Named after the Irish barony of Baltimore, the largest city of Maryland boasts rich Irish heritage. Over 10% of Baltimore’s population has Irish ancestors. The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Baltimore, held since the 1960s, usually attracts thousands of participants marching through the downtown as well as crowds of spectators gathering on the sidewalks.
Parade schedule & route
The parade, showcasing Irish culture, song, and dance, starts at about 2 pm near the Washington Monument. Then, it marches south along Charles Street, and continues east on Pratt Street to Market Place and Inner Harbor. You can find the precise parade route on the event's official website.
Shamrock 5K Race (March 10, 2024)
The popular Shamrock 5K Race starts right before the parade–at 1 pm, following the same route. The participants are encouraged to wear green or carry Irish national symbols. You will see many leprechauns and green wigs during that race! If you want to take part in the race, remember to register beforehand. The registration costs between $40 and $55 (with early bird discount) and includes the post-race party.
St. Patrick's Day at Guinness Open Gate Brewery (March 3-31, 2024)
Other Saint Patrick’s Day events in Baltimore include pub crawls, concerts, and parties throughout the clubs and bars in Downtown and other areas. The festivities start on March 3rd and last until the very end of the month. The brewery offers some experimental beverages created for the holiday, like Irish Breakfast Tea Amber or Mint Chocolate Stout. There's also live music, Irish dance performances, and a movie night.
