Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, Philly! Not all of you might be Irish, but we will all be acting like this this March for Philadelphia’s Saint Patrick’s Day weekend. The madness starts Friday, March 13th, and kicks off the long weekend of events, and it continues until Tuesday, March 17th. We’ve gathered up the best recommendations that will fill up your calendar. From endless events, bar crawls, and must-visit Irish pubs, will Philly be lucky enough to have the perfect weekend?
Erin Express Saint Patrick’s Day bar crawl
Saturday, March 14th, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
We were all crawlers at some point, so why not use it to our advantage? The bar crawl, you do I don’t want to miss you. Erin Express, run by Urban Craft and Crawl, is the most iconic and longest-running crawl in the city. With over 30 bars to choose from (or hit all 30 for our real fighters), this crawl has something for everyone. While finding yourself in Center City on a magical holiday like this one, if you want a guaranteed good time, here are the five bars off of Erin Express’s 30 you’ll need to hit. If you like to dance, Bru Craft, Wurst, and Ladder 15 always bring a good vibe. If you need to feel like a real leprechaun, Finn McCools Ale House and Fado Irish pub. Last but not least, need an energy boost? Milkboy (Seriously, the espresso martini). Tickets start as low as $17.
Saint Patrick’s Day at Sesame Place
Saturday, March 14th, and Sunday, March 15th
While bars and crazy crowds might be all the rage for some, family-friendly activities also deserve a spot on the list. Sesame Place in Bucks County is a magical place to take the little ones for theme rides, a special Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, and so much more. A way to ring in the holiday, create new memories, and feel the spirit of Saint Patty’s while decked out in green and Shamrocks.
Philadelphia’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday, March 15th, 9:00 a.m.
For all those early birds or people who are still awake after their bar crawl experience, the famous Saint Patrick’s Day parade is the place you’ll wanna be Sunday morning. Pre-mass begins at 9:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church on 20th and Locust. Starting at 11:00 am, the parade will start at 16th and John F. Kennedy Boulevard and end at the Philadelphia Art Museum. For those who cannot attend the parade in person, it will be televised on Philly 57 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The parade will include Irish dancers, bands, and community groups celebrating Irish culture.
McGillin’s Old Ale House Saint Patrick’s Day
Tuesday, March 17th
The oldest bar in Philadelphia also happens to be the most iconic spot you could go to on your Patty’s journey. If you find yourself still craving the weekend, stop into this time machine of a restaurant and bar. Make a couple of cringey Irish jokes to your server, ask your bartender an inappropriate amount of questions about the history of the building as if they were there for the original days of it, and enjoy the 50 Cent Buffalo wing deal and find yourself an Irish-style beer. What if I am not cool and don’t like an awesome wing deal? Well, don’t worry, there are plenty of Irish-inspired dishes on the menu. This includes Fish and Chips, Shepherds pie, and Bangers and mash. Touch Tunes will have all the best Irish folk music queued, and the vibes will be unmatched. Don’t forget to tip your servers and bartenders, and happy Saint Patrick’s Day.
The Plough and the Stars
Tuesday March 17th
This iconic restaurant in Old City is a place to slow down on Saint Patrick’s Day and have amazing, authentic Irish dishes. A place for all ages, and anyone with good taste in food, this spot can be an intimate experience. From the famous Guinness casserole to the live music sessions, you won’t even feel like you are in Philadelphia anymore. So take a trip, even if it’s right down the street, and feel the Irish love.
Peddlers Village
March 15th, 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Think you are faster than a leprechaun? Well, Peddlers Village is trying to put you to that test with their 5k and 8k races. Shake your shamrock races are fun for all ages, but for our little Irishmen can do the kids’ little leprechaun fun run. A great way to end the eventful Saint Patrick’s weekend is a good day to get your steps in!
Philadelphia has something for everyone this coming holiday. So make the plans now and have a Sham-rockin’ celebration!
