When March rolls around, the Jersey Shore trades its winter gray for a little Irish green. From festive parades and family-friendly festivals to hearty meals and neighborhood pubs, St. Patrick’s Day is a chance for locals and visitors alike to celebrate Irish heritage.
Whether you’re looking for a lively parade, traditional Irish fare, or a cozy spot to raise a pint with friends, South Jersey offers plenty of ways to join the celebration.
A taste of Ireland close to home
Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without traditional Irish comfort food. A longtime favorite in the region is Fitzpatrick’s Deli & Steakhouse. Known for its classic New York–style deli offerings, the restaurant has built a loyal following over decades thanks to house-roasted meats, hearty sandwiches and traditional comfort dishes like corned beef and pastrami Reubens.
Around St. Patrick’s Day, dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread and other festive specials often appear on menus throughout the region, giving diners a chance to celebrate with authentic flavors.
Raise a pint with friends
Local pubs also come alive during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, many featuring live Irish music, themed menus and festive drink specials.
For many locals, the day is less about elaborate plans and more about gathering with friends, supporting neighborhood businesses and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere that Irish culture celebrates. Josie Kelly’s of Somers Point hosts celebrations with traditional Irish cuisine and great entertainment.
If you are feeling festive, Atlantic City will be host to multiple bar crawls this weekend, and on the actual holiday. Enjoy brews from local spots, like the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall (where one crawl begins their spirited adventure), or browse the offerings of casinos. The Lucky Leprechaun inside Resorts Casino Hotel is a great place to get your green on!
Family-friendly ways to celebrate
While the holiday is often associated with pub crawls and nightlife, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations along the Jersey Shore can also be surprisingly family friendly.
The Ocean City Arts Center is celebrating Irish arts with Maura MicKinney Mastro, presenting “Unleashing the Soul of Irish Music.” Her vocals and traditional dance will bring smiles to all ages – and the event takes place on St. Patrick’s Day!
Brigantine’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is certain to put you in the holiday spirit. The parade runs along Brigantine Avenue from 8th to 31st streets, Saturday, March 14, beginning at 1 p.m.
Also, on Saturday, March 14, the whole family can run the 46th Annual St. Pat’s Boardwalk 10-miler race or 5k in Atlantic City. Starting and finishing at Ocean Casino, runners can enjoy the springtime sea breeze as they race from the AC Inlet and back.
For those who prefer a slower pace, try your hand at these activities: taking a seasonal stroll around the EHT Nature Preserve, make Irish potatoes, or read about the history of St. Patrick’s Day at your local library.
Bringing a little luck to the shore
At its heart, St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of heritage and community — values that resonate strongly in South Jersey’s coastal towns.
Whether you’re watching bagpipers, enjoying a plate of corned beef at a neighborhood restaurant, or simply gathering with friends to raise a pint, the holiday offers a chance to celebrate the spirit of the season.
After all, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.
