St. Patrick's Day Events New York City, 2009

New York City is the birth place of St. Patrick's day celebrations in the United States. The first ever New York City St. Patrick's Day parade was held on March 17, 1762. The 2009 St. Patrick's Day celebrations in New York City are fast approaching. However, the famous parade isn't the only Paddy's Day celebration happening in New York, there are many fun ways to show your Irish pride around the city. If you want to join in this year's celebrations then read on.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
The 248th New York St. Patrick's Day parade is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 17. The parade marches off at 11am from 44th Street and Fifth Avenue. The parade route continues until it reaches 86th street, passing St. Patrick's Cathedral, the American Irish Historical Society and the Metropolitan Museum of Art along the way. The grand marshal for the parade this year is Michael J. Gibbons.

If you are lucky enough to make it into Manhattan to see the parade in person, get there early to ensure you can stake your claim to one of the best viewing locations. The best places to watch the parade from are found at the northern part of the route, beyond 66th street. One particularly good spot is at the top of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's steps.

If you can't make it to watch the parade in person, it doesn't mean you will miss out on it. The parade is due to be shown live on TV. The station has not been confirmed yet, but it is likely to be NBC.

St. Patrick's Pub Crawl
The annual St. Patrick's Pub Crawl has been drinking its way around New York City's pubs for 11 years now. It takes place over 3 days and includes 100 bars. This is the ideal St. Patrick's Day event for the hard core party animals out there.

The 2009 St. Patrick's Pub Crawl takes place on Saturday and Sunday, March 14th and 15th, Monday is a day of rest and the final day is Tuesday March 17. All of the bars on the crawl are located in Murray Hill, the East Village and the Upper East Side. This year's event is attempting to break a Guinness World Record for the largest pub crawl.

To participate in the event you need to purchase tickets. You can purchase tickets for each day at $20 each or get a 3-day pass for $30; if you buy before March 1. Ticket holders will get special prices on drinks, such as, $1 Bud and Bud Light drafts, $2 Bud and Bud Light Bottles, $2 Well Drinks and 2 for 1 shots of Jameson. To book tickets or get further info call 212-724-3900. For a list of many of the bars on the crawl visit: Irish Pub Crawl New York City

Irish Food
One of the main traditions of St. Patrick's day is having a good meal. In New York City you will find many options. If you want something less traditional and upscale check out the Pre St. Patrick's Day Wine and Food Pairing Dinner. This dinner is held at Marseille Restaurant on March 16, 2009 from 7:30pm-10pm. The Marseille is located at 630 9th Ave at 44th Street, New York City, 10036. The cost of the dinner is $150 if you book in advance. If you wait until last minute you will end up paying $300 at the door. For more information call 212-333-2323.

If you are looking for a more traditional American Irish dinner for St. Patrick's Day then give the Bistro Ten 18 a call. The Bistro Ten 18 is holding a special St. Patrick's Day dinner on Tuesday, March 17 from 12pm until 10pm. The dinner features a wholesome Irish menu of corned beef and cabbage. The featured drink is Celtic Stout. The price of the dinner is $16.50, and it is a good idea that you arrive wearing some green. This St. Patrick's Day event is sure to be popular so make sure a book early. The make a reservation call the restaurant on 212-662-7600.

Irish Culture and History
If you want to learn some history of the Irish in New York City then join the special Big Onion Walking Tour on Saturday March 14. This special tour is called. 'St. Patrick's Weekend Irish New York'. The tour takes you to the Lower East Side, to an area once known as 'Little Ireland' because it had so many Irish residents in the 19th century. The tour begins at 1pm and leaves from St. Paul's Chapel, which is located at Broadway between Fulton and Vesey. The cost of the tour is $15 for adults and $14 for full-time students and seniors. For more information call 212-439-1039 or visit Big Onion Walking Tours

One Sunday March 15 the Irish Arts Center will host its annual St. Patrick's Open day from 12pm until 5pm. This is a free, family orientated event. The day will include a variety of Irish culture performances, such as, music, songs, dancing and language. There will also be workshops that visitors can participate in. For more information call 212-757-3318. The Irish Arts Center is located at 553 West 51 Street, New York, NY, 10019.

Another Free St. Patrick's Day event is the Irish Heritage Concert held at St. Patrick's Cathedral. The event takes place on Thursday March 12, 2009 at 7pm. General seating at this event is free. The music performed at the Irish Heritage Concert will include contemporary and traditional Irish music. If you would like more information you can contact the cathedral on 212-753-2261. St. Patrick's Cathedral is situated at 460 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10022.

Whatever way you decide to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New York City this year, there are only a few simple rules to follow: have fun and wear some green.