We all know that at the end of the rainbow is where you’ll find the pot of gold, but with so much fun and celebration that goes on during Saint Patrick’s Day on Long Island, it’s like everyone’s struck the gold pot! This Entertainment Guide is bursting with things to do on Long Island around the holiday.
From parades & festivals, music events & concerts, nightlife & celebration events, children’s events to fun ways to celebrate with the family and friends, we have your covered with our 2016 Saint Patrick’s Day Entertainment Guide!
Have fun with the events below as Irish culture and traditions come alive on Long Island!
Saint Patrick’s Day Parades & Festivals
When you think of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, what is the first thing that comes to mind? St. Patrick's Day parades of course! Here on Long Island countless towns host their very own parades to jubilate this beloved holiday. So whether you're Irish, or simply Irish-at-heart, be sure to make your way over to one of these lively St. Paddy's Day parades!
Bagpipers marching in the 2015 Kings Park St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Amy Geron, via LongIsland.com.
2016 Kings Park St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
Corner of Lou Avenue and Pulaski Road, Kings Park, NY 11754
Saturday, March 5th, 12:00 PM
Free Event
Each year thousands of local Kings Park residents and those from the surround community turn out for this parade that’s held the first Saturday of March. Originally founded in 2011 by Kevin “The Professor” Denis, the owner of Professor’s Diner in Kings Park, the parade features bagpipe bands, floats, and marching community organizations for a grand ‘ol time!
Hofstra’s 18th Annual Irish Festival at Hofstra Physical Education Center
1000 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550
516-463-5067
Sunday, March 6th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
$6 for Adults; $5 for Seniors 65 & Older; Free for Children under 12 or with Hofstra ID
Celebrate the Irish gifts of music, food and culture at this festival. Attendees get to enjoy dance and music performances with returning acts from The McLean Avenue and The Black Velvet Band. Children’s activities will also be available.
51st Annual John P. Reilly East Islip St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
Main Street, East Islip, NY 11730
631-581-9317
Sunday, March 6th, 2:00 PM
Free Event
The 2016 Grand Marshal to the East Islip St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Dave Ring. Enjoy the parade that runs along Main Street to Irish Lane. Bleachers and the grandstand will be set up at St. Mary’s Church on Main Street and Harrison Avenue. Attendees also get to see the local bands, fire departments, and high schools will be featured.
25th Annual Bethpage St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
220 Central Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714
631-506-1473
Sunday, March 6th, 2:00 PM
Free Event
The roughly 1-mile long parade route begins after the 1 PM Mass at Saint Martin of Tours Church. Come join many locals and Bethpage’s very one Kathy Brenton as the Grand Marshal of the parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Westhampton Beach's 49th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
340 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
631-506-1473
Saturday, March 12th, 12:00 PM
Free Event
All kinds of groups will be in the Westhampton Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade, including fire departments, cub scout groups, local businesses, and even riders on horseback. The 2016 Grand Marshal is Mr. John Murray of East Quogue. Mr. Murray is one of the main men behind the Coneheads, one of the best floats to ever march in the parade’s 49-year history.
St. James' 32nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
Lake Avenue, St. James, NY 11780
631-584-5200
Saturday, March 12th, 1:00 PM
Free Event
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as the St. James Chamber of Commerce hosts its 32nd annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The parade runs from Lake Avenue to Woodlawn Avenue.
12th Annual Cutchogue St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
Route 25 starting at Cox Lane, Cutchogue, NY 11935
631-765-3161
Saturday, March 12th, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Free Event
Local civic groups and fire departments will be part of this parade hosted by the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (now part of North Fork Chamber of Commerce) in conjunction with the Cutchogue Fire Department. Join the community in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!
2016 Bayport-Blue Point St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
Snedecor Avenue, Bayport, NY 11705
516-426-2601
Sunday, March 13th, 11:00 AM
Free Event
Now in it’s 26th year, the Bayport-BluePoint St. Patrick’s Day Parade features floats, bands, local fire departments, and more. Join in the fun celebration of St. Patrick’s Day as it makes it way to the Blue Point Elementary School as the end point.
66th Annual Miller Place/Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
Rt. 25A & Harrison Avenue, Miller Place, NY 11778
Sunday, March 13th, 1:00 PM
Free Event
The Annual Miller Place/Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a tradition dating back to 1950 when it was founded by businessmen John M. Sullivan and George Faulkner. The parade has evolved from a two-lane road route to a four-lane highway route. Tens of thousands of spectators come out to take part in the celebration!
82nd Annual Huntington St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
New York Ave & Broadway, Huntington Station, NY 11743
Sunday, March 13th, 2:00 PM
Free Event
Running 82 years strong, this is the oldest and largest parades on Long Island. Each year as many as 50,000 people fill Huntington Village for the family and community event celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Join in the fun and take part in “buying local” with the many restaurants, shops, and pubs in the area.
