Photo by Jeffrey Pearce

I grew up in Chicago where they celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by dying the river green. The whole city came out on that day, despite the cold, to celebrate that green river and the green pride ! New York has the most famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade that maintains its 250 year old roots by remaining a true marchers parade. No floats, automobiles or commercial elements are permitted. This is all about Irish traditions, societies and costume. You will see drummers, line dancers, bagpipers, beautifully decorated horses and did I say bagpipers? You will hear and see plenty of those! Oh, and you will be able to see a variety of lovely kilts in all their colorful patterns.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on Wednesday, March 17th and starts at 44th Street at 11 am. The parade marches up Fifth Avenue past St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th Street all the way up past the American Irish Historical Society at 83rd and the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 83rd Street to 86th Street, where the parade finishes around 4:30 – 5:00 pm

Best viewing locations: To avoid the crowds that pack the sidewalks below 59th Street, go anywhere North of 66th Street and Fifth Avenue. The upper steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art provide a great view. You can get a close-up view of the marchers at 86th Street where the Parade route ends and the marchers disband and embark to go home or to celebrate.

If you don’t want to brave the crowds and possibly miserable weather, there are other ways to “get your green on”.

• On St. Patrick’s Day, Bounce U is having a St. Patrick’s Day Preschool Playdate. Visit them from 10 am – 12 pm and wear green to receive $2 off. There is also a family bounce night from 5-7 pm so you can bounce off that dinner! ($2 off that session too) Brooklyn BounceU 6722 Fort Hamilton Pkwy 2nd Floor  (Entrance on 67th St & 9th Ave)  Brooklyn, NY 11219  Phone: (718) 836-JUMP (5867)
• Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is on Sunday, March 28th at 1 pm.  For More Information, Please call: Cell 917-582-7171
• One of my favorite play spaces, NY Kids Club is celebrating by having a party on Friday, March 19th from 3:30 pm- 6:30 pm. Though it isn’t at their Park Slope location, it would be worth a trip. I love their soft play rooms with great swings and gym mats.  Adults can grab a green beer (ahh…) and a bagel while children enjoy gym activities, live entertainment and a pizza dinner. $40, $20 for each additional child in the same family and it is free for adults. 38 E. 22nd Street – 212-375-1100
  Manhattan , NY 10010

Here is a great list of all St. Patrick Day’s Activities, from bands (the Chieftans are coming to Town Hall!) to local Irish rock bands. Or course, Riverdance will be making an appearance at Radio City Music Hall.

If you want to head for a draft too, there is a great list of Irish pubs here and here. The editors tell you which ones are the most crowded and what deals they have for St. Patty’s Day.

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