17 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Pittsburgh ☘️ [March 2024]

Pittsburgh has its fair share of people with Irish heritage — there are lots of Pittsburghers who can claim a relative or ancestor came over from the Emerald Isle.

That means there are sure to be lots of fun events planned each year for the middle of March. Some events take place in the lead up to the big day on March 17th, and some take place on the actual day. It doesn’t seem to matter to the people of Pittsburgh — they appreciate any reason to hang out with friends and have a good time! We’ve put together a list of some of the most popular things to do in preparation — and celebration — of St. Patrick’s Day in Pittsburgh. Make it a point to attend some of them, or all of them, the next time March 17th rolls around!

Chances are you know a fellow Pittsburgher who would love a reason to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Surprise them with a GiftYa personalized egift card to any of the events below, and they’re guaranteed to have a good time! It will transfer directly to their debit card, so there’s no way they can forget it at home.

1. Attend Mass at St. Patrick’s in the Strip District

Start your St. Patrick’s Day off right with a mass at the church named for him

1711 Liberty Ave | Strip District

St. Patrick’s Church holds a mass each March 17th in honor of its patron saint. It’s a good way for the Catholics of Pittsburgh to start their celebration of St. Patrick off on the right foot. What better way to celebrate this saint’s day than by following in his footsteps and attending a service? There is also a special mass said the day of the St. Patrick’s Day parade — which is always on a Saturday. The faithful of Pittsburgh like to start out here before they embark on their journey towards downtown and its festivities.

This church is located in the Strip District, and is combined with the church of St. Stanislaus. The diocese of Pittsburgh decided to combine the parishes in an effort to share the priests that could celebrate mass. Make sure you check this church out for your St. Paddy’s celebration — its architecture is stunning!

2. Watch the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Of Course)

Wear your green and head downtown for the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade is every Pittsburgher’s favorite way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. After attending mass at St. Patrick’s Church in the Strip District, everyone makes their way down Penn Avenue to get a spot for the parade. You’ll want to get there early to get a close spot to watch one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country!

There are all kinds of groups that take part in this parade — including marching bands, Irish dancers, horse-drawn carriages, Irish Heritage groups (including the Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Knights of Equity, and the Daughters of Erin), politicians, and bagpipers. It truly is a feast for the senses!

There are streets that get closed off due to the parade route, so make sure to check before you come downtown and map out your route. This is a great event to bring the kids too as well, there’s all kinds of things for them to see!

3. Grab Your Buddies for the Pittsburgh Shamrock Crawl

Grab a group of friends and prepare to party in Pittsburgh’s South Side

Pittsburgh Shamrock Crawl is a very popular event in Pittsburgh — it’s also a fantastic way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! This yearly event is usually held a couple of weekends before March 17th, but that doesn’t put a damper on any of the festivities.

The Shamrock crawl takes place in the South Side, right on East Carson Street. Since there are so many bars located in the same area, the proprietors decided it would be a great idea if they all teamed up for one of the largest bar crawls in Pittsburgh.

For $30 you get a mug and cover-free access to participating pubs along the East Carson Street route. There are drink specials and live music all day — sure to be an unforgettable way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Pittsburgh.

4. Explore Your Family Tree at an Irish Genealogy Workshop

Learn all about your Irish roots in this interesting workshop

1212 Smallman St | Strip District

Irish Genealogy Workshop is a fascinating event put on by the Heinz History Center and in conjunction with the Westmoreland Historical Society. There are experts in Irish genealogy on hand to teach participants about historic records as well as online resources that will help you advance your search for family members and ancestors.

There are a couple of topics for researching Irish records, which the experts will be happy to discuss in further detail. Participants will also have the chance to tour the Heinz History Center’s Irish American collection.

This is a great opportunity to get some insight into how to explore your Irish roots even deeper! It’s also a great chance to connect with other people in the area looking to expand their knowledge in this area.

5. Fuel Up for Your St. Paddy’s Festivities with Breakfast at Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle

Stop in for a traditional Irish breakfast on St. Patrick’s Day parade day

2329 Penn Ave | Strip District | harpandfiddle.com

Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle is one of the best places to gear up for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. The Saturday of the parade, they offer a full Irish breakfast to hungry Pittsburghers eager to get on their way to the parade. It includes eggs, bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, potatoes, and Irish soda bread. You better come hungry if you’re planning to finish all of that! It’s also traditional to wash it all down with a strong Irish black tea as well.