Moriches Chamber’s St. Patrick’s Parade - FREE!
Main Street, Center Moriches from Lake Avenue East to Ocean Avenue
631-874-3849
Sunday, March 13th, 2PM
Free Event
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the community of Center Moriches with marchers, vehicles and floats along the Parade route.
Patchogue's 20th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
631-475-4302
Saturday, March 19th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free Event
The 2016 Grand Marshal for Patchogue’s 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Father Francis Pizzarelli. The theme of this year’s parade is Hope House Helpers Marke Hope Spring Eternal. Come out to see the fun with bagpipes, floats, marching units and more along the parade route.
12th Annual Hampton Bays St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
72 Ponquogue Ave, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
631-905-6051
Saturday, March 19th, 11:00 AM
Free Event
The 2016 Grand Marshal for the 12th Annual Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade is William Patrick Hughes. The parade takes off from Hampton Bays Elementary School and ends at the Hampton Atrium. Join in this community event celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
20th Annual Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Parade - FREE!
Maple Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Saturday, March 19th, 12:00 PM
Free Event
The parade’s 20th Grand Marshal is Michael O’Reilly. Join in “The Parade that Cares and Share” to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The parade begins promptly at noon following the Commemorative Mass at 9 AM.
Montauk's 54th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade - FREE!
Edgemere Road, Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-1578
Sunday, March 20th, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Free Event
New York’s second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is right here! Over 30,000 spectators and supporters attend this annual event. Also, don’t miss the Montauk Chamber of Commerce serving hot soup in a St. Patrick’s Day Parade souvenir mug on the green starting at 10 AM. Soups are made and donated by local restaurants.
Live Irish Music & St Patty's Day Concerts
This St. Patrick's Day immerse yourself in Irish culture by giving a listen to the sounds of the Emerald Isle! There are numerous Irish musical performances, including Irish step dancing performances, taking place across Long Island. Get ready to tap and sing along!
The Bard and the Busker: A History of Ireland through Music at Connetquot Public Library - FREE!
760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716
631-567-5079
Wednesday, February 24th, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Free Event
Learn about Ireland’s epic struggle for independence with folksinger John Corr. Irish rebel ballads from various eras are performed. Mike McCormack, the National Historian of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will introduce the songs with insightful background information.
Willie Lynch Band at Connetquot Public Library - FREE!
760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716
631-567-5079
Sunday, February 28th, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free Event
Jumpstart your St. Patrick’s celebration with Ireland’s own Willie Lynch and his band. They’ll play Irish classics from the Emerald Isle and it’s an opportunity to reminisce.
Paul Joseph Jazz Quartet - St. Patrick’s Day Jazz at Amityville Public Library - FREE!
Corner of Oak and John Streets, Amityville, NY 11701
631-264-0567
Saturday, March 5th, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free Event
Paul Joseph and his jazz quartet provides an afternoon of inspiring instrumental jazz renditions of Irish favorites like “Danny Boy,” “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “Red is the Rose,” “The Minstrel Boy” and more.
Alan Kelly Gang at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center
One South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
516-877-4000
Sunday, March 13th, 3:00 PM
$30/35 Per Person
Established as one of Ireland’s leading contemporary traditional music groups, enjoy as the Alan Kelly Gang plays powerful and emotive traditional Irish music with buoyant harmonies.
Nightlife & Celebrations
Looking to go out on the town dressed from head to toe in your finest green frock? Then you're in luck! Here on Long Island there are plenty of places to frequent for your St. Patrick's Day celebration! From cocktail parties to Irish soda bread workshops, no matter what your taste, there's something fun for you to do this holiday!
Learn how to make Irish Soda Bread right in time for St. Patrick's Day. Photo by Leah Jeppson, via Free Images.
Irish Bananas and Soda Bread at Connetquot Public Library - FREE!
760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716
631-567-5079
Wednesday, March 2nd, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Free Event
Learn how to make Irish bananas with Rob Scott demonstrating. Participants also learn how to make and bake Irish soda bread to bring home. Please bring a mixing bowl, large spoon, and baking pan. Please contact the library to register and for additional information.
St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail Party at Rock Hill Country Club
105 Clancy Road, Manorville, NY 11949
631-878-0003
Friday, March 4th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$60 per person
This St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail Party is hosted by the Moriches Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy an open bar, Irish style buffet and music. The Grand Marshall for the event is Philomena Vigliotta.
IGHL 26th Annual St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner & Chinese Auction
221 North Sunrise Service Road, Manorville, NY 11949
631-878-8900
Friday, March 11th, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$10-15 per person
The Independent Group Home Living Program (IGHL) is hosting a buffet dinner with music and chinese auction that follows the dinner to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Refreshments, including Irish coffee, and dessert will also be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event benefit the IGHL Manorville Opportunity Center and The Interdisciplinary School (NIS) Day Care.
