One of the best things about Raleigh in March is that it trades winter grays for startling green, the green on St Patrick’s Day. Considering we lived in Dublin for one year in 2003, St Patty’s Day has always been one of my favorite festivals of the year; it’s a day for a festive parade, Irish pub crawling, drinking Guinness with thousands of revelers, and it’s always filled with what the Irish call, “good craic.”
In Raleigh, our take on the Irish holiday is equal parts Southern hospitality and Celtic cheer. There are many St Patrick’s Day events in Raleigh, which can be found in wood-paneled taverns and city parks, where Irish dancers step to fiddles and pipes, and chefs put a Carolina twist on Irish classics.
Whether you catch the parade in downtown, or you just want to sip on a Guinness or Irish coffee in a pub, this guide shares all the ways you can experience the Irish cheer here in Raleigh and how to celebrate St Paddy’s Day in the city of oaks.
Why do we celebrate St Patricks’ Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday that is celebrated annually on March 17th. It is named after Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. The day originally commemorated Saint Patrick’s death, but over time it has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage. It is especially popular in Ireland, but also widely celebrated in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with large Irish populations like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with parades, green clothing, and Irish food and drink such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and Guinness beer. It is a day to celebrate Irish pride and to come together as a community to enjoy the festivities.
Ways to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Raleigh
St Patrick’s Day in 2026 is on a Tuesday, but several events will take place the weekend before and after, as well as on the big day. The following events are what we think would be the best things to do on St Patricks’ Day in 2026. There are lots of parties and events, but the following are what I thought were the most unique and show the best Irish spirit – not just pub crawls and drinking.
You’ll probably find St Patrick’s Day parties at many bars and breweries in Raleigh, so you can always see what your local spot has on. Below are some St Patrick’s Days events in Raleigh for 2026, and some other possible ways you may want to celebrate.
1. Have a pint of Guinness wherever you can
Here’s something you should know; Guinness does not travel well. Its secret ingredient is water from the River Liffey, right next to its original brewing location in Dublin. Trust us. We’ve drank Guinness (our favorite beer of all time) all over the world, and nothing ever tastes as good as a pint from the Guiness Storehouse in Dublin or from a Dublin pub.
However, it’s St Patrick’s Day. Even though a pint in Raleigh may not be as good, it still has the spirit of the Irish in it. The Hibernian Irish Pub in downtown has the best Guinness in Raleigh now that The Bridge Pub has closed down. Other Irish pubs that serve Guinness are Tra’Li Irish Pub, O’Malley’s Pub & Restaurant, and Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in Cary. We’ve also heard that the new Mr Henry bar in the Village District does a great Guinness.
There are also plenty of breweries who will do cheap imitation versions of Guinness by way of Stout. Anyone who’s had a proper Guinness will define it as cheap, but really, it’s an apple to oranges comparison and I know you’ll enjoy a hearty pint of stout.
Pouring a pint of Guinness is an art form in itself. It should be 75% poured, left to rest awhile and then topped up to a perfect creamy head. And the best ones will come with a shamrock drawn on top. There should not be any bubbles, and I’m confident in saying in Ireland, you won’t get any! (watch our video from Dublin). Trust me, my boss in Dublin threw out plenty of my pints when I was training at the bar, “We’re not serving that fecking s***” was his typical reaction as he poured it down the sink!
2. Drink an Irish Coffee (or Irish Whiskey)
No, it’s never too early for an Irish coffee. Nor is it ever too late. When I lived in Dublin (in my early twenties) the only way we could continue drinking past 11pm pub closure time was to head to the late-night wine bars. We had plenty of Irish coffees in them at 2am! While I’m no longer doing that thanks to graceful aging, I still enjoy a warm Irish coffee and the memories they invoke.
Invented in County Limerick in 1942, the ingredients of an Irish Coffee are whiskey, hot coffee, brown sugar, and heavy cream lightly whipped on top. So far, the Hibernian Irish Pub on Glenwood Avenue has the best one we’ve had in Raleigh. It’s outstanding, if Dubliner Keith, the manager, makes it or one of hist rained staff. Keith has won awards for it in Boston! They manage to float the cream, which is the traditional and only way to drink it. Sinking the cream is just as much a crime as pouring a Guinness with bubbles.
The Bittersweet dessert bar in downtown Raleigh also does a solid Irish coffee, which can be hot or iced, and pairs well with their coffee creme brule.
