2009 St. Patrick's Day Events in Boston

Boston is one of the most Irish cities in the United States, making it a great place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Boston hosts one of the biggest and oldest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in America. So if you can make to Boston in 2009 for St. Patrick's Day, you are sure to have fun.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade began in 1737. Today the parade is one of the largest in the United States and attracts more than half a million people every year. The 2009 Boston St. Patrick's Day parade will take place on Sunday, March 15 in South Boston, otherwise known as 'Southie'. The parade leaves from the Broadway MBTA station at 1pm sharp and continues until it reaches Andrews Square. Entertainment includes bands from around the US, local area and as far away as Ireland. If you want to get a good viewing spot then you will need to arrive early. The best places to watch are on Broadway.

Irish Music

One way to join in Boston's St. Patrick's Day festivities it to enjoy some Irish music. In the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day in Boston there are a number of live Irish music performances, traditional and modern. One of the most famous traditional Irish music bands, The Chieftains, will be playing the city on Friday, March 13. The group will be playing at the Symphony Hall in Boston from 8pm. Tickets for this excellent St. Patrick's Day event cost between $32-58. It is a good idea to book your tickets early as it is likely to sell out. You won't want to miss the chance to see on of the best traditional Irish music groups around. The ticket office can be contacted on 888-266-7575.

Another venue offering Irish music to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is the House of Blues. The House of Blues is hosting a number of modern Irish acts so it is worthwhile checking out their schedule. The most famous Irish band that will be playing this venue is The Pogues. The Pogues will be at Boston's House of Blues on March 20th and 21st from 8pm. Tickets cost $51. The House of Blues Boston is situated at 15 Landsdown Street, Boston, 02215. You can book tickets over the phone by calling the venue's box office on 888-693-BLUE.

Irish Food, Drink and Culture

St. Patrick's Day celebrations are not complete unless you indulge in some good Irish beer and food. One March 6-7 head to the Harpoon St. Patrick's Festival. The festival is hosted by Harpoon, Boston's biggest brewery. The main item of food will be a hearty corned beef and cabbage dinner. You will want to make sure you wash your meal down will a good beer, such as, the Celtic Ale. Besides a number of food vendors, this festival includes live music and plenty of chances to try an Irish jig. The event runs from 5:30pm-11pm on Friday and from 2pm-9pm on Saturday. You will find the Harpoon at 306 Northern Avenue in central Boston. There is a cover charge of $20, which includes 1 drink, but not food. It is not possible to book tickets in advance so it is a good idea to arrive early as space is limited.

For a family friendly Irish dinner and other Irish cultural activities head to the Irish Cultural Centre on Saturday March 14 for their St. Patrick's Day Community Open House. This is a fantastic St. Patrick's Day event where everyone can participate. The fun starts at 12pm with some Irish music and a chance to lean Irish Step Dancing. The rest of the afternoon is filled with Irish songs (learning and singing), Irish crafts, storytelling and live music performances. There will be a corned beef dinner sold throughout the event. If you arrive before 7pm the cost is just $3 and kids under 13 get in free. For more details you can call the Irish Cultural Centre on 781-821-8291.

If you really enjoy Irish fiddle music then one of the best fiddlers, Seamus Connolly, will be playing in the Boston area around St. Patrick's Day. Seamus Connolly will be playing at the Seaport Hotel Boston in their Tamo Lounge on March 13th and 14th from 9pm and on March 16th and 17th from 7pm. For more information call 617-385-4000.

This is only a taste of what you will find going on in American's great Irish city on St. Patrick's Day. There will be many venues offering good food, drink and Irish entertainment. Don't forget to wear your green!