St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that is all about fun. Americans love to celebrate it with music, parades, food, and, of course, beer. Newport, Rhode Island has a strong Irish-American population, especially in the neighborhood known as the “Fifth Ward.” Whether you come to Newport on March 17 or for one of the events leading up to the holiday, you are sure to have a green-filled time. Slainte!
Celebrate with a Parade
Everybody loves a parade. Parades bring joy, music, and a sense of magic for the young and young at heart. The Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade is always held the Saturday before the holiday (or directly on the holiday if it happens to be a Saturday). This is one of those special years where you can celebrate all weekend long; go the parade on Saturday then continue your festivities through Sunday. The 68th annual parade will be held rain, shine, or snow at 11 am on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The parade begins at Newport City Hall and traverses approximately two miles to Saint Augustin’s Church. There is lots of room to find a spot on the curb to enjoy two hours of pipe bands, marching bands, fife and drum corps, clowns, reenactment units, and local associations. If you watch closely, you may even spot a few leprechauns. In previous years, the parade committee has scheduled other fun events related to the parade. Watch the events page on the Parade website for information about events as they are scheduled.
Celebrate with a 5K
For many, St. Patrick’s Day involves a lot of Irish beer, especially Guinness. While Guinness is known to be a relatively low calorie beer, it is still important to find a way to work off any extra pounds you may find around your middle. Luckily there are three options for 5K races held in different Rhode Island cities on St. Patrick’s Day and the weeks leading up to it. Run all three to receive a Tour de Patrick beanie hat and a medal. Wear a fun costume or just a bunch of green and run or walk 3.1 miles for better health and a bit of Irish luck. All three races are family-friendly and include a short quarter-mile or 400-meter option for children 12 and under.
- The Guiness Irish 5K will be held in Pawtucket on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
- The Guinness St. Pat’s 5K will be held in Providence on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
- Lastly, the Guinness Shamrock Shuffle 5K will be held in North Kingstown on Sunday, March 17, 2024.
Celebrate at a Museum
The Museum of Newport Irish History is located in the heart of the “Fifth Ward.” The mission of the museum is to “tell the story of the Irish immigrants and their descendants in Newport County and the surrounding area.” The museum opened in 2011 is typically open from late May until late October. However, what kind of Irish History museum would it be if it did not open around St. Patrick’s Day? The Museum has special March hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for three weekends in March. The museum also offers free docent-led bus tours of “Irish Newport” in March. They are in the process of updating the 2024 Newport Irish Heritage Month Calendar. Check back soon for a compiled list of events throughout the month.
Celebrate with Live Music
On the eve of the parade, the Midtown Oyster Bar helps everyone get in the Irish mood. From 4pm to 6pm they are hosting the St. Patrick’s Parade Day Eve Celebration with performances by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Pipe and Drums as well as their Men’s Singers. There is no cover to attend this event, however, attendees are encouraged to donate in the collection bucket which will benefit the AOH Pipe and Drums. This is the 7th annual celebration of this event and it continues to grow in popularity; arrive early if you want to get a seat.
One Pelham East is Newport’s hub for live music across multiple bars on three floors. For 45 years they have been hosting national touring act, the area’s best DJs, and acoustic afternoons. The third floor is home to the dueling piano shows at Top of Pelham. This is the place to go to dance and sing along with the show. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, there is a special show starting at 8 pm on Saturday, March 16. Brush up on your Irish pub songs beforehand in case you get pulled up on stage. While Top of Pelham is typically for those 21 and older, once a year the host a family-friendly show so everyone can wear green and sing along. The all-ages St. Patrick’s Day show will be at 2 pm on Saturday, March 16. Children ages 2-16 (with an accompanying adult) will be admitted free.
Celebrate at an Irish Pub
There is just something about an Irish pub. The service is always friendly, there is always Guinness on tap, and it always feels like your barstool was shipped in straight from Dublin. Newport has a few Irish pubs where you can get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.
- Buskers Pub specializes in Irish whiskeys. You will also find over 20 beers on tap. Do not miss their homemade brown bread, scotch eggs, and ploughman’s sandwich. They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
- The Fastnet Pub is named after the southernmost lighthouse in Ireland. This is fitting since the Newport area is home to nine lighthouses. You will find 30 beers on tap, classic fish and chips, and an all day create your own breakfast menu. They boast traditional Irish music every Sunday evening. Challenge your friends to a game of ping pong, pool, foosball, or darts.
- Smugglers Waterfront Bar is in the first floor of a hotel and has views of the harbor. If we are lucky enough to have a warm St. Patrick’s Day, consider enjoying the views from their outdoor seating.
- The mustache logo for O’Brien’s Pub is a promise of good food, friends, and times. In Ireland, the traditional meal for the holiday is often Irish Stew. O’Brien’s has a beef stew on the menu so you can be close to authentic. The location has been a restaurant since 1945. The current establishment has been around since 1979 and it has been a favorite with the locals.