Craig was delighted to discover Irish Roe & Co whiskey at the My Way Tavern in Downtown Raleigh. They have a cocktail of the month, as well as weekly and daily food specials. In 2025, they had a special Irish Espresso Martini with Roe & Coe as the cocktail of the month, so expect March 2026’s cocktail to be a celebration of Irish drinks.
3. Attend the Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Where: Glenwood South and Hillsborough Street
- When: Sat, March 14th, 2026, 10am
- Cost: Free
Grab your favorite green sweater and your spirit for having a good craic and head downtown to celebrate the St Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade started in 1983 with a dozen or so enthusiastic Irish Americans marching to the delight and curiosity of downtown residents, merchants and shoppers.
This year’s parade will be its 43rd year entertaining the locals with bagpipe players, tap dancers, decorated floats and Irish characters – I spy a leprechaun or two. Mike Maze, a veteran television meteorologist si the 2026 Grand Marshall!
The parade route has changed for 2026. Starting just west of the State Capitol building (corner of Hillsborough St & Nth McDowell St), it will move west along Hillsborough Street and then turn right onto Glenwood Avenue and finish at Lane Street right near the Hibernian Pub. Perfect for your next St Patricks’ Day event, the Hibernian Pub Block Party. NOTE: The parade route will close at 8:00am, so arrive early to get your spot. The parade kicks off at 10:00am.
Read our complete guide to parking in downtown Raleigh. It’s probably best to park at a parking lot. Parking around Glenwood Ave and Hillsborough street is limited.
Join Sunny in the Raleigh St Patrick’s Day Parade
Invite your friends and join my friend Sunny the Fun Fairy, The Raleigh Fairy, IN the Annual Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade! This is a fun way to involve the kids in the parade WHILE supporting the Autism Society of NC. Sunny is Raleigh’s favorite fairy spreading light and magic dust to all kids big and small. Don your fairy wings, make a magical memory, and view the parade form the unique angle of being inside it having all of Raleigh cheer you along! If you can’t fly with Sunny, you can still donate! Learn more here.
4. Attend the Hibernian Block Party
- Where: Hibernian Irish Pub, Glenwood Ave
- When: all day, Saturday, March 14th
The Hibernian’s St Patrick’s Day Block Party has been a legendary Raleigh street festival for years! Each year they host live music performances, Irish dancers and culture, bagpipers, good food, and Guinness flowing like the River Liffey all day! If you want to eat a great Irish meal here at the pub, get here as soon as the parade finishes. Lines will be long!
5. Attend the Doherty’s Irish Pub St Patrick’s Day Block Party
- Where: 1979 High House Road, Cary,
- When: Saturday March 14th, 2026 and Tuesday 17th March
- Cost: Free to attend $$ to drink and eat
- Website
Doherty’s Irish Pub in Cary has a popular St Patrick’s Day party. It’s known as one of the best Irish pubs in Raleigh with authentic Irish food and good pints of Guinness. And this year they are going all out for their 14th anniversary, with two outdoor parties at all of their locations (Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Pittsboro). Their parties on Saturday 14th and Tuesday 17th, except Holly Springs which will only be on the Tuesday. All parties will feature traditional Irish food, Irish dancing, bagpipes, and live music all afternoon.
6. Watch Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Tournament
- When: Sat, March 14th. Ireland vs Scotland
Could there be a better match up on the weekend before St Patrick’s Day than the Six Nations Rugby? Did you know that Ireland is currently ranked as one of the best rugby teams in the world. I had the pleasure of attending the rugby world cup in Dublin to see Australia vs Ireland in 1999. It was my tip from a group of Aussie business owners and journalists that my best friend and I served in our restaurant. We also went to attend the Irish players after party and meet some of them. What a memory! So, I’m always up for seeing the Mighty Irish play.
In 2026, Ireland will play Scotland on Saturday 14th March at 10.10am, the weekend of many St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Raleigh! Just head to an Irish pub or sports bar near you – The Hibernian Pub on Glenwood Ave will of course have the game on.
7. Join the Raleigh St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
It wouldn’t be St Patty’s Day without a pint or two of the black stuff while bar hopping. There are many bar crawls taking place in Raleigh, but the official Raleigh St Paddy’s Crawl is the largest bar crawl and takes place on Saturday 14th, the weekend before the big day. You must get your tickets in advance as you get a wristband which grants you free entry into the best bars and venues, plus up to 50% off exclusive drink specials. The following St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls are happening in Raleigh:
- Raleigh Official St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl on Saturday 14. Expect holiday-themed drinks, shots, free entry to establishments and more!
