By Delaney Crawford
Who’s ready to paint the town green? And no, this time we don’t mean for the Eagles — though we still expect to hear the fight song a few times!
Atlantic City’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade is just around the corner, and we know you’re as excited as us! This parade has been a staple in our community since 1986 and is one of the city’s most popular and longest-running traditions. Of course, the main attraction is the parade itself, and you’ll want to secure your spot to catch the dancers, musicians and all the green galore as they march down the boardwalk. But why not make a whole day of it and enjoy the festivities before and after, too?
Saturday, March 8, isn’t just about the parade. It’s about the whole day of celebrations leading up to it and the after-party that keeps the fun rolling well into the night. Whether you’re an early riser looking to kick things off with a perfect pre-party or a parade enthusiast eager to keep the festivities going after the last float passes by, we’ve got the ultimate guide to the best spots to eat, drink, and make memories this St. Paddy’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day at Resorts Casino Hotel
Here in Atlantic City, we like to celebrate the holiday a little early — and then all month long! At Resorts, there will be events, competitions and celebrations on parade day and actual St. Patrick’s Day. But let’s focus on the happenings for March 8.
The Kilted Rogues, Irish Bagpipers, will be performing throughout Resorts from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., so if you didn’t get enough of the bagpipes on the boardwalk, head over to Resorts after the parade and jig to more tunes. While you’re attempting your best Irish dance, don’t miss out on Parade Day drink specials at Dougherty’s, Cielo, Wet Willies, and Bar One!
Ain’t no party
like a pre-party!
This year, start your parade day off strong with an Irish Brunch Buffet at Cardinal. Located just steps off the boardwalk on New York Ave., stop in at 10 a.m. to fill up on Bangers, Rashers, and “Irish” French Toast. Get the drinks flowing with a mimosa or Bloody Mary, then walk right up to the boards and enjoy the parade. Brunch goes until 3 p.m., and dinner is served from 5 to 10 p.m. So, if you need to soak up the drinks from the parade, you can swing back around for round two!
Parade bar crawl
Because just drinking at the parade isn’t enough! South Jersey always knows how to throw a party, and this year’s St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. From noon until 8 p.m. on March 8, paradegoers can join the St. Paddy’s Parade Bar Crawl. Tickets are required for this event, which includes shuttles to eight-plus bars, drink and food discounts, giveaways and more. It’s an eight-hour day filled with drinking, bar hopping, and live music and DJs at select spots — what could be better? It’s definitely a fun way to explore the city on one of the most festive days of the year while stopping and catching the parade in the process.
The staple to any Irish celebration – The Irish Pub
Of course, you can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without hitting up your favorite local Irish Pub. The Irish Pub has been a staple in Atlantic City since 1972, offering an authentic taste of Ireland with pints and Irish-inspired dishes. Whether you’re looking for a pre- or post-party spot, the Irish Pub is a no-brainer.
And the party doesn’t stop after parade day. On March 18, the day after St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish Pub hosts Bag Day, a special celebration for those who spent the holiday working. But of course, everyone is welcome to join in! It’s a tradition that started when the pub’s owners decided to keep the St. Paddy’s spirit alive and well for anyone who missed out on the big day and continues to grow each and every year.
Now that you know exactly where to go before, during, and after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, you’re all set for a full day of fun. Stay safe, stay festive and enjoy the city as it lights up in green, cheers and plenty of beers
