St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey: It’s More Than Just Parades

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Woohoo—St Patrick’s Day celebrations and parades are back for 2023, and in a big way. And as luck of the Irish will have it, you can find plenty of St. Paddy-themed things to do to have a family-friendly day of celebrating. Join in a festive day of Irish dancing, live music, and corned beef at the Shamrock Celebration at Laurita Winery in New Egypt, watch a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wildwood, Morristown, Newark, or Union, or wear your green and have a family race during the Shamrock Shuffle in Bernardsville. Scroll down for ways you can be a little bit Irish this year, and for more fun in March, we found plenty of free things to do to keep you and your family busy. (featured photo credit: Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority)

(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)

Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 4 at 1 PM
The 44th Annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off promptly at 1 PM and after the parade marches by, join the parade goers at a family-friendly post-parade party at the Parks and Rec at 44 Park Ave in Nutley from 2 PM to 7 PM. There will be food, live music, and lots of St. Patrick-themed fun. 
Cost: Free, parade party $30 at the door for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under. 
The parade starts in Holy Family Parking Lot

Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 4 at 1 PM 

This St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey parade begins at 1 PM. This March will have music, Irish dancers, food, and more for the whole family.
Cost: Free
High and Washington Street, Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060
(609) 230-9555

Irish Festival in Toms River
March 4 at 12 PM
Bring your whole clan to this Irish-themed festival where local businesses, breweries, restaurants, and more will be out to celebrate with a day of food, fun, and music. Washington Street will be closed between Main Street and Robbins Street.
Cost: Free
Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Dance
March 4 at 4 PM
Enjoy entertainment by the local Montclair Irish duo Ceili Country with live Irish music, step dancing, and storytelling. Your family will learn traditional Irish dances, and kids can make crafts. Your ticket includes a dinner with corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. Beer and wine are also available for purchase.
Cost: $5- $25
Glen Ridge Congregational Church, 195 Ridgewood Avenue Glen Ridge, NJ 07028

Shamrock Celebration at Laurita Winery
March 5-6 at 11:30 AM
Bring your clan to hear live music, see Irish dancers, and shop from Irish vendors during the first half of March. Irish Festival Weekend will feature an Irish menu on March 5, 6, 12, and 13. The Devrin Academy of Irish Dance will perform on the weekend of St. Paddy’s Day. 
Cost: Free to enter
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533

(609) 752-0200

Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 5 at 12:30 AM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the state’s largest and most attended St. Patrick’s Day parades. Come to hear the bagpipes, watch the fire trucks go by, and don’t forget to wear your green to celebrate.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719

Gloucester Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 5 at 1 PM

This impressive procession will feature string bands, bagpipes, Irish dancers, Irish music bands, community groups, and more. Be sure to check out the before and after festivities, including the Irish Person of the Year and the restaurants with Irish cuisine.
Cost: Free
Baynes Ave. and Johnson Blvd., Gloucester City, NJ 08030
(856) 456-0205

Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 5 at 1 PM
Bring your Irish pride to Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hosted by the Rutherford Irish American Association, this parade will take off at Woodland Avenue and end at Ames Avenue.
Cost: Free
Downtown Rutherford starting at Woodland Avenue

Newark St. Patrick’s Parade
March 10 at 1 PM
Wear your green and join in the 87th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities, where the bagpipes, Irish dancers, marchers, and more come out to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in Newark.
Cost: Free
From the Prudential Center on Mulberry Street past Gateway Center, NJPAC, Military Park, St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, the Newark Museum, and Washington Park, Newark, NJ 07102

The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Hamilton
March 11 at 12:30 PM
Bring your Irish pride to this festive day of celebration in Hamilton. The opening ceremony will take place at 12:30 PM at the Nottingham Fire House on Mercer Street, and the parade will kick off at precisely 1:00 PM. 
Cost: Free
200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, N. J. 08690

Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11 at 12 PM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the largest and most celebrated in Morris County. Watch bagpipers, bands, officers, Irish dancing, and marching starting on South Street to Morristown Green. The parade will continue along Washington Street and end at Morristown High School.
Cost: Free
Morristown Town Hall – 200 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

North Wildwood St Patricks Parade
March 11 

Come celebrate the Irish and maybe see a leprechaun at this festive parade featuring the VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish Pipe Brigade, Miss North Wildwood, and more.
Cost: Free
9th and Atlantic Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260

