Luck is in the air! St. Patrick's Day celebrations and festivities are happening in Albany County all weekend long! From an unforgettable parade, to St. Paddy's Day parties, to restaurants serving up traditional Irish fare, there is plenty of merriment to look forward to. Scroll on for ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day all weekend long in Albany County.
Special Events
North Albany Limerick's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Date: March 16
Time: Starts at 11:30 AM
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 11:30 AM on March 16th. This parade follows the parade day mass and reception at Blessed Sacrament Church/ School.
Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade
Date: Saturday, March 16
Time: 2 PM
Location: Parade steps off from the corner of Central Ave and Lexington Ave
Dress from head-to-toe in green and head to downtown Albany with your family and friends for the celebration. As the largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Upstate New York, there is tons of festive fanfare including Irish pipers, step dancers, decorated floats, and marching bands. The festive parade steps off at 2 PM and can be viewed from anywhere along Central Avenue or lower Washington Avenue.
Interested in making it an all-day affair? Parade day begins at 9 AM with a traditional Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church followed by a reception with music, Irish breads, coffee and tea.
Albany FireWolves St. Patrick's Party
Date: March 16
Time: 7 PM to 10 PM
Location: MVP Arena
End your night with the exciting action of an Albany FireWolves game. Watch as the city's resident lacrosse team takes on the Rochester Knighthawks. With added festive flare, make sure to sport your best green attire and come early for a poster giveaway gifted to the first 1200 fans. Enjoy a themed photobooth, themed merchandise, and special post-game autographs from select players.
Pipers Mass
Date: March 17
Time: 11 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. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day by stopping by the Cathedral 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.
Parade Day 2024 at The Hollow
Date: March 16
Time: 12 PM
Location: The Hollow
Celebrate Parade Day at The Hollow in downtown Albany. Enjoy drink specials, delicious food, surprise giveaways, and a DJ. At 3 PM, local cover band Road Soda Pop with members of The Late Shift take over the stage in The Hollow's live music venue.
Parade Day & Saint Patrick's Day Party at City Beer Hall
Date: March 16 & March 17
Time: Open 10 AM to 10 PM
Location: City Beer Hall
Enjoy brunch, dinner, or drinks at City Beer Hall all weekend long! Open 10 AM to 10 PM, the downtown Albany restaurant is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a menu of Irish fare from an Irish smash burger to bangers and mash. Plus, enjoy themed drink specials. Heading over after 4 PM? You're in luck, the restaurant will be serving free personal pizzas with every drink order.
St. Patrick's Day Drag Brunch
Date: March 17
Time: 12 PM to 3 PM
Location: Nine Pin Cider
Start your day with a magically delicious drag brunch at Nine Pin Cider. Brought to you by Nine Pin and drag artists Typhoid Mary, Bambi, and Andramada the event is free to attend! Stay tuned for more details from the cidery as the event gets closer.
Bonus: Celtic Women 20th Anniversary Tour
Date: March 20
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM
Location: Palace Theatre
Having originally performed at The Helix in Dublin for a one-time event in 2004, the all-female Irish ensemble, Celtic Woman stop by Albany on March 20 for their international 20th anniversary tour. The artists celebrate Ireland's rich musical and cultural heritage with a mix of traditional and contemporary Irish music.
Bonus: The High Kings & Gaelic Storm
Date: March 20
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Head over to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall for a night of contemporary Irish music from internationally-recognized bands The High Kings and Gaelic Storm. Both bands bring a repertoire that blends Irish-folk and classic Celtic music.
Places to Visit
Irish American Heritage Museum
Date: Open Wednesday through Sunday
Time: 11 AM to 4 PM
Location: 21 Quackenbush Square, Albany
Explore the history and heritage of Irish individuals in the US at the Irish American Heritage Museum. Exhibits include The Irish in America focusing on history and stories of Irish immigrants to the US, Samhain overviewing the Irish roots of Hallow'een, and view a Rare 15th Century Irish Chalice with fascinating history on display for a limited time at the museum.
Photo provided by ScotlandShop USA Inc
ScotlandShop USA
Date: Open Tuesday to Saturday
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Location: 678 Loudon Road, Latham
ScotlandShop opened its first base across the pond right here in Albany County! Located in Latham, the shop houses the full collection of Scottish clothing, accessories and interiors as well as measuring services for tailored garments. In celebration of the opening, ScotlandShop is gifting Albany County with its very own tartan (pictured above) to symbolize the re-strengthened bond between Albany County and Scotland. The colors are taken from the Albany County Seal, The Town of Colonie Seal & The City of Albany Flag, with the sett (design) inspired by the Stewart tartans in honor of the Duke of Albany, James Stuart. ScotlandShop aims to become a hub for local events and Scottish celebrations!
St. Patrick's Day Dining
Grab the Pancake of the Month from Excelsior Pub
Date: March 17
Time: 11 AM to 4 PM
Location: Excelsior Pub
These green pancakes are the perfect way to celebrate the morning of St. Patrick's Day. Stop by Excelsior Pub for a delicious brunch featuring these tasty mint chocolate swirl treats as the main course. The pub offers monthly-themed pancakes every Sunday.
Trivia & Specials at O'Toole's Restaurant Pub
Date: March 16 & March 17
Time: Varies
Location: O'Toole's Restuarant Pub
Go for gold during this Colonie-based Irish pub's Trivia Brunch on Saturday morning starting at 11:30 AM. Or head over for music performed by Circle of Willis from 5 PM to 9 PM. Take home a traditional corned beef dinner on the 17th, or enjoy drink specials from Guinness pints to green and gold margaritas.
St. Patrick's Day Dinner Fundraiser
Date: March 16
Time: 5 PM to 9 PM
Location: St. Peter's Episcopal Church
Enjoy a full, traditional corned beef dinner and help support the historic St. Peter's Episcopal Church's fundraiser. Enjoy dine-in or take-out at a cost of $20 with a half price discount for students and children under 10.
St. Patrick's Day Dinner at The Century House
Date: Thursday, March 17
Time: 2 PM to 7 PM
Location: The Century House
Savor a traditional corned beef dinner from The Century House on Thursday, March 17! Choose from a full menu of traditional fare inside the charming restaurant while enjoying live Irish music.
St. Patrick's Day Specials at Olde English Pub & Pantry
Date: March 12 to March 17
Time: 11 AM to 10 PM
Location: Olde English Pub
Dine on special St. Patrick's Day fare at the Olde English Pub. Located in the second oldest building in Albany, the restaurant features delicious food from across the pond.
Dine at McGeary's Irish Pub
Date: Open 7 days a week
Time: Varies
Location: 4 Clinton Sq, Albany
Celebrate the spirit of the Irish at McGeary's Irish Pub. The cozy Irish pub is a locally-owned downtown Albany favorite serving up burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and more. Searching 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!
