How Do You Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?

Saint Patrick's Day started as a religious holiday in Ireland and has shifted over time to a secular celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Food, music, dancing, parades, and drinking are popular activities during Paddy's Day celebrations. The first celebration is credited to Boston in 1737 with a dinner hosted by Irish immigrants that is still commemorated today. New York city is credited with hosting the first Saint Patrick's Day parade. Chicago celebrates by dying their river green. 

As the saying goes, "Everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick's Day". A 2025 national survey seemingly backs this up as 76% of Americans are expected to celebrate this year. The survey also indicated that 48% will wear green, 28% will visit a pub or restaurant, 26% eat cultural food, 23% drink festive beverages, while 10% attend a parade.

Saint Patrick's Day is reportedly the 3rd biggest drinking holiday in the USA behind only New Year's Eve and 4th of July. Paddy's Day does the take the top spot for biggest beer consumption day with an increase of 174% over the average day. The top 3 states for drink consumption are Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Mississippi. Guinness is most consumed followed by green beer and Jameson. The 3 best US cities for Paddy's Day celebrations are Boston, Reno, and Savannah according to a recent study.

How do IWSA members celebrate? We asked members to participate in a survey to identify fun facts about their Saint Patrick's Day festivities. Here is a summary of the responses:

More than 93% of you wear green but don't drink green beer

More than 88% of you drink a Guinness

About 1/3rd of you attend a parade

Slightly over 60% of you eat corned beef and cabbage

Traditional Irish and the Pogues were mentioned most for favorite music

Most don't opt for traditional cocktails with Irish coffee mentioned most

Powers and Redbreast were the 2 most mentioned Irish whiskey brands

Boston was favorite city to celebrate with Chicago a distant second

Quiet Man was runaway favorite movie to watch followed by Boondock Saints

The Fugitive was mentioned I'm assuming due to its Chicago parade scene

Counter-programming favorite: 2 votes for The Town

Overall, it appears IWSA members celebrate by spending the day with friends and family, and enjoying a good meal and drink. Slainte