After a well-deserved Spring Break, classes resume on a very important holiday: St. Patrick’s Day! A celebration dating back to 1631 to honor the life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved through new traditions of celebrating Irish heritage and culture. Syracuse has a long history of celebrating this green festivity due to its high population of Irish inhabitants. If you want to join in on the fun this year, there are several events planned to celebrate on and around campus from now through March 17.
Late Night at the Rink: St. Patrick’s Day Skate
On Thursday, March 6, from 8–11 p.m., head down to the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion for a special St. Patty’s-themed late night event. Attendees are in for a night of St. Patrick’s pride, skating to Irish hits under festive green lighting. There’s even a chance to win a prize if you chase and tag the leprechaun skating around the ice. So wear your green and (don’t) break a leg!
Crazy Daisies Weekend-Long Celebration
After closing down for their annual winter break, Crazy Daisies is back up and running for the upcoming spring season. If you’re unfamiliar, Crazy Daisies is a local greenhouse and garden cafe that hosts a number of workshops beginning in April. But it’s not spring just yet! To bide their time until nature’s in full bloom, Crazy Daisies is hosting a weekend-long St. Patrick’s Day celebration with live music and reuben refreshments. While they are not open on March 17 itself, be sure to check them out in the days leading up to it!
St. Patrick’s Parade
Syracuse’s 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Parade will take place on Saturday, March 15, starting at noon. The parade route will wind around Armory and Clinton Squares. This year’s parade theme is “Irish in the 315,” and the parade will celebrate with two honorees: Mayor Ben Walsh (parade Grand Marshal) and Meg O’Connell (“Gael of the Year”). For anyone who wants to enjoy the parade without subjecting themselves to Syracuse’s fickle mid-March weather, check out Marriott Syracuse Downtown’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party beginning at 11:30 a.m. With purchase of a $15 ticket, guests can enjoy a hot food buffet, live music, Irish step dancing, bagpipes and more. However you choose to attend, be sure to wear your green and show your Irish pride!
Enjoy Traditional Bites
If big events aren’t your thing but you still want to participate in the celebration, visit a local restaurant and grab a traditional Irish meal. One great option is Kitty Hoynes, located in downtown Syracuse. They have a wide selection of foods and will even have live music various days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Check out their Instagram account for more details. Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub is an excellent alternative, located in Tipperary Hill. They too regularly host live music, with day-long performances on St. Patrick’s Day. If you’d rather go on another day, be sure to go on a Tuesday night and participate in their free weekly trivia nights. I can’t forget to mention that they even have a leprechaun door next to the entrance!
With so many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Syracuse, you’re sure to have a shamrockin’ good time!
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.