Five Cities with the Best St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

If you are looking for a great Patrick’s Day celebration, there are certain cities that you should check out. These cities really know how to throw a party and they put out something for everyone. These cities really showcase the fun of St. Patrick’s Day and most likely at least one of them is close enough to you for a visit.  Best of all each city does a little differently which means that you can have lots of options in the years to come. So before you plan your next vacation or St. Patrick’s Day party, be sure to check out the five cities with the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations-

1. Downtown Chicago-The Windy City puts on one the largest and most fun-filled parties for  St. Patrick’s Day anywhere in the country. While the city boasts a large number of citizens of Irish descent, everyone gets in on the fun. It all starts with the dyeing of the Chicago River, which has become world-famous.  Seeing the awesome sight of a large, green river in the middle of Chicago is not a sight to be missed.  After you see the dye color the river, then most people head up to Columbus Drive to take in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. This parade is one of the largest in the country, and has elaborate floats, bag pipe bands, Irish singers and dancers, and lot of other entertainment that reflects the culture of Ireland. After all this fun, it still doesn’t end as many people head to the restaurants, bars and nightclubs to be a part of the vibrant Chicago nightlife, and finish celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
2. Boston-This city has the honor of hosting the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in America in 1737. It is estimated that over ¾ of a million people show up to take part in this city-wide party. With Boston being home to a large population of Irish-Americans, those who come are going to see the true spirit of the Irish. The party starts in Boston at least a full week before March 17th. There are concerts, food expos, contests and parties, which means that there is something for virtually everyone. On March 15th, Boston has one of the largest parades with over 600,000 spectators showing up to take it all in.
3. Washington D.C.-The Nation’s capitol puts on the green when it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. There are many different activities and events that go on even a few days before St. Patrick’s Day. The Shamrock Festival at RFK Stadium is one of the most known and well attended events. This festival usually is held on the 14th of March, and is a showcase for Irish dancers, bands, games and other acts. D.C. also has a large parade the next day, with a full complement of floats, dancers, and even bagpipe players.
4. Kansas City, Missouri-Midwesterners get in on the fun as well. Kansas City has a long history when it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. In 1873 they began their parade that today draws at least 200,000 people to watch. One of the reasons that this parade is so eagerly participated in is that there is a grand prize given to the parade winner. They win a trip to Ireland with all expenses paid! When the parade is over, spectators head up to Westport to finish their celebrating with St. Patrick’s Day partying.
5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-The city of Brotherly Love has a long-standing tradition of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. They have been comemorating the holiday since 1771. Philadelphia’s parade is the second oldest parade and brings about 500,000 people to watch it.