Families in New York City are gearing up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a series of engaging events across the five boroughs. From parades to hands-on activities, the city offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with Irish culture and festive traditions. These family-friendly events provide an opportunity for children and parents alike to partake in the spirit of the holiday.
Highlights of Family Events
Several events cater to a range of interests and age groups. For those looking to engage in creative activities, the George Bruce Library in Harlem is hosting a STEAM Hour on March 13 from 16:00 to 17:00. Children aged 3 to 12 can create mixed media rainbows in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, all at no cost.
Another notable event is the St. Patrick’s Day: Family Program at the Tenement Museum on March 15 from 10:00 to 11:30. This interactive program, suitable for ages 5 to 12, allows families to meet a costumed interpreter portraying an Irish immigrant. Participants will learn about life in 1860s New York while enjoying a sweet treat and crafting a festive piece for only $15 per child.
On March 17, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan will host “Lucky Me! Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day” from 10:00 to 17:00. This event is included with the standard admission fee of $18 and allows younger children to explore art inspired by symbols of luck and gratitude.
Parades and Performances
The centerpiece of the celebrations is undoubtedly the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, taking place on March 17 at 11:00. Starting at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, this parade is recognized as the oldest and largest of its kind globally. Approximately 150,000 participants, including marching bands, bagpipers, and Irish dancers, will join the festivities, showcasing the rich heritage of the Irish community.
In the Bronx, the Throggs Neck St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for March 15 at noon, celebrating the culture with a vibrant display of community spirit. Families can also enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Facts & Craft event at the Westchester Square Library on March 17 from 16:00 to 16:45, where children will learn about the holiday while engaging in a craft activity.
Brooklyn will host several parades, including the 51st Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15 at 13:00 and the 31st Annual Bay Ridge Parade on March 22 at 13:00. Both events promise a lively atmosphere filled with music, dancing, and community pride.
For those interested in performing arts, the O’Malley Irish Dance Academy will present a show at the Gerritsen Beach Library on March 12 from 18:00 to 19:00. This performance aims to celebrate Irish culture through the energetic medium of dance.
Crafts and Community Fun
In addition to parades and performances, various libraries and community centers are offering fun activities. The Queens Public Library will host a “Pot of Gold Kids Night” on March 13 from 17:00 to 20:30, where children aged 5 to 12 can enjoy painting, games, and crafts for a fee of $40.
The New York Irish Center is bringing back its popular “40 Shades of Green” event on March 17 from 15:00 to 21:00. This cultural feast features local and international performers in a continuous six-hour showcase, with tickets priced at $40.
Finally, for teens, the Tottenville Library will hold a “Teen Craft: Shamrock Glasses & Fortune Tellers” session on March 17 from 14:30 to 15:30, offering a creative outlet for older children.
As families prepare for these festivities, the sense of community and cultural celebration is palpable throughout New York City. St. Patrick’s Day in the Big Apple promises to be a memorable experience filled with joy, learning, and togetherness.