(609) 522-2955

Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11 at 12 PM
Start the lineup early for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, featuring Celtic floats, Irish dancers and music in downtown Seaside Heights. At the end of the parade, see the Massed Band and a 40′ long American flag, and celebrate post-parade at a party at the Hershey Motel.
Cost: Free
The Boulevard, Seaside Heights, NJ
(732) 793-5000

Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11 at 1 PM
Come watch this parade, starting on Morris Avenue and Stuyvesant Avenue, with a Kid’s Zone of fun activities and games on Stuyvesant Avenue. Then at 1 PM sharp, the parade begins from Commerce and Jeanette Avenues and ends at Roosevelt Avenue.
Cost: Free
Scheduled to step off from Commerce and Morris Avenues

St. Patrick’s Day Dance Exhibition
March 11 at 2 PM
Bring the whole family to enjoy Irish Step dancing, singing, and live music at the METC Education annex. This exhibition will give your kids a chance to learn a new dance.
Cost: Free
23 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940

St. Patrick’s Day Tours
March 12 at 11 AM
A period-dressed interpreter will host a 90-minute tour of the village, including Ireland’s history and culture. Kids will love watching traditional Irish cooking, folklore, and music demonstrations.
Cost: Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance
The Historic Village at Allaire – 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall, NJ 07727
(732) 919-3500

West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 12:15 PM
The parade will step off at Main Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue in West Orange. There will be a mass at Our Lady of Lourdes in West Orange before the parade beginning at 9:00 AM. Complimentary shuttle buses are provided for marchers and spectators to the starting location of the parade at Town Hall.
Cost: Free
Corner of Main Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

10th Annual Freehold Borough Art Council St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 12:30 PM
Downtown Freehold Irish Week kicks off with the 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a marching group check-in at 11 AM, and the parade begins at 1 PM. The parade will end at Elk’s Lodge.
Cost: Free
McLean Street, Freehold, NJ 07728

Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 1 PM
Feel the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Asbury Park, where you can enjoy local participation from veterans, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, dance schools, high school marching bands, regional pipe and drum groups, national and international award-winning mummers, clowns, roller girls, live bands on floats, and much more. The parade route will take off at 5th Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
Cost: Free
Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

asburystpatsparade@gmail.com

Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 1 PM
This parade route starts on Allen Street and River Road and ends at Carton Street and Forrest Avenue. Anticipate the parade lasting 1 and a half hours.
Cost: Free
The parade takes off on Allen Street and River Road

Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 1:30 PM
The parade will start at Woodbridge High School and end at Woodbridge Town Hall. This year’s parade will be the 49th Woodbridge American Irish Association.
Cost: Free
1 Samuel Lupo Place, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade
March 12 at 1:30 PM
Remember to wear green and line up along Main Street for the 30th Annual Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade. You will enjoy bagpipe bands, step dancers, marching bands, civic groups, youth groups, emergency services apparatus, and more.
Cost: Free
Line up along Main Street

Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 2 PM
Bergen County’s 40th annual parade will take place down Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. This event will bring out Irish traditions that the county celebrates.
Cost: Free
Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party
March 12 at 2 PM
Join the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party for live music featuring the Birmingham Six, traditional food and drink, bagpipes and drums, and Irish step dancing following the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Cost: $10. All pre-orders include a t-shirt. Free for children under 12.
200 Fair Haven Road Fair Haven, NJ 07704

2023 Hunterdon County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Clinton
March 12 at 3 PM
Your family will enjoy 5 pipes and drum bands, Irish Step dancers, and more at Hunterdon County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Clinton. This parade’s pre-parade activities start at 2 PM with Irish step dancers on Main St.
Cost: Free
Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809

Sea Isle City’s 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11 at 3:30 PM
Bring your best green outfit and Irish pride to Sea Isle City’s 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. This event will include a costume contest beginning at 2 PM, followed by the parade beginning at 3:30 PM.
Cost: Free
120 63rd Street, Sea Isle CityNJ 08243

Hackettstown 14th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 3:30 PM
Over 14,000 people line the streets of Hackettstown for this event each year. The kickoff for the Hackettstown parade is at 3:30 PM. Dress up your dog for the best-dressed pooch and watch numerous floats that make their way through the town—your whole family will have a great time at this St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Cost: Free
Corner of Washington and Grand Avenues on Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

St. Patty’s Day Family Skate
March 17 at 4 PM
Get ready to wear your green and roll with the whole family. Skate and then stick around for more fun with food and games.
Cost: $5 admission, $5 Skate Rental
Millennium Skate World –
1900 Carman St., Camden, NJ 08105

St. Patrick’s Day Party
March 17 at 6 PM
Join the party at Villari’s Lakeside. You will enjoy an Irish Dinner Buffet and The Olde City Band. The buffet includes corned beef, ham, cabbage, stewed potatoes, penne ala vodka, and mussels in red and white. Also, get beer and drink specials all night long.

