St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Across The U.S. Offer Community Spirit And Festivity
Communities gear up for one of the most celebrated holidays, showcasing Irish-American heritage through vibrant parades and local festivities.
With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, cities across the United States are brimming with excitement as they prepare for large-scale celebrations of Irish culture. From parades to community events, the holiday offers locals and visitors alike the chance to don their green attire and join the festivities.
One of the most anticipated events is the Woodbridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, scheduled for March 9. Known as one of the largest celebrations of Irish-American heritage in New Jersey, the parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m., starting at Woodbridge High School and concluding at Woodbridge Town Hall on Main Street. “Our parade committee has worked for months to put on the parade. I am proud to lead the effort to share our Irish heritage & entertainment for the entire community to enjoy,” said 2025 parade chair Keven McCreary.
The event is organized by the American Irish Association of Woodbridge, which also engages with local veteran communities and supports local initiatives. This year’s honorees include Ed McSherry, the Grand Marshal, whose family roots trace back to Ireland, highlighting the personal connections many have to the holiday. Other honorees include Sean Daly as Irish Man of the Year and Peggy Foley as Irish Woman of the Year, reflecting the community’s recognition of their contributions.
Meanwhile, Texas is ready to roll out their own version of St. Patrick's Day cheer. The 44th annual Dallas Mavs St. Patrick's Parade and Festival will take place on March 15, with thousands expected to gather on Greenville Avenue. The parade will commence at Blackwell Street and culminate at SMU Boulevard at Central Expressway. A celebratory concert will follow at Energy Square, creating an all-day festive atmosphere.
Not to be overshadowed, the St. Paddy’s Day Dash—a 5K run—provides fitness enthusiasts with the opportunity to burn off some energy before enjoying the festivities. “We’ve had locals running down Greenville wearing green for 30 years, and we can’t wait for the fun,” noted one of the event organizers.
For those planning to celebrate closer to home or at their favorite local bars, promotions are already rolling out. For example, the Detroit Pistons have launched their St. Patrick's Day collection, featuring themed gear including t-shirts and gear adorned with shamrocks, perfect for fans during the holiday.
Moving to Pennsylvania, the state is gearing up for its own exciting lineup of parades. Scranton’s celebration is one of the largest nationwide, starting with the Brian P. Kelly Memorial Race on March 8, and the grand parade beginning at 11:45 a.m. at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Wyoming Avenue. Just to the south, the city of Pittston will also hold its parade festivities on March 1, featuring various local events and community participation.
Similarly, Wilkes-Barre will host its 45th annual St. Patrick's Day parade on March 9, showcasing over 100 groups to celebrate the day. But not all towns are participating—Girardville, unfortunately, will not hold its parade for the next year.
Meanwhile, Savannah is preparing for its famous annual St. Patrick's Day celebration, marking its 201st year. “Think about a busy Saturday downtown and then multiply it by 50; that's St. Patrick's Day,” said Brayden O’Connor from Southern Crown Partners. Bars and restaurants are ramping up their preparations, anticipating immense crowds. The Rail Pub's owner, Melissa Swanson, echoed this enthusiasm, explaining how their preparation includes ordering special merchandise and staffing up.
“This will be our 30th St. Patrick’s Day, and we’re ready to welcome the crowd,” Swanson expressed.
Businesses like Pour Larry’s are also ensuring they’re stocked appropriately, getting ready to serve their loyal patrons during the holiday. Bars are not just expecting crowds; they are preparing with anticipation, knowing the day is significant for their bottom line.
All across the U.S., the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day is alive and well, reminding us of the rich traditions and community bonds forged through celebration. With unique events and local flair, this holiday is more than just wearing green; it's about celebrating heritage, inclusion, and togetherness.
An estimated 150 parades and festivals take place nationwide, each showcasing the cultures and histories of their communities. Whether through Irish music, traditional foods, or lively festivities, St. Patrick's Day serves as both celebration and homage to those who paved the way for future generations.