Whether you’re after a lively party, a cosy pub session, or a full weekend of Celtic festivities, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day across Australia. Here’s a look at some of the best places to don your green and join the craic in 2025. 

BUNBURY WA

The Bunbury St Patrick’s Day Festival promises a vibrant celebration of culture and community from Friday, 15 March to Monday, 17 March. This free event offers a fun-filled weekend for the whole family, featuring live music from an incredible line-up that blends the sounds of Ireland and Australia. Enjoy spirited Irish dance performances that will have you tapping your feet, along with exciting family entertainment.

New this year is a captivating magic show, plus a roaming magician who will amaze and delight festival-goers. Immerse yourself in Irish culture with engaging workshops, including traditional Irish dancing and language sessions, as well as a special GAA event hosted by the Bunbury Gaels. More info: www.facebook.com/SouthwestIrish

BENDIGO VIC

The Central Victorian Irish Association presents the Saint Patrick’s Day Concert at The Engine Room in Bendigo at 7:30 pm on Monday, 17 March. Among the performers will be director/accompanist John Clancy, soprano Suzanne Houlden, baritone Bryan Milne, Uilleann pipes with Matthew Horsley, Emily Calder on fiddle, Celtic harpist and singer Meryl Wilkinson, and The O’Shea Ryan Academy of Irish Dance.  Tickets are now on sale on http://www.gotix.com.au. More info: facebook.com/centralvictorianirish

MELBOURNE VIC

The Melbourne Celtic Festival is set to take place on Saint Patrick’s Day, Monday, 17 March at the Mission to Seafarers in Docklands, promising a full day of music, culture, and celebration. Running from midday until late into the night, the festival will bring together a stellar line-up of traditional and contemporary Celtic performers across three indoor stages. Festival-goers can immerse themselves in culture, with Celtic-inspired food and drink, as well as Irish singing, dancing and performers. More info: www.melbournecelticfestival.com.au

JOONDALUP WA

Celebrate a day for the history books as the city of Joondalup holds its first St Patricks Festival on Sunday, 16 March. The day will feature live music, market stalls, family entertainment, fresh food, traditional beverages and activities for all ages. It’s going to be a free family-friendly event designed to bring everyone together in the heart of Joondalup, from near and far. Playing live music on the outdoor stage will be Jonny Reid and The Broken Pokers. The festival will be held at the top of Central Walk and Davidson Avenue. More info: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573106200010

SYDNEY NSW

Misneach is a new annual global music festival curated by acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy. In 2025, Misneach will take place in two cities with significant Irish communities – Sydney on Sunday, 16 March, and Boston, USA on 18 and 19 March. The Sydney event will be an outdoor festival at The Domain, following the city’s official St Patrick’s Day parade. The line-up includes Dermot Kennedy, The Frames, Matt Corby, Kneecap, Meg Mac, Amble, Sorcha Richardson, and The Scratch. Tickets and more info: misneachfestival.com

KOROIT VIC

Koroit, renowned as Australia’s most Irish town, hosts its annual Koroit Irish Festival to celebrate its rich Irish heritage. The festival is scheduled from 25 to 27 April. It will feature live music performances, cultural displays, and community activities. The town will also come alive on St Patrick’s weekend, with the iconic Mickey Bourke’s Koroit Hotel being a focal point for festivities. More info: facebook.com/irishfestivalkoroit

BRISBANE QLD

Brisbane’s Irish festivities run throughout March, with a highlight being Queensland Irish Association’s 127th annual St Patrick’s Eve Dinner at the spectacular main auditorium in Brisbane City Hall on Sunday, 16 March. The Association will also be hosting a fascinating Irish history tour of South Brisbane Cemetery on Sunday, 23 March. Queensland Irish Choir will hold their annual St Patrick’s concert on Saturday, 8 March. More info: brisbaneirishfestival.com.au.

For more on St Patrick’s Day festivals which include parades, see our story here: https://angloandceltic.com/2025/03/01/shenanigans-guaranteed-at-paddys-day-parades/

Main Picture: Irish wolfhounds with their human at St Patrick’s Festival St Kilda in Victoria. Credit: Facebook / St Patricks Festival St Kilda

Cover Photo: Our front page picture of the March 2025 edition of Anglo&Celtic is from the Sydney Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival’s Facebook page.