembered as yet another lively and colorful St. Patrick's Day across America!