Irish Soda Bread Workshop at Rogers Mansion
17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
631-283-2494
Wednesday, March 16th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$25 for Members/$35 for Non-Members
Make delicious Irish Soda Bread in time for St. Patrick’s Day with Deborah Lukasik from “Southampton Soap.” Just bring a 10” cast iron skillet or cake pan, and something to do while it bakes into a moist and delicious soda bread you can take home (recipe will also be available). Participants will be served wine and cheese. Please call to register for the event and have payment information ready.
Parlay Gastropub Irish Day
210 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
516-282-9904
Saturday, March 19th, 11 AM
See Listing For Pricing
Parlay Gastropub's Irish Day celebration will feature a full brunch menu from 11 AM until 3 PM and a party with drinks and DJ music from 4 PM until close!
Fun Ways to Spend Saint Patrick’s Day with the Family
Between the rainbow, pot of gold, shamrocks, and leprechaun, kids dig this holiday whether they have a bit of Irish heritage in themselves or not. As a family, there’s so much fun that can be had to celebrate the holiday on Long Island!
St. Patrick's Day Fun: Chocolate Covered Shamrock at Connetquot Public Library - FREE!
760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716
631-567-5079
Friday, March 4th, 6:15 PM
Free Event
Kids can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day making shamrock-shaped rice crispy treats coated with green chocolate with the Baking Coach. Complete the treat with a cute face made from fondant or dress it up with sprinkles. By the end of the event everyone will have two to take home. Please contact the library for registration and additional information.
Children’s Program: Irish Dancers at Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site
246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, NY 11746
631-427-5240
Sunday, March 6th, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
$9 per child/Free for chaperones
Students and teachers from the Mulvilhill-Lynch Studio of Irish Dance will be present to perform Irishing dancing for children of all ages to enjoy. The award-winning dancers will also provide interaction with children answering questions and teaching Irish dance steps. Participants will also hear the fascinating history of the costumes and dances and enjoy facing painting with Miss Carin after the show. A guided tour of the Walt Whitman Birthplace will also be given.
St. Patrick's Day Decorations: Lucky Leprechaun at Connetquot Public Library - FREE!
760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716
631-567-5079
Saturday, March 12th, 10:00 AM
Free Event
While listening to festive Irish music, create a St. Patrick’s Day decoration. By the end of the event, you’ll have a life-sized leprechaun made by paper folding techniques. There’s also the opportunity to dress up the leprechaun with four leaf clovers, a pot of gold, and other lucky charms. This program is appropriate for those in kindergarten through 5th grade. Please contact the library for registration and additional information.
Irish Pirates St. Patrick's Day 2016 Celebration at Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
631-367-3418
Saturday, March 12th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
$3 + admission per person
Children ages 6-12 can enjoy this event learning about Irish pirates who ruled the seas in the past. It’s also an opportunity where participants get to design a Jolly Roger to hang at home.
Rotary Club of Smithtown's 23rd Annual St. Patrick's Day "Go For The Green" 5K Run
51 Lawrence Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787
631-265-5511
Saturday, March 19th, 9:00 AM
See event listing for pricing
Join the Rotary Club of Smithtown for their 23rd Annual St. Patrick's Day 5K Run. In addition to a bonus 1 mile fun run for families, there will be a raffle and sponsorship opportunities.
Patchogue's 2016 May The Road Rise Up To Meet Ye 5K
Route 112 and East Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
631-475-4302
Saturday, March 19th, 9:45 AM
$20 Advance / $25 Day of Race
This event is open to runner and joggers of all ages. Take part in the run or stand with the other Celtsmen family and friends cheering as the runners while they circle the scenic Patchogue Lake and downtown Patchogue.
Under the Night Sky at Bay Street Theater and Sag Harbor Center for the Arts
1 Bay Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631-725-9500
Saturday, March 19th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$15 Per Person
Under Night Sky follows three children on journeys united by threads of courage, love and hope. Unravel the stories of the Underground Railroad stitched together in Grandmother's patchwork quilt. Hear the waves crash aside the ship as you listen to the magical tale of an Irish Memory Quilt. Quietly enter an Old School House to see a girl proudly wearing her coat of rags, stitched to patchwork perfection. The program is recommended for ages 4 and up.
Other Ways to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
While there are many festive St. Patrick’s Day events, like parades and musical performances happening across the Island, you can also make the most out of your Saint Patrick’s Day right from the comfort of home! Take a look below to learn how to make delicious corned beef and cabbage, bake Irish liquor into succulent sweets, and learn all about Saint Patrick’s Day traditions and symbolism!
Traditional Irish and Irish-American Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day
Cooking St. Patrick's Day Dinner: Traditional & Modern Recipes
Keep Your Luck With You Year Round: How to Preserve Your 4 Leaf Clover
Learn About the Luck o' The Irish - St. Patrick's Day Symbolism
Baking with Irish Alcohol: Cooking with Guinness and Jameson
How will you be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in 2016?
Let us know in the comments below!
