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
St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Empire State Plaza
Date: March 11
Time: 10 AM to 2 PM
Location: Empire State Plaza
Before St. Patrick's Day festivities kick off this weekend, enjoy a lunchtime celebration at Empire State Plaza on Wednesday! This free event features live music, traditional Irish dance, Irish fare, displays from the Irish American Heritage Museum and a variety of vendors.
North Albany Limerick's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Date: March 14
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 14th. This parade follows the parade day mass and reception at Blessed Sacrament Church/ School.
Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade
Date: March 14
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.
Four-Leaf Coaster Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Albany
Date: March 14
Location: Downtown Albany
Keep the St. Patrick’s Day fun going after the parade with the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District’s Four-Leaf Coaster Scavenger Hunt. Parade-goers are invited to visit participating downtown restaurants and bars to search for the BID’s signature four-leaf coaster featuring a QR code.
Once a coaster is found, scan the code and submit the unique number printed on the back for a chance to win prizes. Each participating business you visit earns additional entries into the drawing.
One lucky winner will receive two tickets to see comedian Jim Gaffigan at MVP Arena on April 8.
St. Patrick's Day Parade Party at the Albany Armory
Date: March 14
Time: 12 PM to 4 PM
Location: Washington Avenue Armory
Secure one of the best spots to watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade at the Washington Avenue Armory! At this viewing party, enjoy your choice of a hot corned beef sandwich or pastrami sandwich and your first drink included with the ticket price.
Kegs & Eggs 2026: The Responsible Return at The Hollow
Date: March 14
Time: 11 AM
Location: The Hollow
Celebrate Parade Day at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen in downtown Albany. Enjoy drink specials, delicious food, surprise giveaways, and a DJ. At 3 PM, local cover band Road Soda Pop will take over the stage in The Hollow's live music venue.
Céad Míle Fáilte Sunday Mass (Formerly called the Piper's Mass)
Date: March 15
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.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration: Traditional Irish Music with Toss the Feathers
Date: March 15
Time: 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: New York State Museum
Head over to New York State Museum the day before St. Patrick's Day for an afternoon of traditional Irish music and songs by Toss the Feathers. Between songs the band will share stories and history of Irish music and heritage in the Albany area!
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 A History of Textiles: From Irish Cottage Industry to the Cotton Mills of Cohoes New York and The Evolution of the Irish Dance Costume.
Photo provided by ScotlandShop USA Inc
ScotlandShop USA
Date: Open Wednesday 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
St. Patrick’s Day at Dawn’s Victory Sports Café
Date: March 14
Time: Opens at 11 AM
Location: Dawn's Victory Sports Cafe
Celebrate parade day at Dawn’s Victory Sports Café with a special St. Patrick’s Day menu available all day. Stop in after the parade for festive food, drinks, and a lively downtown atmosphere.
Irish Buffet at Jack’s Oyster House
Date: March 14
Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
Location: Jack's Oyster House
A downtown Albany tradition, Jack’s Oyster House is serving a St. Patrick’s Day Irish buffet for $35 per person on parade day. Guests will also receive their first Guinness on the house while enjoying the historic restaurant’s festive atmosphere.
St. Patrick’s Day at Loch & Quay
Date: March 14
Time: Open until 7 PM
Location: Loch & Quay
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the heart of downtown at Loch & Quay with Irish drinks, festive fare, and parade-day energy before closing at 7 PM.
Parade Day Tent Party at McGeary’s Irish Pub
Date: March 14
Time: Live music begins at 12 PM
Location: McGeary's Irish Pub
One of Albany’s most beloved Irish pubs, McGeary’s will host a lively outdoor tent party with live music beginning at noon. Enjoy classic Irish pub fare, pints of Guinness, and festive St. Patrick’s Day energy throughout the afternoon. (Cover charge applies.)
Parade Day Party at Ophelia’s on Broadway
Date: March 14
Time: 3 PM to 7 PM
Location: Ophelia's on Broadway
Continue the celebration after the parade at Ophelia’s on Broadway with DJ Spike Right and Ginger Geezus from 3 PM to 7 PM, followed by a live performance from The E-Block featuring the Ky McClinton Band.
St. Patrick’s Day Specials at The Yard: Hatchet House & Bar
Date: March 14
Location: The Yard: Hatchet House & Bar
Stop by The Yard for St. Patrick’s Day drink and food specials including $5 green beer and $12 corned beef sliders while enjoying the parade day festivities in downtown Albany.
St. Patrick's Day Specials at Olde English Pub & Pantry
Date: 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.
