St. Patrick's Day 2025 in Australia

About 30% of the Australian population has Irish ancestry. 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 16, 2025)

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 usually kicks off at 11 am on Sunday from Hunter & Pitt Street.

The festival normally 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.

The St. Patrick's Day celebration in Sydney also features a series of live music concerts at various venues. The Factory Theatre has previously hosted Sharon Shannon Big Band, while the First Fleet Park served as the stage for Sásta Irish band, Blackwater, and various other musicians. Some concerts even offer free admission.

Additionally, on St.Patrick's Day, Sydney celebrates the rarest hair type on the planet with a Red Head Celebration. 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 in Botanic Gardens (March 15, 2025)

Brisbane St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Festival is the annual event that celebrates Irish culture and its contribution to the development of Queensland. Since 1989, the 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 event kicks off at 10:30 am, with festivities concluding at around 11:30 pm.

The main theme of the parade in 2024 was Irish Myths and Legends. Participants of the parade embraced Ireland’s heritage by exploring the country's legends, folklore, and various traditions, which have contributed so much to the world culture. The theme for the 2025 edition is yet to be announced.

Melbourne Irish Festival in Edinburgh Gardens (March 16, 2025)

Celebrating Irish heritage, the 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. Some of the acts previously featured in the festival include The Simpson Three, Maggie Carty & Mairtin Staunton, and Mick Ryan. The festivities span from noon until 5 pm. Paid parking is available near Edinburgh Gardens.

Melbourne St. Patrick's Day Festival, St. Kilda (March 15-16, 2025)

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 the weekend closest to St. Patrick's holiday, features a parade, lots of live music, and entertainment in O'Donnell Gardens. The first day is a free family day, filled to the brim with attractions, including a dog show, beer gardens, Irish dancing, roving entertainers, and others.

The second day is a ticketed event which showcases performances of beloved acts, such as Sásta, The Tumbling Paddies, and MacCrimmin. The celebration runs from 10 am to 6 pm on the first day and from 12 pm until 9 pm on the second day. Tickets to the second day are only available for adults and cost $110 in advance. Prices might increase closer to the festival.