Luck is in the air! St. Patrick's Day celebrations and festivities are happening in Albany County all month long! From a soda bread competition, to an unforgettable parade, to restaurants serving up traditional Irish fare, there is plenty of merriment to look forward to throughout the month of March. Scroll on for ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day all month long in Albany County. 

 

Irish Sodabread

Annual Irish Soda Bread Competition

Date: Friday, March 3
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Irish American Heritage Museum
Price: $10 one entry fee per category

The Irish American Heritage Museum's popular soda bread competition returns on Friday, March 3rd! This year the Irish American Heritage Museum has introduced a new category to the competition. Bakers will now have the chance to wow the judges with their own porter cake in the Peter Desmond Irish Porter Cake Competition. They will also hold their Mauren Farrel McCarthy Non-Traditional Family Style Soda Bread Competition. Enter one or both categories with a loaf accompanied by a recipe. Bakers will drop off their loaves between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on March 3rd with the winners announced on Saturday March 4th.

BONUS: Follow the Irish American Heritage Museum on Facebook for more virtual and in-person events through the month of March and beyond! 
 

 

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

 

Pipers Mass


Date: March 12
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the second oldest cathedral in the state, behind St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and it was designed by an Irish American architect named Patrick Keely. Before the St. Patrick's Day Parades kick off in Albany, stop by the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, for the Pipers Mass. Members of the Schenectady Pipe Band and the Cathedral choir will provide the music for the liturgy. Hospitality will follow the mass; all are welcomed to join. 

 

 

St. Patrick's Day Parade

 

North Albany Limerick's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Date: March 11
Time: Starts at 12:00 PM
Location: North Albany American Legion Post- 35 North 1st Street, Albany

if you're looking to attend a parade before the Albany parade, make sure to stop by the North Albany Limerick's St. Patrick's Day Parade! North Albany originated as an all-Irish neighborhood and was known as "Limerick USA". The North Albany Limerick's St. Patrick's Day Parade started in 1950 and has only been canceled one time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This parade kicks off at the North Albany Legion Post at 12:00 PM on March 11th. This parade follows the parade day mass and reception at Blessed Sacrament Church/ School.

 

St. Patrick's Day Parade

 

Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade

Date: Saturday, March 11
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Parade steps off from the corner of Quail and Central Avenues and ends at State and Green Streets.
Price: Free

The Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade returns on Saturday March 11th! Dress from head-to-toe in green and head to downtown Albany with your family and friends for the celebration. The parade is full of festive fanfare including Irish pipers, step dancers, decorated floats, and marching bands. The festive parade steps off at 2:00 PM and can be viewed from anywhere along Central Avenue or lower Washington Avenue.  

 

McGeary's Irish Pub

 

Dine at McGeary's Irish Pub

Date: Throughout March; open 7 days a week
Time: Tuesday to Wednesday: 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM; Thursday to Monday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
​Location: McGeary's Irish Pub

Celebrate the spirit of the Irish at McGeary's Irish Pub all month the long. The cozy Irish pub is a locally-owned downtown Albany favorite serving up burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and more. Searching for a touch of Irish flair? Cheers with a Guinness Draught and order the Reuben! Keep an eye out on the pub's Instagram for daily specials! 

 

O'Tooles St. Patrick's Day

 

St. Patty's Day Celebration at O'Tooles

Date: Saturday, March 17
Time: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Location: O'Toole's Restaurant Pub

Venture to Central Avenue in Colonie for a St. Patrick's Day Irish pub fare! O'Toole's Restaurant Pub will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day all day long on March 17th. There will be corned beef dinners, green beer, cocktail specials and more! There will also be live music from the Circle of Willis, you won't want to miss it!

 

What's Poppin

 

Visit What's Poppin 

Date: Throughout March
Time: What's Poppin: Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

After you're done celebrating at O'Tooles, pop in next door to Albany's gourmet popcorn shop, What's Poppin, to pick up festive popcorn flavors for the holiday. Their St. Patrick's Day Flavors include green apple, buttered pistachio cream and get lucky. If you're looking for a St. Patrick's Day gift, they are offering a variety of Guinness gift baskets!