St. Patrick's Day 2026

March 17, 2026

Throw on your shamrocks, grab your friends, and paint the town green!

Get ready for a festive adventure in Elizabeth, where St. Patrick's Day is an opportunity to create your own vibrant celebration. This guide is your passport to all things St. Paddy’s Day, from indulging in mouthwatering Irish bites to hopping between local bars, joining a lighthearted Leprechaun run, and catching the lively scenes of a nearby parade.

Ways to Celebrate

Enjoy the Flavors of Irish Fare

At Nugent's Tavern, Elizabeth's Irish pub, savor the flavors of Ireland with classics like Bangers and Mash and Shepherd's Pie. Or, dive into the restaurant's specialty, the Irish Pancake, a mouthwatering potato pancake topped with Guinness beef stew and sour cream. Complement your meal with a choice from their extensive collection of over 150 whiskeys and a selection of craft beers.

Hop Around Town for a St. Paddy’s Day Bar Crawl

Gather your friends and craft your own St. Paddy's adventure in Elizabeth's bustling nightlife scene. As you hop from one bar to another, soak in the lively atmosphere, explore intimate lounges and energetic hotspots, and make this St. Patrick's Day uniquely yours.

Attend a Parade

With its central location, Elizabeth, NJ is the perfect place to stay to attend multiple St. Patrick’s Day parades. Just a short drive from Elizabeth is the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade where you can enjoy bagpipers and impressive floats on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Elizabeth, NJ, is also just a short ride from New York City, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the 265th New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade before continuing the festivities close to home. The iconic parade, one of the oldest and largest in the world, will take over Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, drawing thousands of spectators and celebrating Irish heritage in grand style.

Local St. Patrick's Day Events

Leprechaun 5K Walk/Run

March 1, 2026 | Check in: 7 AM | Race Start: 8:30 AM
Join the Elizabeth PBA Local #4 at Warinanco Sports Center for the 4th annual Leprechaun 5K benefiting the Elizabeth Police Athletic League. Dress up in a festive costume and jumpstart your St.Patrick's Day celebrations at this fun community race.

St. Patrick's Family Brunch

March 15, 2026 | 10 AM - 12 PM
Celebrate the holiday with the whole family at this kid-friendly brunch at El Nachos Tequila Cantina. They'll be serving up great food, fun games and prizes, and Irish-inspired flair. Everyone is encouraged to wear green!

Planning to celebrate overseas? Book your flight out of Newark Liberty International Airport and extend the festivities with a stay in Elizabeth.