Best of Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Events and Activities

St. Patrick's Day is always a major event in Cleveland, and the 2025 celebrations are poised to be bigger, better, and more festive than ever. Known for its rich Irish heritage and vibrant cultural scene, Cleveland has a deep connection to the holiday, with one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States. From parades to pub crawls and family-friendly events, the city will be alive with excitement as it honors Ireland’s patron saint. Here’s a guide to the must-attend events and activities that will make Cleveland’s 2025 St. Patrick's Day one to remember.

1. The St. Patrick's Day Parade

One of the largest and most anticipated events of the day is Cleveland’s annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Taking place in downtown Cleveland, this parade will feature a lively procession of colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, and various local groups celebrating the Irish spirit. With a long-standing tradition dating back over 150 years, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a staple event for Clevelanders of all ages.

The parade begins at 1:04 p.m. on March 17, 2025, a nod to the historic date of St. Patrick’s death. Starting at the corner of Superior Avenue and East 18th Street, the parade will make its way through the heart of downtown Cleveland, culminating at the corner of Ontario Street and Lakeside Avenue. This year, the parade promises even more elaborate floats and performances, as well as appearances by local celebrities and dignitaries. Expect a sea of green as the streets fill with proud Irish-Americans, revelers, and families, all coming together to celebrate Cleveland’s Irish roots.

One of the highlights of the parade is the participation of the Irish American Club East Side and the Cleveland Firefighters marching group, showcasing the city’s strong Irish and community spirit. Additionally, this year’s grand marshal, Mayor Justin M. Bibb, will be leading the festivities, marking an exciting milestone for Cleveland’s Irish community.

2. The Irish Cultural Festival

Running in conjunction with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Irish Cultural Festival will take place from March 14–16, 2025. Held at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and several venues in the surrounding areas, this festival offers visitors a deep dive into Irish culture. Featuring Irish dance performances, music, food, and drink, it’s the perfect event for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Ireland’s traditions.

Festival-goers can expect to see performances by local Irish dancers and traditional musicians, as well as Irish language workshops and cooking demonstrations. The Irish Cultural Festival is a great place for families to explore Ireland's rich history, with plenty of activities and exhibits for children and adults alike.

One of the festival’s unique features is its Irish Pub Experience, where attendees can sample a variety of traditional Irish dishes such as shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, and Guinness stew. Of course, there will also be plenty of Irish brews to sample, from classic pints of Guinness to local craft beers with a distinctly Irish twist.

3. Pub Crawls and Brewery Celebrations

For those of age looking to enjoy the festivities with a drink in hand, Cleveland’s St. Patrick's Day pub crawls are legendary. Bars, pubs, and breweries across the city open their doors to visitors who want to celebrate the holiday with great drinks and live music.

One of the largest pub crawls in the city, the Downtown Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, starts at noon on March 17. The event takes revelers on a tour of the best bars in downtown Cleveland, with participating venues like The Flat Iron Cafe, Bar 32, and Hofbräuhaus Cleveland, offering special deals and themed cocktails. Pub crawl tickets grant access to exclusive drink specials and include a commemorative St. Patrick’s Day t-shirt. Be prepared for an unforgettable day of fun, laughter, and camaraderie as you hop from pub to pub, enjoying the energy of the holiday.

Meanwhile, Cleveland’s own craft breweries are getting in on the action with unique St. Patrick’s Day beers. For instance, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Fat Head’s Brewery, and Masthead Brewing Co. will all have special Irish-inspired brews on tap, from traditional Irish stouts to inventive pale ales and IPAs with a St. Patrick’s Day twist. Many breweries also feature live bands or DJs, and some will host contests, such as best-dressed in green or Irish trivia nights, ensuring the fun continues long after the parade ends.

4. Family-Friendly Festivities

Not everyone wants to hit the bars and pubs on St. Patrick’s Day, and Cleveland has plenty of family-friendly activities for those with little ones in tow. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is hosting its annual St. Patrick's Day Family Fun Day on March 17, 2025, offering fun for all ages. The event includes live entertainment, face painting, scavenger hunts, and more. Children can enjoy an afternoon exploring the zoo while parents enjoy the Irish-themed festivities.

Another family-friendly event taking place during the weekend is the St. Patrick’s Day Family Parade, a more relaxed version of the main parade. This shorter, kid-focused procession is designed with families in mind, with many of the same performers and floats but tailored to be a more enjoyable experience for younger children. The parade route will go through Cleveland Public Square, where families can enjoy live music, games, and activities after the parade finishes.

Additionally, the Cleveland Public Library will host a special St. Patrick’s Day Storytime event, featuring Irish folktales, songs, and games for young children. It’s the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to learn about Irish history and traditions in an engaging and interactive way.

5. Green Spaces and Outdoor Fun

For those who prefer the outdoors, Cleveland offers several opportunities to enjoy the festivities in the open air. Edgewater Park will be hosting a special St. Patrick’s Day Picnic, where attendees can enjoy the beautiful lakefront views while participating in lawn games, music, and community events. The park will also be hosting a Green Beer Run, a 5k run/walk for all ages, encouraging participants to don their green attire and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lakefront before heading to the celebrations.

Meanwhile, Cleveland’s West Side Market will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Food Festival, where visitors can sample Irish dishes, listen to traditional Irish music, and pick up specialty Irish ingredients to bring home. This event will be a fantastic way to taste some of the best food Cleveland has to offer while celebrating the spirit of the holiday.

6. Irish-Themed Concerts and Live Music

As the sun sets on St. Patrick’s Day, Cleveland's live music scene takes over with a mix of Irish-inspired tunes and traditional folk music. House of Blues Cleveland will host an Irish rock band, and The Grog Shop will feature local Celtic musicians bringing traditional Irish folk and modern Celtic fusion to the stage. For fans of traditional Irish music, The Cleveland Orchestra will perform a special St. Patrick’s Day concert, highlighting the symphony’s Irish-themed repertoire, complete with special guest musicians.

Local pubs and bars also get in on the live music action, with places like The Irish American Club and P.J. McIntyre's Pub offering performances from local Celtic bands, dancers, and even bagpipers. Expect the streets to come alive with the sound of fiddles, flutes, and drums, adding to the festive atmosphere that makes Cleveland's St. Patrick's Day celebrations so memorable.

Conclusion

Cleveland’s 2025 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will be an unforgettable experience, offering something for everyone—whether you're marching in the parade, enjoying a family-friendly event, or hopping from pub to pub in search of the best St. Patrick's Day beer. With a wide array of festivities including parades, cultural festivals, outdoor activities, and live music, Cleveland promises to provide a memorable holiday full of green, joy, and community spirit. Make sure to mark your calendar for March 17, 2025, as the city comes together to honor its Irish heritage and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style.