- Raleigh St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl & Block Party – 10+ Venues
- Raleigh’s Best St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl
- 20th Annual Raleigh St. Pat’s Pub Crawl (The Award Winner) Said to be the best St Patrick’s Day bar crawl in Raleigh and hosted by Tri Sports Social Club! Sat, March 21 @ 3pm
8. St Patrick’s Day at O’Malley’s
- Where: 5228 Hollyridge Dr, Raleigh
- When: Tuesday, March 17th
Another Irish Pub in Raleigh putting on a St Patrick’s Day party is O’Malley’s. Located in northwest Raleigh, it will be celebrating St Paddy’s Day with a performance by Slice & The Picks on the Saturday before. They also usually turn things up a notch by serving green beer, and serving drink specials, Irish food, plus doing giveaways.
9. Combine Irish Craic with German Prosting at the Marchtoberfest Festival
- Where: Clouds Brewing Taproom
- When: Sat, March 21st, 1pm-10:00pm
- Tickets
What happens when Germany and Ireland meet? One great big beer-swilling, toe tapping party celebrating Clouds Brewing 10th year anniversary. This annual event celebrates Oktoberfest in St Paddy’s Month of March and is full of festivity. Enjoy German music, German dancers, and the tapping off the keg ceremony, and much more! Traditional music and dancing to suit each country all day. No cover charge for the Irish Fest but your Oktoberfest price includes first beer and a Marchtoberfest glass.
10. Bull McCabe’s St Patrick’s Day Party (Durham)
- Where: 427 W Main St, Durham
- When: Sat March 14 – Tuesday 17, 2026
- Website
One of our favorite pubs for their Irish personality and spacious beer garden is Bull McCabe’s in downtown Durham. Their St Patrick’s Day party will be held across two days this year and will include an entertainment lineup that includes bagpipes, dancers, and live bands. Family friendly until 8:00, strictly 21 and up after 8. They are also showing the Six Nations Rugby.
11. Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at Trali Irish Pub, Brier Creek
- Where: 10370 Moncreiffe Rd, Raleigh, NC 27617
- When: Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th, Tuesday 17 March – 5pm to late
- Cost: Free
- Website
Bring your good craic into the tent at Traili Irish Pub, which will be set up for three days over St Paddy’s Weekend. There’ll be creamy pints of Guinness, traditional Irish music and dance, and live music in the evening.
12. St Patrick’s Paddy on the Green Festival (Lafayette Village)
- Where: Lafayette Village, North Raleigh
- When: 14th March 2026, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Website
Offering an entertaining, fun-filled peek into Irish Culture. Enjoy live music, food, and fun for the entire family! There will be a special appearance from Enchanted Wishes, and there will be activities like learning to write with a quill pen and writing illuminated letters, and brass rubbings. As it’s in the village you can shop and dine here!
13. Party on the Tin Roof for St Patrick’s Day
- Where: Tin Roof, Glenwood Ave
- When: Feb 28th, 6:00pm – 3:00am
- Website
If going green is on your wish list, then you’ll enjoy a green beer on the rooftop of Tin Roof (note, you can’t turn Guinness green). Their stage will be rocking all weekend long with talented bands and musicians to keep the festive vibes alive. This year there will be a giveaway for the Best Dressed and a Shamrock Beer Chug Contest.
14. St Patrick’s Day at Norse Brewing
- Where: 203 Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC
- When: Tuesday 17th March @ 11.00am – 9:00pm
- Website
Not wanting to leave our Wake Forest friends without an option in this list of things to do for St Patrick’s Day in the Triangle. Norse Brewing is having a St Patrick’s Day celebration with craft beer and some Irish Food. There will be live music too. See more of our recommended things to do in Wake Forest.
15. Race in the St. Patrick’s Day Beer Mile
- Where: R & D Brewing, 1399 Capital Boulevard Raleigh, NC 27603
- When: Sunday March 15th 2026, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
- Website
A running event an Irish would be proud of. Seven Saturdays Taproom is hosting a fun St Patrick’s Day event in Raleigh. Run, drink, and have a blast with friends as you complete the mile course while 4 enjoying ice-cold brews. (You can just watch the shenanigans as well) Other festive games & competitions, as well! Prizes for Best Dressed (most festive), Most Spirit (most green themed), Best Group!