Lucky Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk
March 18 at 8 AM
The First Annual Lucky Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk begins and ends at Old Town Pub. The race will start at 9:30 AM, and the walk begins at 9:35 AM. Awards will take place at 11:15 AM. The 1 Mile Walk begins at 9:35 AM and will continue through Historic Bordentown City.
Cost: Free. Pre-registration cut-off day is March 15 at 8:00 PM, or you can register for the morning off from 7:30–8:45 AM.
135 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ 08505

Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18 at 11 AM
Join the St. Patrick’s Day fun and watch as first responders, marching bands, dance troupes, and decorated floats go by. This parade takes off promptly at 11 AM. 
Cost: Free
Spring Street Newton, NJ 07860

2023 Shamrock Shuffle
March 18 

Grab your running shoes, wear your green, and join in spirit for fresh air and exercise after a long winter. There is an option to choose from a 5K race, 2-mile walk, or kids’ fun run, and after, there will be lots of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. 
Cost: Fees vary per event
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish – 111 Claremont Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924
shamrockshuffle.bernardsville@gmail.com

St. Paddy’s Day Plunge and 5K in Cape May
March 18 at 12:30 AM
This St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey, take the Plunge, 5K Run, or 1 Mile Walk. There will be refreshments and an after-party at Carney’s.
Cost: For all 18 and under registrants, the price will be adjusted to $15 for the 5K Polar Plunge and $30 for the Combination 5K/Polar Plunge
411 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204

Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18 at 2 PM
Help paint the town green at Highland’s 19th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Your family will enjoy nearly 100 marching units, including bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and decorated floats. This parade will take off at Waterwitch Avenue and extend along Bay Avenue.
Cost: Free
Parade will run along Bay Avenue

Knights of Colombus Council St. Patrick’s Celebration
March 18 at 6 PM
Get your St. PatriPatrick’scelebration on with food and music. Your ticket includes an entry meal and entertainment. Enjoy Irish dancers, pipers, and a DJ. Tricky Tray & 50/50 tickets will be sold at the event.
Cost: $40. Advance Purchase Only
630 Valley Rd Wayne, NJ 07470

St. Paddy 5 Mile Race
March 19 at 10:30 AM
Get ready for a new 5-mile course, all contained within Tighe Park. The annual St. PaddyPaddy’sles race is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery in the park. Refreshments will include beer and hot dogs, and T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registrants. 
Cost: Free
65 Georgia Rd, Freehold Township, NJ 07728

Bayonne St. Patrick’s Parade
March 19 at 1 PM
This parade will step off from 5th and Broadway at 1 PM sharp. The procession will make its way north to 39th Street, turn west, and then proceed to the entrance of Stephen R. Gregg Park on Avenue C.
Cost: Free
Stepping off from 5th and Broadway

South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 19 at 2 PM
Celebrate Irish culture at South Amboy St. PatriPatrick’sParade. Marchers will line up on South Pine Avenue starting at noon. The parade will end on Broadway at the reviewing stage.
Cost: Free
The parade starts on South Pine Avenue

Annual Keyport Fire Department St. Patrick’s Parade
March 25 at 1 PM
Live music, floats, entertainment, and participating organizations throughout the community will come together to celebrate St. PatricPatrick’sn New Jersey.
Cost: Free
2 W. Front Street, Keyport, NJ 07735

Ringwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 25 at 1 PM

This parade will kick off at 1 PM at the T.D. Bank North access road on Skyline Drive. A family celebration will take place at St. CatherCatherine’sh Center immediately following the parade. Enjoy performances by the McLoughlin Step Dancers, pipe bands, and a DJ.
Cost: Free
Stepping off from Skyline Drive

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About Author

Melanie Bodner has always had a love for writing, but now she has a new love…being a mom. Before having her kids, Melanie was no stranger to writing or working with children. She wrote for a local newspaper as a reporter and taught English and Dance in a public school. Now Melanie enjoys spending time with her kids, doing yoga, writing and decorating her home. Check out her Instagram @burlapbythebeach.

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