Located in the Strip District, Mullaney’s is just a walk away from the parade route, and it’s a favorite stop to fill up before partaking in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities elsewhere. But if you don’t feel like leaving this welcoming Irish pub, stay awhile and enjoy the live Irish music — and Irish dancers — that will be a part of their St. Patrick’s celebration.

“Mullaney's is an authentic Irish pub. St Paddy's Day is huge here with music inside the bar and in the parking lot in a huge tent. I have had burgers and shepherds pie here and both are good. I have not yet tried the fish and chips, so will have to report back! If you are actually Irish, this is your pub. If you would like to be Irish, this is your pub.” – Yelp Review

6. Stick Around Downtown for the Market Square St. Patrick’s Day Events

There’s Irish music, food, and fun in Market Square for St. Patrick’s Day

Market Square is a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the ‘Burgh. Starting around 10 a.m. the square starts to fill up with Pittsburghers who are eager to get the celebration started. There are live music acts — such as bagpipers — early on in the day, as well as some fun face painting and other crafts for the kids to enjoy.

Bars often have outdoor patios for guests to enjoy their brews and a bite of food while they take in the music. Later in the day, there are more live music acts that take the stage and keep the party going until the afternoon.

Make sure you check out the pop up bars like Shamrock’d that appear each year especially for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

7. Stop By Fifth Avenue Place for Some Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Stop in here for additional fun after the parade!

120 Fifth Ave | Downtown

After you’ve watched some of the St. Patrick’s Day parade, why not take the kids over to Fifth Avenue Place’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities? This is a great idea, especially when it gets a little cold outside — these events take place indoors and on the ground floor of the building.

Each year there are crafts put together by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, face painting stations complete with a leprechaun, as well as music all day long to help you and the kids stay in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

8. Work on Your Swing with Five Iron Golf’s St. Patrick’s Day Party

Clothing, Jewelry, and Gifts from Ireland and the Other Celtic Nations

2 PPG Place Ste 90 | Market Square | fiveirongolf.com

Does thinking of Ireland’s rolling green hills make you long for the green of the golf course? Then you’re in luck because Pittsburgh’s favorite indoor golf simulator is bringing the two together for their St. Patrick’s Day party. All levels of golfing ability are welcome, so whether you’d be at home at the Masters or have never picked up a putter, you’re sure to have a fun time.

“Very unique set up for indoor golf play. The simulator bays which can be used for up to four players show realistic golf courses from around the world which you can choose for play. You can enjoy drinks and appetizers at your simulator or sit at the bar.” – Yelp Review

9. Grab an Authentic Irish Souvenir at Irish Design Center

Bringing a Wee Bit O’ the Old Country to Pittsburgh Since 1978

303 S Craig St | Oakland | irishdesigncenter.com

Downtown, you’ll find plenty of shamrock-shaped party favors, but what if you're looking for a more authentic souvenir? Take any of the 61 or 71 bus lines from downtown Pittsburgh to Oakland, and that’s just what you’ll find at The Irish Design Center.

From silk ties and Celtic barware to beautiful knit scarves and classic jewelry, you’re sure to find something in this shop that won’t just gather dust in your attic until next St. Patrick’s Day. With shelves lined with Irish fragrances, Irish instruments, travel books, and much more, a trip to the Irish Design Center is certainly worth the detour.

“As an American of Irish descent, it's always awesome to find stores that sell items that reflect your culture and heritage. Sometimes, that's a hard thing to find in a smaller city like Pittsburgh, but this place gets it right! Whether you're looking for tea and biscuits, candy, or something to wear, you will find it here. And if you can't find it, they will order it from Ireland for you!” – Yelp Review

10. Set Sail with Scott, Rob, and Greg from the Clarks for a St. Patrick’s Day Gateway Clipper Cruise

Pittsburgh’s Self-Proclaimed Biggest St. Patrick’s Day Party Hosted by WDVE

350 W Station Square Dr | South Shore | Get Tickets

When you think of Pittsburgh, a few images probably come to mind – the sparkling spires of Market Square, the iconic red trolley making its way up the incline, bold gold bridges, and of course, the Gateway Clipper. Get a new view of dahntahn when you join WDVE’s Chad Tyson as well as hometown guitar heroes Scott, Rob, and Greg of The Clarks for a three hour cruise on the three rivers.

