Updated: March 3, 2024

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in Portland, Maine: A Guide to the Craic and the Celebrations

Are you looking for the perfect St. Patrick’s Day weekend getaway? Look no further than Portland, Maine, where the city comes alive with festive celebrations, Irish cheer, and plenty of fun activities. From parades to polar plunges, pub crawls to puck drops, there’s no shortage of fun-filled activities to make your weekend memorable. Here’s your guide to the best of Portland’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities from March 15th to 17th, 2024.

1. Get your ‘pre-game’ on: Irish Night at the Maine Celtics

On March 14th, join the Maine Celtics for Irish Night as they play against the Greensboro Swarm at 7 pm. Show off your Maine Irish pride and enjoy the game at the Portland Expo. Tickets are $20, with $5 of each ticket purchased benefiting the Maine Irish Heritage Center. Learn more, here.

Photo by Matt McNulty on Unsplash

2. Pours & Pucks: Irish Heritage and World Record Night

On March 15, experience the dynamic beer culture of Portland with the Pours & Pucks tour in partnership with the Maine Mariners. Dive into breweries like Lone Pine Brewing & Three of Strong, then enjoy a Mariners hockey game with prime Center Ice seats. Don’t miss the world record attempt against the Adirondack Thunder in a night filled with fun and potential history-making moments. Learn more, here.

3. Pub Pioneers Leaping Leprechaun Pub Crawl:

Join the Pub Pioneers Leaping Leprechaun Pub Crawl on March 16th for a spirited journey through Portland’s pubs and breweries. Explore participating venues with exclusive specials and responsible revelry, creating your own St. Patrick’s Day adventure.

4. Explore Portland’s Pubs and Breweries:

Any time during your visit, you can discover Portland’s vibrant pub scene with spots like Liquid Riot, Apres, and Rosie’s offering St. Patrick’s Day specials. Don’t miss the city’s breweries including Rising Tide, Allagash, Bissell Brothers, Lone Pine, and Austin Street, all serving up unique holiday creations and discounts.

5. Polar Plunge + Pub Fun at Ri Ra Irish Pub:

Start your official holiday with the Annual Paddy’s Day Plunge at East End Beach at 5:30 am on Sunday, March 17. After the plunge, head to Ri Ra Irish Pub, opening at 6:00 am, with reservations for the Paddy’s Day menu starting at 8:00 am. Enjoy live music all day, including Traditional Irish Music in the morning, Two Minutes Out in the afternoon, and The Jameson Four and Kilcollins in the evening. Join in the auction and raffle to support the Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation and enjoy a performance by the Stillson School of Irish Dance.

6. Annual St. Patrick’s Parade

Wrap up your holiday weekend with the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, a vibrant procession through the streets of Portland, happening Sunday, March 17. Adorned with green décor and lively music, the parade features festive floats, traditional Irish dancers, and bagpipers. The parade kicks off at noon along Commercial Street, offering a lively end to the weekend’s celebrations. Learn more.

Whether you’re plunging into the icy waters, dancing to Irish tunes, or savoring Irish fare, Portland, Maine, offers a St. Patrick’s Day celebration like no other. Join the craic and create lasting memories in this charming coastal city. Sláinte!