How to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans

Deep Irish roots and citizens with a propensity to party lead to St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations like no others in the city of New Orleans--often for several days. Knowing how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans will make you think you have found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Instructions

1. Find a spot along Magazine Street or St. Charles Avenue to view the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Club Parade. Tuxedo-clad marchers trade paper flowers for a kiss on the cheek while float riders toss green beads, green doubloons, cabbages, and potatoes to eager viewers.

2. Attend New Orleans’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day block party at Parasol’s Bar in the Irish Channel. Parasol’s is the center of this celebration, but the party spills into the surrounding streets. Despite large crowds, there is plenty of green beer for everyone.

3. For a more family friendly block-party, head to Annunciation Square near Race and Chippewa Streets for a party with food from local restaurants, Irish music and dancers, art and craft booths, and, of course, green beer. All of the proceeds from this event benefit St. Michael’s Special School.

4. Head to Molly’s at the Market on Decatur Street. This Irish bar is the starting and ending point for the French Quarter St. Patrick's Day Parade. Whether watching from the sidewalk or marching along, Molly’s is the central spot to see it all.

5. Visit one of the city’s smaller Irish pubs. Each pub generally has its own way to celebrate the spirited holiday.

6. Don’t forget to wear green. Tradition prevails at most St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New Orleans. Show up without green, and you may get pinched!

Resources

• Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club
• Molly's at the Market
• Parasols