From pints to parades, here’s where you can celebrate the luck of the Irish in 2025
By Kyle Marie McMahon
Whether you’re raising a pint of Guinness, searching for the best corned beef and cabbage or just looking for an excuse to wear green, St. Patrick’s Day has something for everyone. From festive pub crawls and themed specials to hands-on crafting events, there’s no shortage of ways to join the fun. Even better, Raleigh’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade offers a family-friendly way to soak in the spirit of the holiday. Plus, many local Irish pubs and restaurants will be offering their own specials, so be sure to check your favorites.
Here’s a roundup of St. Paddy’s Day events to help you plan your perfect celebration!
March 15, 10 a.m.
Downtown Raleigh
A celebration of all things Irish, the annual parade will begin on the corner of Salisbury and Hillsborough Streets along the west side of the state capital building. Bring a chair or blanket and grab your spot as early as 8 a.m. for the best view.
https://raleighstpats.org/
March 15, 1–6 p.m.
1 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh
Celebrate the holiday at Dram & Draught with special cocktails and live music by Sophia Cafaro. Entry is free, but if you purchase a ticket early, you will receive a t-shirt and voucher for one specialty cocktail. Other Dram & Draught locations throughout the Triangle will host a Darty as well.
eventbrite.com
March 16, 1:30 p.m.
1399 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh
R&D Brewing hosts this annual event where you will run a 1-mile course while drinking a beer at each quarter mile. Prizes will also be awarded for the most festive attire.
eventbrite.com
March 17, 5 p.m.
609 Tucker Street, Raleigh
Starting at Lucky B’s, tickets for this bar crawl include admission into each stop at some of the best bars in Raleigh. Enjoy drink and food specials, live music and an after-party to celebrate the holiday.
eventbrite.com
March 14, 6:30–8 p.m.
4325 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
For a more low-key celebration, sign up for a candle-making workshop with McCormick Creations Gifts + Candle Studio. Create custom candles with scents like Irish Cream, Lucky Clover and Mint Mojito while enjoying holiday-themed cocktails.
eventbrite.com
March 15, noon–11:30 p.m.
1610 Automotive Way, Raleigh
Celebrate the holiday all day with a variety of events hosted at the Tap Yard. Enjoy Irish drink specials and food from the Jolly Catering food truck while Freedom Ride Rescue shows off adorable dogs available for adoption. The live music starts at 2 p.m. with the Gaelic A’ils, a seven-piece Irish band.
tapyardraleigh.com
March 15, 2 p.m. & March 17, noon
1983 High House Road, Cary
Grab some traditional Irish favorites such as corned beef and cabbage or shepherd’s pie while enjoying live entertainment of Irish music, dancers and bagpipes. The Apex and Pittsboro locations will also be hosting festivities the same day.
dohertysirishpubnc.com
March 15, 16, & 17; 2:30 p.m.
914 West Main Street, Durham
The Federal and James Joyce Irish Pub are hosting three separate events to celebrate Irish heritage, taking place in the biergarten and accompanied by live Irish music. Saturday, enjoy an Irish salmon tasting. Sunday features Irish whiskey, while Monday will include an oyster roast.
facebook.com
March 15, 3 p.m.
Glenwood South, Raleigh
Starting at the Cornerstone Tavern, this award-winning bar crawl is driven through text message. Venues are open only to those who register and are wearing the official t-shirt. Registration includes additional free drinks, games and prizes, and souvenirs.
maceventsnc.com
March 11, 6–9 p.m.
314 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary
Grab a friend or loved one and celebrate Irish customs with Rockler Woodworking. Using their Celtic knot pen kit, craft your own custom St. Patrick’s Day-themed resin pen to take home.
eventbrite.com
March 15, 16 & 22
Various locations
Grab a group of friends, pick up your treasure map and get hunting! Solve puzzles using St. Patrick’s Day-themed clues to find the treasure chest and win the grand prize. The hunts usually last around an hour and involve around two miles of walking. Events are available in Cary, Raleigh and Durham.
triangletreasurehunt.com/
March 15, 7–9 p.m.
510 West Martin Street, Suite 100, Raleigh
Rather than going out for a St. Patrick’s Day drink, learn how to craft your own. Professional mixologists teach you how to make two themed cocktails. All supplies are provided. On My Way Bartending is located on the ground floor of Raleigh Union Station.
eventbrite.com
March 8, 1–5
Lafayette Village, Raleigh
Enjoy family-friendly games and activities, Irish-inspired dishes and live music while learning about Irish heritage and culture at this family-friendly event.
lafayettevillageraleigh.com
March 14–17, 4 p.m.
330 W. Davie Street, Raleigh
Grab a green beer and some Irish swag while having a blast on new and retro arcade games. Live music and drink specials are available all weekend.
facebook.com
March 15–17, 11 a.m.
427 W Main Street, Durham
Stop in anytime all weekend to enjoy classic drinks and delicious Irish food. Live music begins around noon each day, and the event is family-friendly until 8 p.m.
bullmccabesirishpub.com
