From Sydney to Melbourne, and Brisbane to Perth, communities are uniting to mark this global phenomenon with an Australian twist. The streets will echo with the sounds of traditional Irish tunes, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. Join us as we delve into the spirited festivities unfolding across the country. 

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADES

16 MAR Brisbane QLD

16 MAR St Kilda, Melbourne VIC

16 MAR Leederville, Perth WA 

16 MAR Westbury TAS

16 MAR Adelaide SA

17 MAR Sydney NSW

17 MAR Toowoomba QLD

SYDNEY, NSW

In the heart of Sydney, excitement brews for the upcoming St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival from March 14th to 17th. Big gigs include Sharon Shannon Big Band and Sásta. The main event, the renowned parade and festival takes centrestage on Sunday, March 17th. The parade runs from Pitt Street/Hunter Street to Circular Quay, beginning at 11am. sydneystpatricksday.com

Also in New South Wales at Glencoe on the New England Highway, The Red Lion Tavern will be hosting three days of great Irish food, drink, music and dancing. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088080880872

MELBOURNE, VIC

In the heart of St Kilda, the fifth annual St Patrick’s Festival unfolds over two days, on March 16th and 17th. The family-friendly festivities commence on Saturday at 10am in O’Donnell Gardens, offering free admission. Expect roving entertainers, Irish dancers, and a vibrant parade on Acland Street. Then on Sunday, the excitement continues with a ticketed event featuring Irish bands and workshops. melbournestpatricksday.com.au

Melbourne Celtic Festival is a celebration of Celtic Music in the heart of the city over St Paddy’s weekend, March 16th and 17th at  The Mission to Seafarers. The line-up includes Australia’s premiere Scottish rock band, living legends CLAYMORE, high energy, award-winning Celtic group AUSTRAL, Scots Singer of the Year nominee CHLOE MATHARU and more. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088080880872

Also on St Patrick’s Day, the annual St Patrick’s Family Fun Day by the Melbourne Irish Festival takes place in Edinburgh Gardens, North Fitzroy. The not-for-profit event is open to all. www.melbourneirishfestival.com

BRISBANE, QLD

Since 1989, a spirited St Patrick’s Day Parade has weaved through the vibrant streets of Brisbane almost annually, with floats showcasing the city’s rich tapestry of Irish heritage. In 2024, the parade will enchant spectators with the theme Irish Myths and Legends, starting at 10.30am on March 16th in Alice Street, Brisbane. brisbaneirishfestival.com.au

Finn McCool’s Fortitude Valley will be hosting a whole weekend of St Patrick’s Day parties across two stages. https://www.facebook.com/Finnmccoolsfortitudevalley

PERTH, WA

St Patrick’s Festival WA will shower Leederville in a beautiful shade of green come March 16th. Join in the parade and free family fun day at the Oval from 10am to 3pm. It promises to be the best yet! www.facebook.com/stpatricksfestivalwa/

Hand in Hand ~ Kidogo Irish Aboriginal Festival is back with a mini-fest for 2024. Join the festival family for another year of celebrating the deep love and friendship between Irish & Aboriginal people through storytelling, poetry, music, art & more. https://www.facebook.com/KidogoIrishAboriginalFestival

TOOWOOMBA, QLD 

Join the crew for the annual Darling Downs Irish Club St Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 17th from 10am. Then enjoy traditional Irish music, Irish dancers and the Toowoomba Caledonian Pipe Band in the Irish Club Hotel after the parade. Details here

WESTBURY, TAS

The annual festival will take place on March 16th from 10am on the Village Green. It will feature music, dancing, a market and the St Patrick’s Day parade. Facebook/Westbury St Patrick’s Festival

CANBERRA, ACT

Canberra Irish Club has a day packed with Irish fun, food and drink, from starting the day with a traditional Irish breakfast through to late evening with live Irish music and traditional dancing on March 17th. It’s a non-stop program and truly a great way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. https://www.irishclub.com.au/

ADELAIDE, SA

The Saint Patrick’s Day parade is back in Norwood on March 16th. Co-hosted by The Irish Associations of South Australia and AIDA SA, the parade starts at 10am at Richards Park and will finish at the Norwood Hotel. Details at https://www.facebook.com/norwoodhotel

DARWIN, NT

You are invited to join Aifreann i gaelach (Mass in Irish) celebrated by Fr. Jimmy O’Gara organised by NT Irish Association, on Monday 18th at 5.30pm at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Rapid Creek. Bring light refreshments to share afterwards, this is a chance for you to meet, chat and hear stories. There are also events happening in Irish pubs across Darwin. See https://www.facebook.com/ntirishassociation/

Picture: Our sister publication, Irish Queenslander (IQ), with a Belfast-made DeLorean DMC on parade in Brisbane.