Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, is a tribute to Irish culture and the legacy of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. Across Pennsylvania, cities and towns come alive with vibrant parades, spirited bar crawls, and thrilling events that embody the Irish spirit. Don your green and plan an early spring trip to enjoy these unforgettable free parades and celebrations this month. Sláinte!
SCRANTON SAINT PATRICK’S PARADE
Known as "Parade Day" by locals, the Scranton Saint Patrick's Parade is Lackawanna County's biggest celebration and a true spectacle of Irish pride. With the festivities starting at 11:45 a.m., this annual event will draw 150,000 spectators, and feature more than 12,000 participants, including bagpipers, Irish dancers, marching bands, and dazzling floats.
When: March 8
When: Scranton
WILKES-BARRE ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
Immerse yourself in Irish culture at the 45th Annual Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This vibrant celebration, that will start at 2 p.m., lights up the city with exciting entertainment and a festive spirit. Drawing more than 100 groups and 1,500 participants, the parade will include non-profit organizations, local businesses, youth groups, pageant winners, and emergency response teams showcasing their Irish pride in unique ways.
When: March 9
When: Wilkes-Barre
ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEKEND
For three straight days, you can Celebrate the Green in historic Peddler’s Village the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. This daily festive celebration is packed with fun that will transport you overseas, including activities like the Find the Pots o’ Gold scavenger hunt and the Shake Your Shamrock Fun Run. Savor classic Irish food and drinks with special deals at local favorites like Peddler’s Pub and Hart’s Tavern. Don’t miss the Taste of Ireland Sunday Brunch at the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant, featuring a full Irish breakfast, plus other treats like homemade scones and soda bread.
When: March 14-17
When: New Hope
PITTSBURGH ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
A Steel City staple since the 1800s, the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates Pennsylvania's Irish heritage. The second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world, this annual event brings the city to life with dancers, vibrant marching bands, and more than 200 dazzling floats. Kicking off at 10 a.m., you won’t want to miss special appearances that will include Pennsylvania’s own Punxsutawney Phil! New in 2025 is the Parade Day Dash, a family-friendly run through downtown Pittsburgh. Lace up your running shoes before the start of America’s Grand St. Patrick's Day event.
When: March 15
When: Pittsburgh
ERIE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Experience the luck and community spirit of the Erie St. Patrick’s Day Parade with local bands, community groups, and organizations from across the greater Erie area marching to the sounds of the bagpipe starting at 2 p.m. Head to the main Perry Square for lively commentary from a local MC, adding an extra touch to the celebration. Before the parade, start your day with green eggs and ham, perfectly paired with a classic pint of Guinness at Sullivan’s Pub & Eatery, one of the oldest Irish bars in the nation.
When: March 15
When: Erie
CELTIC CLASSIC PARADE OF SHAMROCKS
Get ready to shake your shamrocks in downtown Bethlehem when you attend the 14th annual Celtic Classic Parade of Shamrocks starting at 1 p.m. After the parade, indulge in Irish-themed menus and drink specials at pubs along Main and Broad Streets. Stop in Donegal Square to shop for Celtic imports from Ireland and the British Isles.
When: March 15
When: Bethlehem
PHILADELPHIA ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
Get ready to don your green and lucky charms at the 255th Annual Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade, held in the nation’s second-largest Irish heritage city. Celebrate Irish pride starting at 11 a.m. with vibrant performances and parade floats along the historic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. After the parade, head to Con Murphy’s: An Irish Pub for a delicious bite as you enjoy classic Shepherd’s Pie, Guinness Beef Stew, or Con’s Reuben - all you can perfectly pair with an Irish Coffee or a refreshing pint of Guinness.
When: March 16
When: Philadelphia
STROUDSBURG ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Experience the Irish charm of Stroudsburg's 46th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, hosted by the Pocono Irish American Club! This festive two-mile parade will start at 1:15 p.m. and draw thousands of visitors to Stroudsburg as the town celebrates Irish culture and heritage with pipe bands, Irish dancers, and spirited local organizations. While you're in town, savor a classic shepherd’s pie paired with a pint at Siamsa Irish Pub.
When: March 23
When: Stroudsburg
ALLENTOWN ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
Extend your St. Patrick’s Day festivities and celebrate all things Irish in the Lehigh Valley at the Allentown St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Kicking off at 1:30 p.m., enjoy lively entertainment featuring 10 pipe bands and more than 2,000 marchers from schools, organizations, businesses, and community groups throughout the greater Lehigh Valley. Stay in the festive Irish spirit with pre-parade events all week long leading up to the parade, including spirited pub crawls on March 15, and the West End St. Patrick's 5K at noon on parade day.
When: March 23
When: Allentown
To learn about more fun things to do in the spring in Pennsylvania, check out the VISIT PA website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay up to date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around the state. Don’t forget to never miss an update