St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans is a festive occasion that lasts over a few weeks. The celebrations are filled with parades, block parties, and plenty of green beer. As a resident of New Orleans, I have experienced the excitement of the holiday firsthand for many years. I can attest that it is one of the world’s most unique and enjoyable St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
St. Partic’s Day is officially March 17th every year, but the festivities kick off and continue through the following weekend. The highlight of the celebrations is the Irish Channel Parade, which winds through the streets of the Irish Channel neighborhood and features floats, walking groups, and plenty of beads and vegetables. Other notable parades include the Downtown Irish Club Parade and the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade.
If parades are not your thing, numerous block parties and pub crawls exist throughout the city. Many local bars and restaurants offer special St. Patrick’s Day menus and drink specials. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional Irish music and dance. Whether you are a local or a visitor, St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans is an experience you will never forget.
History of St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans
As it turns out, the Irish have celebrated their patron saint in the Crescent City for over 200 years. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in New Orleans was held in 1809 and organized by a group of Irish immigrants who had settled there.
The parade was a small affair, consisting of a few floats and a marching band, but it set the stage for what would become one of the city’s most beloved traditions.
Over the years, the St. Patrick’s Day parades in New Orleans have grown in size and scope, with more floats, bands, and participants. Today, the different celebrations draw crowds of thousands to the streets of the Irish Channel and beyond.
One of the most unique aspects of St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans is the substantial block parties and lots of green beer. These parties are held all over the city, with residents and visitors coming together to celebrate the holiday with food, drink, and music.
The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations showcase the city’s rich Irish heritage. They are a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who call it home.
Patrick’s Day Festivities and Parades
A few St Patrick’s Day parades and events happen throughout the weeks of St. Patrick’s Day. This annual celebration allows people to hang out and catch plenty of green beads while enjoying the festivities of the parades.
Molly’s at the Market
Molly’s at the Market is a popular Irish bar in the French Quarter that hosts its own parade on the Friday before St. Patrick’s Day. Dutly named St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl and Parade
The parade starts at 6 pm and goes through the French Quarter, stopping at several bars. It’s a great way to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in New Orleans.
Downtown Irish Club Parade
The Downtown Irish Club Parade is family-friendly on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. The parade has a pre-party at Marigny Brassiere, corner of Frenchmen St and Royal St. It starts at Washington Park right at 6 pm. The parade lasts four hours and goes through the Central Business District, passing by several pubs and ending with a block party at the Ugly Dog Saloon.
Irish Channel Parade
The Irish Channel Parade is one of the oldest and most popular St. Patrick’s Day parades in the city – and is THE PARADE that most locals think of when they think of St Patrick’s Day. It takes place on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day and starts at 1 pm. The parade goes through the Irish Channel neighborhood, passing several bars and restaurants along the way. It is one of the most significant events of the year.
St Patrick’s Day Parade on Metairie Road
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Metairie takes place on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day and starts at noon. The parade goes through the streets of Metairie and features floats, marching bands, and plenty of throws. Be prepared to ring pounds of produce home because you will catch enough cabbage and potatoes for weeks!
Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade
In New Orleans, we celebrate the Irish and the combination of all of our heritages together. The Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade occurs in Metairie on the Saturday after St. Patrick’s Day and starts at noon. The parade celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana’s Irish and Italian communities. This parade rolls on the traditional Veterans Highway route in Metairie that many Mardi Gras Day parades also take.
St Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Community Parade
A few weeks after all of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities is a fun parade celebrating the Irish community in St Bernard Parish! With over 50 floats and 300,000 pounds of produce, this event is excellent if you are ready to cross the parish line.
Parade Traditions
One of the most beloved traditions of the St. Patrick’s Day parades in New Orleans is the throwing of cabbages, potatoes, and other vegetables. You will see that all parade goers bring a big bag to collect the vegetables and take them home to cook.
Another tradition is when the men in the different walking parades exchange a paper flower or rose for a kiss on the cheek! You will find tons of flowers along the parade route, so if you want one, you must sneak a kiss for St. Paddy’s Day. If you have too many flowers, that might mean you have many guys you gave kisses to!
And, of course, with any St Patrick’s Day celebration – make sure you wear your green!
Irish Places to Visit
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans, there are plenty of Irish-themed bars and local Irish pubs that you can visit. Here are some of the best places to check out:
Party at Gennaro’s Irish Fest
Have you ever wanted to hang out at the oldest bar in Metairie or party under the bridge! Gennaro’s holds a block party to celebrate their Irish heritage. From food, drinks and live music this is a fun event to attend!
Boondock Saint
Boondock Saint is a popular Irish bar in the Garden District’s heart. This Bar is known for its friendly staff, great drinks, and lively atmosphere. They have a wide selection of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails, so you’re sure to find something you like. They also have live music on the weekends, which adds to the festive atmosphere.