This event is 21+, so be prepared to show valid ID when you board. Tickets will run you $35, and a variety of snacks, beer, and cocktails will be served on board.

11. Get Tatted at Inspire Body Art’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Flash Tattoo Event

Take Advantage of the Local Tattoo Shop’s Annual Flash Sheet Sale

1700 E Carson St | South Side | inspirebody.art

If your family hails from the great country of Ireland, that pride in your heritage is already something you carry with you every day. But if you want to show off your Irish spirit on the outside too, you can make it a permanent part of your ensemble with some ink from Inspire Body Art.

Located on Carson Street, Inspire Body Art is located very near a number of Pittsburgh’s other St. Patrick’s Day activities downtown and in the South Side. During the first come, first served St. Paddy’s Day event, you can choose from $40, $80, or $120 pre-designed tattoos from the artists’ flash sheets, or pick up a $40 piercing.

12. Rock Out at Our City Market’s Bands + Wine St. Paddy’s Party

Check Out the Local Live Music Scene at Homestead’s Urban Winery

210 E 7th Ave | Homestead | Get Tickets

Tired of sea shanties but not ready to head home after the parade? Turn up the volume on your St. Paddy’s Day party with tickets to Bands + Wine night at local music venue, The Forge. For their March 17th show, five bands will be hitting the stage, representing genres from pop punk to rock to “rust belt emo.”

Tickets are $12 and will be available at the door as well as on Eventbrite. Be sure to stop by to catch performances from:

• Kruiser
• Yellow Bridges
• No Sleep for Zombies
• Cokeworks
• All My Friends Are Cats

13. Mix and Sip Irish Diplomacy Cocktails

Step Up Your St. Patrick’s Day Drinks

108 19th St | Strip District | Get Tickets

Forget about gimmicky green beer or neon green jello shots. The Pennsylvania Market down in the Strip is holding an Irish Diplomacy Cocktails event – but all you really need to know is that you’ll get to enjoy three St. Paddy’s themed cocktails that are a little more elegant than traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare. And don’t forget the charcuterie, too!

PS – This is a 21+ event. You’ll have to show ID to get in the door.

14. Head Out to Indiana County for a St. Paddy’s Painting Night

Kick Off the Celebration Earlier in March

Not quite feeling the hustle and bustle of Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day? That’s okay. We have more laid back options, too.

This event takes place early in March, so it misses a lot of the chaos that comes with heading downtown on March 17th itself. If you feel up for making the drive out to Indiana county, you can participate in creating your very own Irish-inspired canvas creation.

15. Get Creative at St. Patrick’s Day Crafting Lessons

Head to Whitehall to Craft Your Irish Heart Out

100 Borough Park Drive | Whitehall | whitehallboro.org/recreation-activities

Feeling a little green? Make sure it’s not with jealousy! Join Whitehall Borough for their annual St. Patrick’s Craft Day. On Monday March 4, you’ll join staff to create a beautiful green and white wreath – for just a small $10 fee.

16. Cheer on the Home Team at the Pens vs. Red Wings Game

Show Off Your Hometown Spirit and Hope the Pens Get Lucky and Wine!

There’s nothing more Pittsburgh than spending St. Patrick’s Day at the Penguins game. Don your green jersey, grab your terrible towel, and head to the rink to see the Pens take on the Detroit Red Wings in their exciting 6pm game on Sunday, March 17th.

17. Chow Down on Authentic Irish Food at Piper’s Pub

Enjoy a Taste of the British Isles and an Impressive Collection of Irish Whiskey

1828 E Carson St | South Side | piperspub.com

Spend the day like the Irish with some authentic cuisine from the British Isles at Piper’s Pub in the South Side Works. Order classics like fish and chips, scotch eggs, and bangers. The full service pub is known for its mostly local cask ale pulled right from their firkin cellar. Or you can wash it all down with a glass of any Irish whiskey in their expansive collection. 

There you have it – some of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Pittsburgh ☘️

There are so many ways you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Pittsburgh. Events happen all over the city, so why not make a whole weekend out of it! And remember, if you're looking to give an amazing, personalized gift to help someone enjoy St. Patrick's day, keep GiftYa egift cards in mind.