6 Best Family-Friendly St. Patrick's Day Events In New York
Each year, people from around the world flock to New York to celebrate Irish Heritage on St. Patrick's Day. In addition to the parades, there are several different celebrations to attend. So pack up the family and dress the kids up as leprechauns and get ready for a pot o' memories, worth their weight in gold.
Related: NYC's 5 Best Irish Pubs
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Parade Route: Starts at 44th Street (on 5th Avenue); Finishes at 86th Street
New York, NY 10036
(718) 231-4400
nycstpatricksparade.org
March 17. 2012, 11:00 a.m.
This year marks the 251st St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City. Since 1762, this parade has been bringing shamrocks, bagpipes and Irish dancing to New York.
To avoid the throngs of people that pack the sidewalks from 44th-59th Streets, find a spot above 66th Street. The Metropolitan Museum Steps are always a good choice. The best kept secrets are spots along the sidewalks of 83rd- 86th Streets where the parade route ends. Fewer folks make this trek uptown. With several great Irish Pubs in the neighborhood offering tasty traditional fare, you have many places to choose from after an exciting day of parade watching.
37th Annual Brooklyn Irish American Parade
Parade Route: 15th Street to 7th Avenue; Along 7th Avenue to Garfield Place; Up Garfield Place
to Prospect Park West; Along Prospect Park West to 15th Street
Park Slope
Brooklyn, NY 11215
brooklynstpatricksparade.com
March 18, 2012, 1 p.m.
If you're looking for a smaller St. Patty's Day Parade that still features all the bells and bagpipes, Park Slope may be the best place to take the family. A calmer, less crowded version of the New York City parade, The Brooklyn Irish American Parade is a fun way to celebrate the holiday.
14th Annual Irish Festival
Hofstra University
Physical Education Building
University North Campus
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6582
hofstra.edu
Price: $6; $4 for Seniors (65 and older); Free for Children 12 & Under
Date :March 11, 2012
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Looking for a fun filled way to honor Irish heritage? This Celtic celebration promises a good time for the whole family. Enjoy a day filled with traditional music, dance, crafts and delicious Irish delicacies. Come for a few hours, or stay for the day. You will be glad you made the trip.
St. Patrick's Day Irish New York Walking Tour
Big Onion Walking Tours
Meets in front of St. Paul's Chapel
209 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
(212) 439-1090
bigonion.com
March 17, 2012, 11 a.m.
If you want to celebrate the day learning about the history of Irish immigrants in New York City, this educational tour of 'Little Ireland" may be what you're looking for. The tour makes stops throughout the Lower East Side. This step back into history is fun for the whole family. Be sure to wear your walking shoes because the tour lasts up to two hours.
Related: NYC's 6 Best Walking Tours
Irish Arts Center Open Day Celebration
553 West 51st St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 757-3318
irishartscenter.org
March 17, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Spend the day celebrating Irish heritage through music, dance and film. This family focused event includes a free Gaelic kid's class. Stop by on your way to or from the parade to provide your family with an authentic and educational Irish experience.
The Chieftains With Paddy Moloney
Carnegie Hall
881 7th Ave
New York, NY 10019
(212) 247-7800
carnegiehall.orgMarch 17. 2012, 8 p.m.
$14.50 - $88
The Chieftains have long defined the meaning of Irish music. Considered Ireland's official Music Ambassadors, these six-time Grammy winners define Irish music. With a long list of special guests, this musical treat is sure to be a night the whole family will remember.
