St. Patrick’s Day may not have the same build-up as Halloween, Thanksgiving or the December holidays (or, somehow, Valentine’s Day). However, it’s sneakily steeped in traditions people look forward to — parades, pints of the black stuff and dinners with all the corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and soda bread you can handle.
It’s a day when green looks good on everyone, and everyone is Irish, regardless of what 23 and Me tells you. The North Fork’s 2024 St. Patrick’s Day events allow opportunities to indulge in all of the above and more. There’s no need to rely on luck to lead you to the top St. Patrick’s Day celebrations — this guide should do the trick.
Cutchogue St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Main Road, Cutchogue
This annual event kicks off St. Paddy’s season on Saturday, March 9, starting from the traffic light at Cox Lane, marching down Main Road, and ultimately ending in Cutchogue Village. Starts at 2 p.m..
St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Fun Run
Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m., Miamogue Point Park, 9 Front St., Riverhead
$15 per person, 631-727-3200 Ext. 205
Thanksgiving has turkey trots. St. Patrick’s Day has leprechaun fun runs. Run, walk or do an Irish jig if you fancy down a mile-long course that’ll take you from Miamogue Point Park to the George Young Community Center. There won’t be corned beef and cabbage at the finish line, but bagpipes will provide a soundtrack to a very Long Island breakfast of bagels.
Clovis Point Vineyard & Winery
Saturday, March 16, 1 p.m., 1935 Main Road, Laurel
$25 (wine club members), $30 (non-members), 631 722-4222, [email protected]
Think St. Patrick’s Day is all about the beer? Please. Clovis Point Vineyard & Winery’s vinos will pair perfectly with lunch provided by lauded Mattituck deli, Ammirati’s of Love Lane. Guests can sip on a glass of vino of their choice — what pairs well with corned beef and cabbage? The staff can help you navigate that answer and find an offering that meets your taste — because, ultimately, the best wine is the one you like.
Griswold-Terry-Glover Post 803 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Dance
Saturday, March 16 (6 p.m. bar, 7 p.m. dinner), Estuary Park, Southold, $60 per person, RSVP to Earl Brock, 516-901-3228
The Southold-based American Legion, comprised of local veterans, will host its annual and anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance. The obligatory corned beef and cabbage dinner will be served, and Studio G will provide a soundtrack — likely a set full of music from the 1960s to mid-1990s. There will also be a cash bar. Not into a mix of disco and New Kids on the Block, or prefer to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at home? Takeout is also available.
GREENport Harbor Brewing Co.’s St. Patrick’s Day Party
Sunday, March 17 (Brunch 11 a.m., Live music 1-4 p.m., open until 7 p.m.), Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., 42155 Main Road, Peconic
See what they did with the event name? Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. is hosting an all-day party starting with brunch at 11 a.m. Feast on a traditional Irish breakfast with white and black pudding, Irish bacon, beans, mushrooms, potatoes, and toast. Corned beef, cabbage, bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie are also on the menu all day. From 1 to 4 p.m., acoustic traditional Irish folk bands Brooklyn Bands will provide the soundtrack to the festivities. Irish and green beer will be on tap, and the spot is open until 7 p.m.
Rams Head Inn
Sunday, March 17, Ram’s Head Inn, 108 S Ram Island Dr., Shelter Island Heights, 631-749-0811
A waterfront oasis with stunning vistas, Rams Head Inn in Shelter Island Heights is a preferred hideaway for people who need to escape the bustle of everyday life — on Long Island or elsewhere. On St. Patrick’s Day, the inn is hosting a brunch with Irish-themed cocktails. It’s unclear if there will be an St. Paddy’s specials on the menu, but eggs, burgers and French toast are among the usual offerings. While wearing green isn’t required for entry, it’s recommended. Consider getting in the festive spirit.
St. Patrick’s Day at Long Ireland Beer Co.
Sunday, March 17, noon to 7 p.m., 817 Pulaski St., Riverhead
Was there ever any doubt that Long Ireland would be hosting a big St. Patricks’s Day party? Chris Devine will be playing Irish classics from 12:30–3:30 p.m., followed by Dani & Jameson at 4 p.m. Bagpipes and Irish food from Grillin Villain food truck round out the fun — and don’t forget about the Irish-inspired beer on tap!
Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Nature Hike
Sunday, March 17, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Hallock State Park Preserve, 6062 Sound Ave., Riverhead
This St. Patrick’s Day event that goes off the corned-beef-and-beer beaten path and celebrates the impending return to outdoors that spring should bring. Bring the whole family, including littles who believe in jolly leprechauns, for an hour-long scavenger hunt in search of a pot of gold.
Jamesport St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 30, 1 p.m.
Tell the Easter bunny to hold tight and come out to this last-season St. Patrick’s Day parade. The cherished annual community event put on by the East End Emerald Society typically includes pipes, drums, and community groups and officials clad in green, orange, and white in honor of the Irish flag.
