Cue the Celtic music and break out everything you own that’s green; Lehigh Valley has plans to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! According to Jayne Ann Recker, Executive Director of the Celtic Cultural Alliance, over 30% of Lehigh Valley’s residents have Celtic roots—but everyone is welcome to partake! We've rounded up a few must-see local events, bars fit for all things Irish, and more. It's happening over the course of several days this month so mark your calendars.
☘️ Allentown ☘️
Allentown St. Patrick's Pub Crawl
Pubs in Allentown's West End are hosting a pub crawl to benefit the Allentown St. Patrick's Day parade on March 15. Grab a beer, buy an official parade t-shirt, and support the event's biggest fundraiser of the year. This walking tour of the West End involves the Pubs, food establishments, entertainment and roaming bagpipers. Visit them all: Cuzins Pub & Grille, Ringer's Roost, Volpe's, The Shanty on 19th, Greg's West End Saloon, Maingate, Liberty Street Tavern, Bagpiper's Pub, Sleepy Cat Urban Winery.
Allentown St. Patrick's Day Parade
On March 23, experience the main event. Attend the official Parade Mass and blessing of the statue of St. Patrick is held at Immaculate Conception Church, in the original Irish 6th ward at 9:15 a.m. The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown will celebrate the Parade Mass. Following mass, set up your chair and prepare for a yearly favorite - the Allentown St. Patrick's Day Parade. The 2025 St. Patrick's Parade will feature 10 Pipe Bands, 8 Divisions and over 2,000 marchers from organizations, schools, companies and community groups throughout the greater Lehigh Valley Area. Fun fact: The first known St. Patrick's Parade was held in Allentown in the late 1860s.
West End St. Patrick's 5k
If you'd rather spend the afternoon getting some exercise, we hear you! Break out your green gear and Irish spirit for the 15th running of the West End St. Patrick's 5k. You'll enjoy a fast, flat, closed course with loads of people out to cheer you on in advance of the annual Allentown St. Patrick's Parade. While the course is perfect for a PR, it's also ideal for friends and family who simply want to come out and have a darn good time. Noon is the start for you late risers and revelers. Watch from the digital clocks at miles 1 and 2, enjoy a fabulous post-race indoor lunch with cookies, and five-year age group awards and prizes for the best outfits. You must be able to finish the 5k in less than an hour! Anyone slower risks getting trampled by bagpipe bands on 19th Street at 1:00 p.m.- no joke!
☘️ Bethlehem ☘️
Celtic Classic Parade of Shamrocks
Downtown Bethlehem will be awash in green as the Celtic Cultural Alliance hosts the 14th Annual Celtic Classic Parade of Shamrocks on Saturday, March 15. The parade steps off at 1:00 p.m., so arrive early for the best viewing spots! The parade will kick off at 5th Avenue & W. Broad Streets. The parade route will continue east on Broad to Main Street and makes its way south on Main Street, ending under the Hill-To-Hill Bridge. Hear your favorite local high school and middle school bands, community groups, pipe bands, Irish dancers, dancing groups, a kazoo band, local dignitaries, and businesses participate in the parade. Interested participants have until March 1 to register.
Raise a Glass
A visit to McCarthy's Red Stag Pub is a must during St. Patrick's Day. From their Best Legs in a Kilt contest to whisky tastings, live music, and so much more, you'll be set for the most authentic experience around. Don't forget to swing into Donegal Square to admire their selection of kilts!
☘️ Easton ☘️
Easton St. Patrick's Pub Crawl
Join in on some shenanigans during the Easton St. Patrick's Pub Crawl on March 8. Patrons 21 years and older can sign up to participate in Saturday's event. Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. at Takkii Ramen. A ticket costs $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Pub crawlers get food and drink specials at every stop and chances to win hundreds of dollars in gift cards to local restaurants. Each ticket also grants entrance to the after-party sponsored by Rivals Sports Bar & Restaurant at 9 p.m. where there will be live music and free food for pub crawlers. It's a walking event and will happen rain, snow or shine so wear as many layers of green as necessary to get you from one place to the next comfortably!
