ORLANDO, Fla. – As St. Patrick’s Day swiftly approaches, Orlando is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of Irish heritage and tradition. March 17 marks the annual observance of St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that honors the patron saint of Ireland and has grown into a global celebration of Irish culture.
As Orlando prepares to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a time to reflect on the holiday’s origins and significance. Originally observed as a religious feast day honoring St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish identity and culture that transcends borders and generations, according to History.com
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St. Patrick’s Day originated as a religious holiday honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Born in Britain, St. Patrick was captured and brought to Ireland as a slave. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary, spreading Christianity throughout the island, according to History.com
The holiday evolved into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, marked by parades, wearing green attire, and enjoying traditional Irish food and drink. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide as a day of joy and camaraderie, uniting people of all backgrounds in the spirit of Irish culture.
Whether you’re Irish by birth or simply Irish at heart, St. Patrick’s Day in the Orlando area offers a warm welcome and a celebration to remember.
Here are a list of activities in Orlando where you can join in on the St. Patrick’s Day festivities:
Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant:
- Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs will host The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival from March 14 – 17, 2024. The festival will feature authentic Irish food, drinks, live music, and performances from top Irish artists, including Téada and Strings & Things. Guests can enjoy a variety of culinary offerings, such as the Dry-Aged Prime Short Rib and Brisket Beef OMG Burger, alongside Raglan Road’s Signature Brew Flight and Whiskey Flight. This annual event promises to immerse attendees in the vibrant culture and traditions of Ireland, making it a must-visit destination for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Orlando.
Orlando Pub Crawl
- Get ready for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration with the Orlando Pub Crawl. Join the OPC Lucky Leprechauns as they navigate downtown Orlando’s hottest spots, enjoying free drinks, great specials, and festive fun. With check-in at Stagger INN from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by stops at various venues. Click here for a list of ticket prices and times of festivities.
St. Patrick’s Day Date Night at Truffles and Trifles
- Looking for a unique St. Patrick’s Day date night? Truffles & Triffles in College Park is hosting a special cooking class on March 16 for couples. You and your partner will work together to create a delicious Irish dish, followed by a buffet-style dinner with other couples. Reservations are required and the price is $200 per couple. Click here for reservations and more information.
The Hampton Social
Looking for a festive St. Patrick’s Day brunch? The Hampton Social has you covered! Until March 17, enjoy their signature green frosé by the glass for $17 or by the seashell for $48. Brunch is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their Orlando location on International Drive. For more details, click here.
Icon Park
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a bar crawl at Icon Park on March 17. Purchase a pass with stamps and explore nine participating venues, each offering unique food and drink specials. Collect stamps from all locations and redeem your pass for a free ride on the iconic Wheel, festively lit up green for the occasion. The Museum of Illusions and In the Game are also joining the fun with special deals. The bar crawl takes place from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on International Drive in Orlando. Click here for more information.
IceBar Orlando
- Get ready to party at IceBar Orlando this St. Patrick’s Day! From March 15-16, enjoy $6 Teeling Irish Whiskey and $5 Pot of Gold Shots alongside green beer and specialty cocktails. The party continues on March 17 with extended hours. The venue is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on March 15 and 16, and from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on March 17.
St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Oviedo
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Oviedo on March 16 with a free family festival! Enjoy live Irish music by The Byrne Brothers and Colin Farrell, savor delicious food trucks, and keep the kids entertained with Irish step dancers and face painting at Center Lake Park. Adults 21+ can purchase beer punch cards for Guinness, Smithwicks, and Harp on tap. Get all the details and punch cards here.
St. Patrick’s Day Fun at SeaWorld Orlando
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day twice at SeaWorld Orlando. As part of their Seven Seas Food Festival (March 7-10 and 14-17), the park transforms into a mini-Ireland. Here’s what’s in store (included with park admission):
- Streets of Green: Witness lively entertainment, amazing stilt walkers, and more at the Irish Market Plaza (select times from 12:30-6 p.m.).
- Timeless Tunes: Immerse yourself in the beautiful sounds of traditional Irish music played throughout the day (select times from 12:30-6 p.m.).
- Tastes of Ireland: Embark on a culinary journey with limited-time Irish delights like Shepherd’s Pie and a special St. Patrick’s Day cocktail, the Shamrock Sour (available from 11:30 a.m. to park closing).
- Iconic Band Performances: Top off your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with unforgettable live performances by The Righteous Brothers, The Goo Goo Dolls, Corey Kent, and Boyce Avenue
Boxi Park
- As part of their St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Boxi Park is going all out with fun activities for the whole family. Get the luck of the Irish painted on your face by a skilled face painter or take home a whimsical balloon creation crafted by a talented balloon artist. Click here to check out the full schedule to see what other surprises Boxi Park has in store.
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