St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest celebrations in Western New York, bringing together communities to honor Irish heritage with parades, music, dance, and festive gatherings. Whether you want to immerse yourself in Buffalo’s iconic parade, enjoy an authentic Irish meal, dance the night away at a lively bar crawl, or take part in family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. As March 17 approaches, let’s dive into the best ways to celebrate in Buffalo and beyond.

The History of St. Patrick’s Day in Western New York

St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in Western New York for over a century, with deep roots in the region’s Irish immigrant history. Many Irish immigrants settled in Buffalo and Niagara Falls in the 19th century, bringing their traditions and cultural pride. Over time, St. Patrick’s Day evolved into a major event in the area, with parades, festivals, and a strong sense of community.

Today, Buffalo hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York State, second only to New York City. The city’s Irish population, along with thousands of revelers from all backgrounds, come together for a weekend of green-clad fun, music, and camaraderie.

Buffalo’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY. The parade begins at Niagara Square and concludes on North Street.

 

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Buffalo’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the highlights of the year, bringing thousands of people to Delaware Avenue for an unforgettable celebration. Organized by the United Irish American Association (UIAA), the parade features Irish dancers, bagpipers, community groups, fire and police departments, and themed floats.

• If you’re attending for the first time, here are some tips to make the most of it: Arrive Early: The parade starts at 2:00 PM, but people start claiming their spots as early as 11:00 AM.
• Dress Warmly: March weather in Buffalo can be unpredictable. Layer up, and don’t forget gloves and a hat.
• Where to Watch: Some of the best viewing spots are near Chippewa Street for a lively crowd or North Street for a more family-friendly atmosphere.
• Post-Parade Plans: Many attendees head to local Irish pubs afterward, so if you’re planning to grab a pint at The Banshee, McCarthy’s, or Buffalo Irish Center, expect a wait.

Bar Crawls and Nightlife Events

If you’re looking for a more festive and energetic way to celebrate, there are plenty of St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls and nightlife events in Buffalo.

The Official Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

• Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
• Check-in will take place between 4:00pm and 6:00pm at Allen Street Hardware Café, located at 245 Allen St., Buffalo, NY 14201
• Description: Join hundreds of partygoers as they hop between Buffalo’s best bars, enjoying drink specials, music, and themed giveaways.

Luck of the Irish Bar Crawl

• Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
• The event will take place from 5:00pm to 11:00pm, with check-in available between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. The starting location is La Fiesta Mexican Cantina, located at 73 Allen Street, Buffalo, NY 14201.
• Description: This event promises an unforgettable night filled with green drinks, lively bars, and a citywide Irish celebration.

Top Bars to Check Out:

Founding Fathers Pub – A cozy spot with great Irish whiskey.

 75 Edward St., Buffalo, NY 14202

Gene McCarthy’s – Known for its old-school Irish pub feel.

73 Hamburg St., Buffalo, NY 14204

 

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Mr. Goodbar – Always has themed events for St. Patrick’s Day.

1110 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222

Live Music and Cultural Events

Buffalo has a rich Irish music scene, and St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to experience it.

The Blarney Bunch Band Performance

• Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Sean Patrick’s Irish Restaurant, located at 3480 Millersport Hwy., Getzville NY. Doors open at 11:30am.
• Description: The Blarney Bunch performs a mix of traditional Irish songs and popular rock hits, making it a fun event for all ages.

Dreams of Freedom Concert

• Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 8:00pm.
• Location: The Banshee Irish Pub, 257 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
• Description: This concert is perfect for those who love authentic Irish ballads and folk music.

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re celebrating with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events in Western New York.

St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake Decorating Class

• Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 10:00am
• Location: Chrusciki Bakery, 4475 Transit Rd., Buffalo, NY 14221
• Description: A fun and interactive way for kids to get creative with festive cupcake designs.

Post Shamrock Run Party at Flying Bison

• Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
• Location: Flying Bison Brewing Company, 840 Seneca St., Buffalo, NY 14210
• Description: After the annual Shamrock Run, enjoy live music, food, and Family friendly entertainment.

Celebrations in Surrounding Areas

While Buffalo is the main hub of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, nearby towns also host parades and celebrations.

YBPA 13th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Youngstown, NY)

• Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 12:00pm
• Location: Main and Lockport Streets, Youngstown, NY
• Description: A small-town parade with local charm and plenty of Irish pride.

Hamburg St. Pat’s Beer Tent & Leprechaun Crawl

• Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
• Location: 20 Union St, Hamburg, NY
• Description: A mix of live entertainment, local beer, and an exciting leprechaun themed bar crawl.

Best Places for an Irish Meal

No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without authentic Irish food. Here are some top spots in Western New York:

 

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The Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub

2134 Seneca St., Buffalo, NY 14210 – Famous for its Shepherd’s Pie and Guinness beef stew.

The Irishman Pub & Eatery

5601 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 – Great for corned beef and cabbage and traditional bangers & mash.

Tips for Enjoying St. Patrick’s Day

1. Plan Your Transportation: Consider Uber, Lyft, or NFTA Metro Rail to avoid parking issues.
2. Wear Green! Get into the spirit with green clothes, shamrocks, and fun accessories.
3. Hydrate and Eat Well: With all the festivities, make sure to drink water and grab a meal before indulging.
4. Respect the Community: While St. Patrick’s Day is about fun, remember to drink responsibly and be considerate of others.

Western New York offers a diverse and exciting lineup of St. Patrick’s Day events. Whether you’re drawn to parades, music, food, or festive bar crawls, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. So, gather your friends and family, put on your best green attire, and make unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day memories in 2025!