March 17 marks one of our favorite holidays to celebrate with friends and family: Saint Patrick’s Day! Put on your favorite green accessories, grab some friends, and ride with C&J Bus Lines to New York City for a weekend of Irish festivities, with the added bonus of an easy, stress-free trip.
With so many parades, pubs, and cultural events happening around the city, it can be hard to decide what to do, but don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day activities and attractions that are worth your time (and your trip to NYC).
Iconic for being the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the entire world, this procession down Fifth Avenue draws huge crowds of revelers. Watch as bagpipers, Irish step dancers, and marching bands wow the crowds with their skills.
This year, the 265th New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will take place along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Plan to arrive in plenty of time before the start to get a good view. It’s a fantastic way to kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend and support the nearly 150,000 people who march each year.
After cheering on the parade, nothing beats warming up with a hearty Irish meal and a pint at a classic pub.
Doc Watson’s is a favorite stop near the parade route, known for its comforting dishes like Irish stew and shepherd’s pie, along with plenty of Guinness to celebrate the holiday. The pub often features live music, making it a lively spot to continue the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
If you're looking for a slightly quieter atmosphere, Trinity Pub offers a cozy neighborhood setting with authentic Irish décor, great food, and a welcoming place to relax after the parade crowds.
Take a step back in time at McSorley’s Old Ale House, widely known as the oldest Irish tavern in New York City. When you walk through the doors, you’ll find walls covered in historic photographs and newspaper clippings, sawdust still scattered across the floors, and bartenders serving their famous house brews.
The menu keeps things simple: light ale or dark ale, served two mugs at a time. It’s a classic New York experience and a must visit for anyone celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the city.
New York City has a deep Irish heritage, and several historic sites tell the story of the immigrants who helped shape the city.
At the Merchant’s House Museum, visitors can explore a beautifully preserved 19th century home and learn about the lives of the family and staff who lived there, including Irish immigrants.
You can also visit the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side, where guided tours share the powerful stories of immigrant families who once lived in the building. These tours are popular, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
The Irish Arts Center celebrates Irish culture year round through music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Around St. Patrick’s Day, they collaborate with other cultural institutions across the city to present special performances.
One highlight this year is the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Concert at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM, held in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage.
Presented by Carnegie Hall in collaboration with the Irish Arts Center and the National Concert Hall, this concert is led by legendary Irish fiddler Martin Hayes. The performance features special guests, traditional sean-nós singing and dancing, and modern interpretations of Irish music, creating a lively and family friendly way to celebrate the holiday.
Whether you’re planning on cheering on the marching bands at the parade or checking out some of the great Irish pubs around the city, there is no shortage of St. Patrick’s Day activities in the Big Apple.
Our comfortable coaches, WiFi, amenities, and convenient drop-off at Port Authority in New York City make the trip easy and fun for the whole family!