Erin Rose
Erin Rose is one of my favorite places to get a Frozen Irish Coffee in the French Quarter. They also have a great selection of beers and cocktails and a jukebox that plays all your favorite tunes. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, so you’ll feel at home.
Fahy’s Irish Pub
Fahy’s Irish Pub is a family-owned bar serving the New Orleans community for over 30 years. This Bar is known for its incredible selection of beers and whiskeys. It is not your traditional Irish Bar with food and Irish music, but it will help you escape Bourbon Street for a while.
Pat O’Brien’s
Pat O’Brien’s is a New Orleans institution that has existed since 1933. It’s not a super Irish place, but the name surely adds it to this list. This Bar is known for its famous Hurricane cocktail, a must-try in the area. They also have a great selection of beers, other cocktails, and live music on the weekends. The atmosphere is lively and festive, so you’ll have a great time.
Finn McCool’s
Finn McCool’s is a beloved Irish bar in the Mid-City neighborhood and is the perfect place to spend St. Patrick’s Day. They host one of the best block parties for everything Irish and have some of the tastiest Irish Stew and best Irish Dancing. If you are lucky to be there, you can meet St. Patrick and witness the world’s shortest parade.
Tracey’s
Tracey’s is a popular Irish bar located in the Irish Channel neighborhood but moved down a few blocks on Magazine St. This Bar is known for its delicious roast beef po-boys, a must-try if you’re in the area. They also have a great selection of beers, whiskeys, and live music on the weekends. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, so you’ll feel at home.
Parasol’s Bar and Restaurant
Parasols is one of my favorite places to go to after the end of the Irish Channel parade. You will find a fun block party, food specials, and green beer.
Higgins Hotel
Higgins Hotel is a historic hotel located in the Arts District. This hotel is known for its elegant rooms, luxurious amenities, and Irish-themed Bar, Rosie’s on the Roof. This rooftop bar has stunning city views and a great selection of beers and cocktails. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day of exploring.
Like this post? Pin for Later!
Cultural Events and Entertainment
New Orleans takes St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to the next level as a city that loves to party. In addition to the lively parades and block parties, the city also offers a variety of cultural events and entertainment options for visitors and locals alike.
Irish Cultural Museum
Visiting the Irish Cultural Museum is a must for those interested in learning more about Irish heritage and culture. Located in the historic French Quarter, this museum showcases the contributions of Irish immigrants to New Orleans and the United States. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Irish immigration and the struggles and triumphs of the Irish-American community.
Deutsches Haus
Deutsches Haus will be ceremonially handed over to the Irish to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. This cultural center hosts various events throughout the year, including a popular Oktoberfest celebration. During St. Patrick’s Day, the Deutsches Haus offers German food, beer, and live music to complement the Irish festivities.
Live Music
As a city known for its music, New Orleans offers a variety of live performances during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. From traditional Irish music to jazz and blues, visitors can enjoy diverse musical styles. Many local bars and restaurants also offer live music during the holiday, making it easy to find a spot to enjoy some tunes while sipping green beer.
Dance Performances
In addition to live music, New Orleans also offers a variety of dance performances during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. From traditional Irish step dancing to contemporary dance styles, visitors can enjoy a range of performances throughout the city. The Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade also features several dance groups, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Activities
While many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New Orleans are geared toward adults, plenty of family-friendly activities are available. The Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a fun event for all ages, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and dancers. Families can also picnic in one of the city’s many parks or stroll through the historic French Quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and times for the New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day parades in 2024?
The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New Orleans are known for their multi-week festivities, including parades and block parties. In 2024, the St. Patrick’s Day parades will occur on March 16th and 17th. The parades typically start in the morning and continue throughout the day, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time to plan your day accordingly.
What unique traditions can I expect during the New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day celebrations?
New Orleans uniquely blends Irish and Cajun cultures, making for an extraordinary St. Patrick’s Day celebration. You can expect to see traditional Irish music, dancing, and plenty of green beer. One of the most unique traditions in New Orleans is exchanging paper flowers for kisses from the walking groups.
Are there any family-friendly events for St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans or Metairie?
Yes! While some of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in New Orleans can be rowdy, there are plenty of family-friendly events to enjoy. Many of the parades have designated family zones, and there are also kid-friendly activities like face painting and crafts. In nearby Metairie, a family-friendly block party takes place on St. Patrick’s Day.
How does the New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day celebration differ from other cities?
New Orleans uniquely blends Irish and Cajun cultures, making for an extraordinary St. Patrick’s Day celebration. While other cities may focus solely on traditional Irish celebrations, New Orleans adds its own twist with Cajun food and music. Additionally, the celebrations in New Orleans are known for their multi-week festivities, which sets them apart from other cities.
What are some tips for enjoying the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in New Orleans safely and comfortably?
If you plan on attending the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in New Orleans, wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking and standing. It’s also important to stay hydrated and to pace yourself when it comes to drinking alcohol. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, as large crowds can sometimes lead to pickpocketing and other types of theft.
Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic.
