By: Miriam Bribiesca
Every year, Chicago gets all the St. Patrick’s Day hype, and honestly it’s cool and all but there’s more exciting things happening elsewhere. Besides, why would they dye the river green to attract people, but not allow anyone to swim in it? Exactly. Anyway, instead of following the herd, let’s hit up other cities that know how to celebrate and don’t involve you fighting for space on a freezing sidewalk.
Here are five underrated U.S. cities that know how to throw a proper St. Patrick’s Day bash and won’t leave your bank account looking like a looted pot of gold.
1. Savannah, Georgia
If you want St. Patrick’s Day with a side of Southern charm, Savannah is it. This historic city doesn’t just celebrate, it completely embraces St. Paddy’s with open (and likely Guinness-filled) arms. If the picture of historic squares turned into party zones and an epic parade doesn’t sound like a place you don’t want to be in, then we don’t know what else to tell you. Oh and we hear that festivities for this holiday have been going strong for over 200 years. Look at you being part of history!
And yes, they also dye their water green… that is their fountains at least. Which to be fair is not as cool as a whole river, BUT the sealife in Chicago would beg to differ. Moving on, Savannah’s open container laws mean you can grab your drink or mocktail and stroll through the picturesque streets without a worry. Just don’t trip over your own feet when you inevitably start getting into the groove. For those of us who are budget conscious, the best way to save is by booking an Airbnb with a group and hitting up the many free festivities instead of splurging on ticketed events.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
It’s no surprise that a city with such deep Irish roots knows how to party for St. Patrick’s Day. Boston has one of the largest Irish American populations in the country, so if you’re looking for authenticity, you’re in luck (literary!).
The annual parade in South Boston is an all out spectacle with bagpipers, Irish step dancers, and more shamrocks than you can count. Plus, if you’re a history nerd (or just need a break from all the partying), you can take a detour to the Irish Heritage Trail and learn some of the history of what makes this city so iconic. Of course, to save some cash, hop on public transportation instead of paying for Ubers. Boston’s T system will get you where you need to go for just a couple of bucks, leaving you more money for that extra round of shots. Everything in moderation of course!
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans doesn’t just do Mardi Gras, it also throws a wild St. Patrick’s Day celebration that deserves more attention. Ever seen a parade where they throw cabbages at the crowd? Because that’s a thing here. The city hosts multiple parades, pub crawls, and block parties, all infused with that signature NOLA energy.
And let’s not forget the food! Corned beef and cabbage might be the traditional meal of choice, but this is New Orleans, so expect to find Cajun Irish fusion dishes that will blow your mind. Yum! To save money, grab a “po’boy” at a local sandwich shop instead of dining at the tourist traps and stick to the free street parties because when the whole city turns into one big festival there is absolutely no need to pay a cover.
4. Kansas City, Missouri
Okay, we know that Kansas City might not be the first place that pops into your head for St. Patrick’s Day, but trust us, it should be. This city goes all out with one of the biggest parades in the Midwest, complete with Irish dancers, marching bands, and floats that give major Rose Parade energy.
And if that’s not your vibe, the Irish bars in KC are legendary, we recommend the Kansas City Irish Center which hosts cultural events like whiskey tastings and live Irish music. Fun! So why did we suggest Kansas city? Well its cost of living is way lower than other big cities, so you won’t have to spend your entire semester’s book fund just to have a good time. Sign us up, right now.
5. San Diego, California
If your idea of the perfect St. Patrick’s Day includes sunshine, beaches, and not having to wear three layers of clothing, San Diego is calling your name. The Gaslamp Quarter turns into a full on Irish festival, complete with live bands, green beer, and enough green decor to make a leprechaun feel at home. There’s also an actual Irish village set up, where you can listen to traditional Celtic music and watch Irish dancers get into it.
And let’s be honest, there’s something hilarious about celebrating Irish culture while surrounded by palm trees. To keep your trip budget friendly, hit up one of San Diego’s many taco joints for a cheap and much needed post celebration meal. 5 tacos, please!
St. Patrick’s Day is all about having fun, and because we believe that traveling shouldn’t mean you need to spend a pot of gold to do it, why not take advantage of our exclusive student flight deals? By choosing one of these underrated cities, you’ll get all the festive vibes, parades, and pints you could ever want. Plus, isn’t it way more fun to say you spent St. Paddy’s somewhere unexpected? Whether you’re sipping a Guinness on a warm San Diego patio or dodging flying cabbages in New Orleans, you’ll be making memories that are way more exciting than trying to see a green river over a sea of leprechaun hats. We still love you Chicago!
