Looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boston? Even if you don’t believe there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, you can’t deny your luck in living in and around a city brimming with creative ways to salute Sláinte in the days leading up to March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.
Boston has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day since 1737 and boasts one of the most robust communities of Irish descendants. One of its iconic St. Patrick’s Day events is the parade in South Boston featuring bands and bagpipes that circle back to 1901. This year’s parade will be held on Sunday, March 16 and kicks off at 11:30 a.m. in South Boston.
There are so many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in and around Boston, from classic Irish dinners featuring corned beef and cabbage, to epic pub crawls, cocktail classes, treasure hunts and green sweets and treats. We curated a guide to creative ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boston.
Green Beer and Live Irish Band
The Wellington, Belmont
To kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend, The Wellington will be offering live music by its residency Irish band Malin on Friday, March 14 from 8-10 pm. Malin’s duo of Dave Moore and Chuck Clough has shared the stage with the Wallflowers, Gin Blossoms, America and Livingston Taylor and more. There is no cover charge, but guests are encouraged to reserve a table via Resy in advance or enjoy the music with no reservation at a bar seat. All weekend long (Friday-Sunday from 4:30-9:30 pm), The Wellington will also be serving green beer as a St. Patrick’s Day special.
Treasure Hunt
Shamrock Shop Hop, Newburyport
Hunt for gold shamrocks in stores throughout charming Newburyport in its first Shamrock Shop Hop. Pop around town and enjoy festive giveaways, refreshments and a chance to win a $150 Port Tavern Gift card.
Themed Treats and Eats
Eva’s Little Kitchen, Bedford
All St. Patrick’s Day weekend long, Eva’s Little Kitchen will offer an array of St. Patrick’s Day themed treats and prepared foods such as Shepherd’s Pie, in-house made Corned Beef & Cabbage, Corned Beef Croissant with swiss and whole grain mustard, Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes (made with Guinness cupcake and whiskey mascarpone filling, and topped with Bailey’s whipped cream), decorated Clove Shortbread Cookies, Irish soda bread, and more.
Luck of the Irish Corned Beef & Potato Pizza
Pantry Pizza, Dorchester
On Sunday, March 16th from 11am-9:30pm, Pantry Pizza is welcoming all St. Patrick’s Day paraders from its bordering neighborhood, South Boston, and is re-introducing its limited-time “Luck of the Irish” Corned Beef & Potato Pizza, which will also be available as a Pantry Pizza Bowl, for one-day only for takeout and delivery – and will also offer Reuben Paninis and Irish Curry Fries.
Order online at www.pantrypizza.com or by calling 617-282-0033.
Get Lucky Package
Revere Hotel Boston Common, Boston
Celebrate the luck of the Irish all March long at Revere Hotel Boston Common with their exclusive Get Lucky Package, the perfect way to experience Boston’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Guests will enjoy luxurious overnight accommodations and a $50 dining credit to Rebel’s Guild, the hotel’s lively gastropub known for bold flavors and creative cocktails. From March 15–18, Rebel’s Guild will feature a special St. Paddy’s Menu with festive Irish-inspired dishes and celebratory drinks, making it the ultimate spot to raise a glass to good fortune.
Pub Crawls
Scores and more, Boston
Located across from the Celtics’ kingdom, Scores will be getting into the spirit of Eire as a stop on two of Boston’s favorite bar crawls. Up first is the Get Lucky Pub Crawl on March 15 at noon which brings together 20,000 merrymakers for barhopping through the West End, Faneuil Hall, the Seaport District and more. On St. Patrick’s Day from 6 pm-midnight, it’s Barcrawlerz’ “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” bar crawl with ten stops throughout the city. Scores will feature specialty green tea shots ($5) for the two events.
Classic Irish dinner and dancing
Sweeney’s at The Lenox Hotel, Boston
Sweeney’s is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a festive menu featuring classic Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, potato salad, and fish and chips, along with additional delicious offerings. Guests can enjoy these traditional favorites while Irish step dancers perform throughout the hotel lobby, beginning at 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 16.
St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate & Treats
L.A. Burdick, Boston Cambridge and Brookline
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at L.A. Burdick with a deliciously original Irish Chocolate Assortment, featuring handcrafted bonbons inspired by the flavors of Ireland. This special collection offers a unique twist on traditional Irish treats, making it the perfect indulgence for the holiday.
And if you are really getting into the Irish mood this St. Patrick’s Day, read all about how to plan a trip to Ireland itself this spring or summer!