Discover the Best Ways to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in the Carolinas
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to break out your best green outfit, grab a pint, and join the celebration! If you’re lucky enough to be in the Carolinas this March, you’re in for a treat. Whether you want to tap your feet to some Irish music, join in a parade, or dance a little Appalachian clogging, the Carolinas have something for everyone. Here’s the scoop on the top St. Patrick’s Day events happening in the region!
Hilton Head IrishFest
Date: March 16-17, 2024
City, State, and Region: Hilton Head, SC, Lowcountry
Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Ireland—no passport required! Hilton Head IrishFest is where the Lowcountry meets the Emerald Isle, and it’s packed with fun. Picture this: bagpipes playing, Irish dancers stepping in perfect rhythm, and the smell of Irish stews and soda bread filling the air. It’s a festival that brings together the best of Irish culture with a Southern twist. You’ll get to enjoy great music, live performances, and plenty of pints to wash it all down. Plus, you’ll find Irish-inspired food and drinks that’ll make you feel like you’re actually in Dublin (without the flight).
The festival is family-friendly, so everyone can get in on the fun. There’s a special kids’ area with crafts, face painting, and plenty of ways to burn off that energy. As the evening rolls in, head over to the main stage for Celtic bands that will have you dancing in the grass and soaking in the St. Paddy’s vibes. It’s a perfect way to spend the weekend with friends and family!
Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Date: March 15, 2025
City, State, and Region: Charlotte, NC, Piedmont
Charlotte knows how to throw a parade, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the best. Every year, Uptown comes alive with floats, bagpipes, Irish dancers, and a whole lot of green. Whether you're in the crowd or marching along, it’s a blast to be part of this festive tradition. The parade kicks off at 11 AM, so get there early to grab a good spot along the route. Trust us, you won’t want to miss all the fun!
Once the parade wraps up, the Charlotte Goes Green Festival keeps the party going. From 10 AM to 6 PM, there’s live Irish music, tons of delicious food, and plenty of activities for everyone. There’s a Celtic Kids Zone, food vendors galore, and an overall sense of fun that makes this one of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Carolinas.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Darnell Farms
Date: March 15, 2025
City, State, and Region: Bryson City, NC, Western North Carolina
If you're looking for a St. Patrick's Day celebration that’s a little off the beaten path, Darnell Farms has you covered with the BIGGEST party in Western North Carolina. Head to Bryson City for a full day of live music, clogging, classic cars, and farm-fresh eats. The day kicks off with performances by The J Creek Cloggers, a group you’ll want to see if you like high-energy, foot-stomping Appalachian dancing. After the show, stick around for a meet-and-greet with the cloggers themselves!
But that’s just the start—there’s so much more going on! The Pharaohs at the Farm Car Show (11 AM – 3 PM) features cool cars you can check out, and if you're feeling competitive, you can even enter your own car for just $10. Hungry? You’re in luck! The farm is serving up Irish-inspired dishes, plus a special Lucky Charm Dreamwhip treat. Get in on the fun with a Saint Patty’s Dress Contest, a Leprechaun Gold Hunt, and a Dance-Off with the J Creek Cloggers. And the best part? It’s all FREE! Bring the whole family, because this celebration is sure to be one for the books.
The Carolinas really know how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and no matter which event you choose, you’re in for a blast. Whether you’re dancing to Celtic tunes in Hilton Head, marching in the Charlotte Parade, or kicking back at Darnell Farms, you’re bound to have a great time. So grab your green, round up your friends, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories this St. Patrick’s Day!
