A lively St. Patrick's Day celebration with a group of friends dressed in green, wearing festive shamrock accessories, and raising pints of Guinness in a traditional Irish pub decorated with green banners and Irish flags.

The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Survival Guide: What to Wear, Drink, and Do

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, filled with parades, pub crawls, and plenty of Irish cheer. Whether you’re heading to a bar crawl, joining a parade, or hosting your own St. Paddy’s party, it’s important to be prepared. This guide will help you navigate the festivities with tips on what to wear, what to drink, and how to make the most of the holiday.

What to Wear for St. Patrick’s Day

Dressing for St. Patrick’s Day is all about embracing the green and adding a fun, festive touch to your outfit. Here are some must-haves:

1. Wear Green (Obviously!)

  • Green is the color of the day! Whether it’s a full outfit or just an accessory, wearing green is a must to avoid getting "pinched" by friends or strangers.
  • If you want to stand out, go for shamrock-patterned shirts, leprechaun hats, or Irish flag colors (green, white, and orange).

2. Comfortable Shoes

  • If you're planning to bar hop or attend a parade, wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking a lot.
  • Sneakers, boots, or any closed-toe shoes will save your feet from the inevitable crowds and spills.

3. Fun Accessories

  • Shamrock sunglasses, Irish-themed socks, bead necklaces, or even temporary face paint or tattoos can add extra flair to your outfit.
  • Consider a light-up necklace or glow sticks if you'll be out at night.

4. Weather-Appropriate Clothing

  • Check the forecast! St. Patrick’s Day can still be chilly in many cities, so layering with a green hoodie, jacket, or scarf will keep you warm without sacrificing style.

What to Drink on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is synonymous with great drinks, from traditional Irish beers to festive cocktails. Here’s what to sip on while celebrating:

1. Guinness (The Classic Choice)

  • This iconic Irish stout is a must-have for St. Patrick’s Day.
    Pro tip: Order a proper pint and let it settle before drinking for the best experience.

2. Irish Whiskey

  • Whether neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Jameson, Bushmills, or Redbreast are great choices.
  • Try an Irish Mule (Irish whiskey + ginger beer + lime) for a refreshing alternative.

3. Irish Coffee

  • If you're starting early or need a warm pick-me-up, an Irish Coffee (coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream) is the perfect festive drink.

4. Green Beer

  • A fun, festive drink that’s simply regular beer dyed green with food coloring. Many bars offer this as a special for the holiday.

5. Baileys Irish Cream Cocktails

  • A smooth, creamy liqueur that goes great in coffee, hot chocolate, or even a shot with Guinness and whiskey (Irish Slammer).

Drink Responsibly!

  • Hydrate! Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid a rough morning after.
  • Eat before and during drinking. A full stomach helps keep the celebrations fun without overdoing it.
  • Pace yourself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—enjoy the day responsibly.

What to Do on St. Patrick’s Day

There’s no shortage of fun activities to make the most of St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some ideas:

1. Join a St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

  • One of the best ways to celebrate! A bar crawl lets you explore multiple venues, enjoy drink specials, and party with fellow revelers.
  • Looking for the best bar crawl events? Check out Bar Crawl Live for St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls near you.

2. Watch a St. Patrick’s Day Parade

  • Many cities host massive St. Patrick’s Day parades featuring marching bands, Irish dancers, and floats.
  • Some of the best parades take place in Boston, Chicago, New York, and Savannah.

3. Try Traditional Irish Food

  • Pair your drinks with classic Irish dishes like:
    • Corned Beef & Cabbage
    • Shepherd’s Pie
    • Irish Soda Bread
    • Bangers and Mash (sausages & mashed potatoes)

4. Experience an Irish Pub

  • If you’re skipping the bar crawl, spending the day at an authentic Irish pub is another great way to celebrate.
  • Irish pubs are known for their live music, friendly atmosphere, and perfectly poured Guinness.

5. Learn an Irish Toast

  • Impress your friends with an authentic Irish toast before taking a sip:
    • "May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night."
    • Or simply say “Sláinte!”, which means “health” in Irish Gaelic.

6. Stay Safe & Plan Ahead

  • Designate a driver or use rideshare services if you plan to drink.
  • Stick with your group and have a meeting point in case anyone gets lost.
  • Charge your phone and keep emergency cash on hand.

Final Thoughts

St. Patrick’s Day is all about fun, celebration, and Irish pride. Whether you’re dressing up in green, sipping on Guinness, or joining a bar crawl, following these tips will help you have an amazing (and safe) holiday.

Want to experience the best St. Patrick’s Day parties? Visit Bar Crawl Live to find bar crawls and events near you.
Sláinte! 🍀🍻

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