St. Patrick’s Celebration Guide to Greater Portland, Maine
Weekend Full of St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Portland, Maine
March 15-17, 2024
Thinking of taking a trip this St. Patrick’s Day Weekend to Maine? Greater Portland pulls out all the stops for this famed holiday every year. That means – polar plunges, pub crawls, and plenty of Irish fare and special menu treats.
There is a saying in Ireland, “the craic was mighty.” In their words, it means they’ve had a bit of fun. So, in that spirit, here’s your guide to finding some mighty fun celebrations or “good craic” to kick off your St. Patrick’s Day in style.
Photo Credits: Serena Folding
Where to Start Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
Annual St. Patrick’s Parade
Join the procession winding through the streets of Portland, Maine for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Adorned with green décor, festive floats, and lively music – keep an eye out for traditional Irish dancers and bagpipers adding to the atmosphere. The parade kicks off in the morning, commemorates Irish heritage along Commercial Street, stretching from the piers to the Ferry Terminal.
Be sure to set your alarm and arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot along the route. Attendees enjoy traditional Irish music and vibrant Irish dancing performed by local musicians and dancers during the festivities. Learn More.
Photo Credits: Serena Folding
polar plunge + Pub Fun
Join Ri Ra Irish Pub for a lively annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The polar plunge activities begin at East End Beach at 5:30 am. Come celebrate the dive at the opening of the Pub shortly following the activities at 6:00 am. Enjoy a Paddy’s Day menu from 8:00 am onwards – along with live music all day, charity auctions, raffles, and captivating Irish dance performances. Learn more.
Photo Credits: Serena Folding
lively events calendar
Explore Portland’s hidden gems with a variety of local events happening throughout the day. From art and history exhibits to tasting tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Attend a whiskey tasting at a nearby distillery, participate in a themed pub crawl, or catch a performance by local musicians at intimate venues across the city.
Keep an eye on Visit Portland for the latest updates. Check out the holiday’s upcoming activities for 2024 on our Events Calendar.
Photo Provided by Maine Brews Cruise
St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hours
Continue the celebrations at Portland’s numerous pubs and bars offering special St. Patrick’s Day events and happy hours deals. Enjoy live music performances, Irish-inspired food and drinks, and plenty of opportunities to toast to the luck of the Irish. From cozy taverns to bustling breweries, there’s no shortage of establishments where you can immerse yourself in the jovial atmosphere of the day. Check out all happy hours and deals + packages online.
Photo Credit: Capshore Photography
Themed Menu + Special Deals
Indulge your taste buds with the flavors of Ireland at Portland’s top restaurants offering St. Patrick’s Day specials and themed menus. From hearty Irish stews to mouthwatering corned beef and cabbage, you’ll find a culinary feast awaiting you. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a pint of Guinness or a refreshing Irish whiskey cocktail. Many establishments also offer enticing seasonal, themed deals for the holiday making it the perfect opportunity to sample a variety of dishes and drinks without breaking the bank. For a list of participating venues and their offerings, visit our Restaurants page for ideas.
Photo Credit: Capshore Photography
