About 30% of the Australian population has Irish ancestors. The first Irish settlers came to the smallest continent on Earth in the 18th century; many were sent there after the 1798 Irish rebellion for independence. No wonder that St. Patrick's Day is one of the main Aussie ethnic holidays, celebrated with vibrant parades and festivities across the country.
Sydney St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival (March 14-17, 2024)
The largest St. Patrick's celebration in the southern hemisphere takes place in Sydney. The annual Sydney St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival in The Rocks neighborhood features about 1,500 participants and kicks off at 10.30 am from the First Fleet Park. The festival gets underway at 12 noon with toe-tapping music, Irish dancing, Gaelic language lessons, traditional foods, crafts, face-painting, and other family-friendly fun. The Rocks area is tucked between the famous city landmarks of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The latter is lit up in green for the occasion.
In 2024, the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Sydney features a series of live music concerts. On the first day of the celebration, March 14, 2024, The Factory Theatre will host Sharon Shannon Big Band. The performance starts at 7 pm. On March 16, 2024, the Sásta Irish band will perform in First Fleet Park, starting at 6 pm. This concert has free admission! Additionally, on St.Patrick's Day, Sydney will celebrate the rarest hair type on the planet. A few lucky individuals have a chance to be crowned the King or Queen of the Redheads or voted the best red-headed family.
Brisbane St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 16, 2024)
Brisbane St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Festival is the annual event that celebrates the Irish culture and its contribution to the development of Queensland. Since 1989, St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been one of the largest events in the center of Brisbane City. The parade features up to 40 floats and over 700 participants. The procession starts and ends outside the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens at the intersection of Alice St. and Albert St.
The main theme of the parade in 2024 is Irish Myths and Legends. Participants of the parade can get inspired by Ireland’s heritage, legends, folklore, and various traditions, which have contributed so much to the world culture.
Melbourne St. Patrick's Day Events (March 16-17, 2024)
Celebrating Irish heritage, Melbourne Irish Festival in Edinburgh Gardens is one of the best events in Victoria. St. Patrick's Family Fun Day in the park features many wonderful Melbourne Irish musicians and dance groups. The festival is free and open to all, with entertainment and fun activities for any age. In 2024, the festival takes place on March 17th, from 2 to 5 pm.
St. Patrick's Festival, St. Kilda is another family-friendly event, held right in the heart of St. Kilda, the South East suburbs of Melbourne. The festival, held on March 16, 2024, features a parade, lots of live music, and entertainment in O'Donnell Gardens. The celebration runs from 10 am to 6 pm, featuring a dog show, carnival rides, roving entertainers, and Irish dancers. A ticketed event is also planned for a headliner of the festival.