16. Tap Yard’s St. Paddy’s Party
- Where: Tap Yard Raleigh, 1610 Automotive Way Raleigh, NC 27604
- When: March 17, 11:00am – 12:00am
- Cost: Free
- Website
Get ready to have a shamROCKIN’ good time at Tap Yard Raleigh with an all-day party and rockin’ night with live music! Let the green drinks flow all day long with green beers, Irish whiskeys, and hand-crafted cocktails created exclusively for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Come dressed up!
17. Shuck Yeah, Oak City Brewing
- Where: Oak City Brewing, Knightdale
- When: March 14th, 2026 – 12:00pm – 8:00pm
- Cost: Free, but Oyster roast tickets MUST be purchased in advance
- Website
The Shuck Yeah party is an annual event at Oak City Brewing with Irish music, bagpipes, green beer, & an oyster roast to kick off your St. Patrick’s Day festivities! The Shamrock Shucker Ticket includes: 1 peck of steamed oysters, 1 engraved oyster shucker, and 1 koozie. There are food trucks available if you don’t like oysters. There will be green beer and live music and Irish bagpipes all day!
18. Cook an Irish dinner with friends
All you need is some Irish soda bread, a bowl of steaming potato and leek soup, and either bacon and cabbage, bangers and mash, or Guinness stew for the main. Put on your Irish playlist during your dinner experience. Of course, I always recommend U2, if you want something a little more modern, put on Inhaler. Close your eyes and tell me who the lead singer sounds like. Yep. It’s none other than Bono’s son! Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Dubliners for more Traditional Irish music. I guarantee you’ll break out into some kind of Irish jig.
19. Watch an Irish Movie
Celebrate Irish culture by watching an Irish movie and learning about its rich and complicated past, especially its fight for freedom from oppressive British rule. My Left Foot bagged Daniel Day Lewis a best actor Oscar. Michael Collins will give you a little insight into real life revolutionary, And Bloody Sunday is a documentary of the civil rights protest and massacre of January 1972,
We watched the Award-winning Banshees of Inisherin last year, unfortunately it is a couple of hours of our life we won’t get back, but you may like it. I did think the acting was very good, but the scenery is beautiful. Snatch with Brad Pitt will give you an insight into my Dublin teaching days. I was a small group teacher for the Irish minority in my school. I spent almost the entire time asking them if they could repeat that. It’s the thickest accent I’ve ever come across. But what a heartwarming and rewarding cultural experience that was for me.
20. Spend time with the Goats
- Where: Spring Haven Farms
- When: Feb 18 – March 16, 2026; 10am-4pm Weds to Sun
- Cost: $15.95 online. Ages 4+
- Tickets
Since much of Ireland is countryside and farmland, why not spend a couple of hours with goats at Spring Haven Farm? They always have something fun going on year-round, especially for kids. This St Patrick’s Day they offer you the opportunity to trade the chaos of city life to the peacefulness of countryside living. We’ve recommended them as a farm to visit for pumpkin patches and Halloween. There’ll be activities throughout the day, Irish hospitality, and of course, goats to cuddle!
21. Plan a trip to Ireland
Why not grab a six pack of Guinness from the store, or make yourself an Irish coffee, sit down with a loved one and start planning a trip to Ireland? If you’re new to This is Raleigh, then you probably don’t know that I lived in Dublin twice – once over the summer in 1999 with my best friend waiting tables in the vibrant Temple Bar District, and then with Craig for one year in 2003. It was one of our favorite work abroad experiences yet and a country and people we love dearly.
Craig returned in 2022 on an 8-day Ireland tour, and it’s not going to be the last time we return to this incredible country! It’s a very easy country to travel to and around. Excitingly, we have direct flights from Raleigh to Dublin on Aer Lingus starting in April, 2026.
- You don’t want to miss these experiences and things to do in Dublin.
- Introducing Achill Island, Ireland’s largest Offshore island (See, Eat, Do)
- Experiences to Have In Ireland (for 1st time visitors)
- Incredible Places to Visit in Ireland with Kids
Comment: Your turn to share. What are you doing for St Patrick’s Day? Any great memories to share from previous year’s celebrations? Have you been to Ireland or want to go?
Stay Connected to Raleigh
Join our free email community to receive free checklists, guides, insider tips, personal stories, fun finds, and the best events in Raleigh each week. We'll show you how to stay connected to Raleigh and love where you live! Join Below 👇
“Your weekly newsletter is a lifesaver for me. Yesterday we didn’t know what to do, I just check your list of events for the weekend, and we ended up in Cary at the Carolina Circus Festival. We had a great time so thanks a lot for all your good work 😊 we really appreciate you” Subscriber
