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St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, and many cities are celebrating Irish heritage all weekend long. New York City throws the largest parade in the United States, but cities of all sizes create unique St. Paddy’s events. Wondering where to celebrate near you? Here are seven locations planning impressive celebrations ahead of and on St. Patrick’s Day.
Boston
The city’s parade dates back to 1737 and draws up to around a million spectators. The route is 3.5 miles long in South Boston and also celebrates Evacuation Day, when British forces evacuated the city after an 11-month siege of Boston in 1776.
Lansdowne Pub, across from Fenway Park, and the Black Rose in downtown, are just two of the many pubs hosting festivities throughout the week, including live local bands and traditional Irish music.
San Francisco
March is Irish-American heritage month, and the Irish-American Crossroads Festival is hosting a series of cultural events through April that explore the Irish experience in the Americas. Ticket prices vary, but visitors can find the complete schedule and pricing here.
On March 16, the city will have more than 100 floats, bands and other entrants marching in its 173rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is free. Event organizers say it’s the largest parade west of the Mississippi River . The route starts on 2nd Street and Market Street, goes down Market Street and finishes at City Hall. Food and drinks from various vendors as well as live music and plenty of activities for children will be part of the festival taking place at Civic Center Plaza starting at 2 p.m.
The United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco will host a free daylong celebration and Green Fest Block Party on St. Patrick’s Day featuring live music, vendors, a hot corned beef and cabbage meal and Irish dancers.
Chicago
This year, the Chicago plumbers union will once again dye the Chicago River green on March 16; the best views to see this in action are from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks.
The city offers not one but three St. Patrick’s Day parades, starting with a downtown parade on March 16. It’s followed by a festival at the Irish American Heritage Center ($15 in advance; $20 that day for adults). Festivities continue the next day with the South Side Irish Parade and the Northwest Side Irish neighborhood parade. Both are free.