St. Patrick's Day In Ocean City, Maryland

St. Patrick’s Day More Than A Drinking Holiday

St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a drinking holiday in Ocean City, Md. With thousands of locals and visitors migrating to the beach for the festivities each March, it’s also the unofficial start to the new season. The event always is held the Saturday before the holiday. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

One of the main attractions is the annual Delmarva Irish-American Club St Patrick’s Day Parade which has grown into the 2nd largest St. Paddy’s Day parade in the state. The parade convenes on 60th Street before proceeding south to 45th Street at noon as the town lines the streets to see floats, Irish music, dancing, and other entertainment from Ocean City clubs and organizations.  Before, during, and after the parade, 45th Street Village hosts the annual Irish-American Festival 11am-3pm.  Join all of Ocean City’s Irish (and those pretending to be) for festive music and food and drink from your favorite bars, restaurants, and other vendors at the beach’s biggest end of winter bash.

Among Ocean City’s most prominent Irish establishments is Shenanigan’s on the Boardwalk and it takes St. Patrick’s Day as seriously as July 4th. Shenanigan’s hosts Paddy Bash- a St. Patrick’s weekend party each year with multiple days of authentic Irish music and cuisine as well as a drink special or two. On the Saturday of the parade, Shenanigan’s opens early (8am) for breakfast, drinks, and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K, and the party lasts until the last leprechaun goes home.

Come with the kids to check out the floats, bands, and entertainers in the parade, or bring your buddies and barhop all the way from Shenanigan’s to Harpoon Hannas; and don’t forget to grab some great Irish grub along the way to complete the holiday experience. Whether your perfect St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes corned beef with a side of cabbage, Guinness with a side of Jameson and Bailey’s, or sitting with your family on the side of Coastal Highway as the Delmarva Irish-American Club parades by, Ocean City will surely satisfy your inner Irish, regardless if your family is from Ireland or not.