Get out your green and put on your drinking cap, the luck o’ the Irish is coming to Providence in a big way. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festivities, among other block parties and events happening throughout the city. Did you know at one time, in 1870, Providence was home to the sixth greatest concentration of Irish in the U.S.? St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Providence
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Providence will be held Sunday, March 10 in the Smith Hill area beginning at noon. This marks the 20th anniversary with founder Patrick Griffin, originally from Athlone, Roscommon, Ireland, who now makes his home in Providence, RI. The parade is considered the largest in the state to celebrate the popular Irish holiday. This year the Mayor of Athlone, Ireland and 30 members of the Irish Military Police are set to attend the parade to honor the anniversary. Feel like getting some exercise prior to the festivities? The Guinness St. Pat’s 5K will start and finish at the State House on March 10 at 11 a.m.
Providence “Luck of the Irish” St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl 2018
Why not do a pub crawl for St. Patrick’s Day this year? The nationwide annual “Luck of the Irish” comes to Providence with three options to stroll the city in your greenest attire. Crawls will begin with registration at GPub on March 10 or 17, or at Whiskey Republic on March 17 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Strollers will receive a wristband, venue map and entry into the GPub St. Paddy’s Day After-Party beginning at 7 p.m. on March 17. Highlights include live music by Tama Girard, Dirty Deeds and the Providence Pipes and Drums.
The Rosendale 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party
Gather your fellow leprechauns and head to Union Street for one of the biggest block parties of the year. The party starts at noon and continues into the night, both inside The Rosendale or outside with heated tents. The famed Irish duo The Tougas Brothers will be performing with Triad, followed by a DJ. Add that to traditional Irish fare, the infamous drunken Irish egg rolls, fun and games … and this is definitely not to be missed!
Stout St. Paddy’s Day Extravaganza
Situated downtown, Stout is the newest pub with an Irish atmosphere to open in Providence. Serving traditional fares such as bangers and mash, Stout is a mix of an Irish pub and entertainment complex, with a full stage for live entertainment. The festivities begin at 9 a.m. with live entertainment, Irish food specials, drink specials, giveaways and more all day long.
Murphy’s Annual St. Paddy's Party
The OG of Irish bars in Providence, Murphy’s was established in 1929 as a lunch hot spot. Now owned by former employee Ruth Ferrazzano and her son, Murphy's carries on the Irish tradition with one heck of a St. Patrick’s Day party. Murphy’s prides itself on Irish cocktail offerings, the ability to catch the overseas “football” games and lively music.
The Irish energy will be felt in full force in Providence on the 17th. Plan to stay overnight, stroll the city to enjoy the festivities and don’t forget about our award-winning dining scene. Click here for more St. Patrick’s Day fun in Providence.
