Your St. Patrick’s Day ride guide
Gather up your green —it’s time to get your Irish on. This weekend, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will paint the bars and neighborhoods around Louisiana green. Whether you’re trying to catch a head of cabbage at the parade, or enjoy a tall glass of green beer at a block party, take a look at our guide to events around Louisiana and our best tips to help you ride like a pro this St. Paddy’s Day.
Parades
When: Saturday, March 12th at 1 pm
Where: Magazine Street, New Orleans — route map here
Fun Fact: The prized throws in this annual parade are cabbage, potatoes and carrots. Catch them all and make an Irish stew for dinner!
When: Saturday, March 12th at 10 am
Where: Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge — route map here
Fun Fact: This year, the parade will feature the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales!
When: Sunday, March 13 at 12 pm
Where: Old Metairie Road, Metairie — route map here
Fun Fact: In its 46th year, the parade features 12 marching groups, 40 floats, and 50 truck floats.
When: Thursday, March 17th at 6 pm
Where: Bywater neighborhood through the French Quarter, New Orleans — route map here
Fun Fact: The Downtown Irish Club parade through the French Quarter and down Bourbon Street takes plenty of “pit stops” at bars along the way.
When: Thursday, March 17th at 11:15 am
Where: Downtown Mobile
Fun Fact: This parade is hosted by the Mobile chapter of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the US, founded in Philadelphia.
Pro Tip: When you’re ready to head home after the parade, walk away from the route and make sure your pin is dropped in the right location. Your driver will get to you much faster!
Parties
When: Thursday, March 17, at 5 pm
Where: Parc International, Lafayette
Fun Fact: The 2016 lineup includes Wayne Toups and The Chee-Weez!
When: Saturday March 12, and Thursday March 17 11 am till 8 pm
Where: Third Street between Constance and Magazine
Fun Fact: Music, green beer, food and fun await at this annual block party along the Irish Channel parade route.
Pro Tip: Get a free ride home from the party when you share your invite code with a friend. They’ll get $15 off their first ride, and you’ll get $15 off your next ride. Head to “Free Rides” in the Uber app to share!
Pubs
Because it wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a pint (or two). Here are a few favorite Irish pubs around the Gulf Coast.
Finn McCool’s — New Orleans
Erin Rose — New Orleans
Irish House — New Orleans
The Green Room — Lafayette
Happy’s Irish Pub — Baton Rouge
O’Daly’s Irish Pub — Mobile
Pro Tip: Make good choices this St. Patrick’s Day, and leave your car keys at home. We’ll take care of the rest.
Monica