Get Your Green On: Why Ocean City, MD is the Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Destination!

As St. Patrick’s Day 2024 approaches, it’s time to start planning your celebrations in Ocean City, Maryland. There are many exciting activities and festivities to enjoy this year. Here are some of the things to do on St. Patrick’s Day in Ocean City, Maryland, in 2024.

1. St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the highlight of the holiday celebrations in Ocean City. The parade takes place on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, March 16th, and features floats, marching bands, and colorful performers. The parade starts at 12pm and travels along Coastal Highway from 60th Street to 45th Street. This event is free and a great way for the whole family to enjoy St Patrick’s Day. Make sure you wear something green!

Parking for the Ocean City St Patrick’s Day Parade

If at all possible, walk to the parade, or take the bus. Parking can be a little difficult, and it takes a while for the traffic to get moving after the parade. If you have to take the car, the further away from the parade you park, the easier it will be to leave when the parade is over. Street parking is free in North Ocean City if you can find it, or large parking lots such as the one at 94th Street can be easier. The West Ocean City Park and Ride is also a good option. Leave your car there, and take the bus into town.

2. Shenanigan’s

While many bars and restaurants get their green on during St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Shenanigans can make the Irish claim all year long. This year, they will be opening two weekends in a row for their St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations with live entertainment Thursday through Sunday both weekends! Opening weekend March 7th-10th at 11am.

3. Seacrets

Seacrets always put on a good Irish Weekend with their own Jamaican twist for St Patrick’s Day. After you enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, join them for the 9th Annual Seacrets Irie-ish Music Fest!

Live entertainment starts at noon and takes you through the day and night with 7 Bands & 4 DJs, and the famous special appearance from OC Pipes & Drums and a whole lot more! 

9. Ocean1 Hotel 

This great Boardwalk hotel on 1st street opens just in time for St Patricks Day weekend. Check out their great rates here. 

10. Princess Bayside Hotel and Finnigan’s Pub

The Princess Bayside Hotel is the perfect spot to stay for St. Patrick’s Day Parade Weekend, as the hotel is directly on the parade route. Finnigan’s Pub at the hotel will be open all weekend with live entertainment, and the hotel itself will be open Friday and Saturday, March 10^th and 11^th  for St Patricks Day Weekend, and will remain open on weekends until April 27^th when they open full time for the season.

11. St. Patrick’s Day 5K

The St. Patrick’s Day 5K is a fun event for those who want to stay active on St. Patrick’s Day. The 5K race on March 16th will start on the Ocean City MD Boardwalk on 4th Street at 9am directly behind Shenanigans Irish Pub.  The course will start running south toward the inlet, around pier, then down under the white tram station making a 180 degree turn back on the boardwalk heading north, past Shenanigans starting area, up to 16th st, then making another 180 degree turn heading south once again down the boards to the finish line at 4th st. Join in or cheer them on, and don’t forget to dress up in green and other festive attire!

12. The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Not particularly Irish, but this is sure to be a great concert at the Performing Arts Center . The show takes place March 18th at 7pm. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including ‘Mrs. Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. 

13. Local Restaurants and Bars

In addition to the pubs mentioned above, there are many local restaurants and bars that offer St. Patrick’s Day specials. Many restaurants offer corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and other traditional Irish dishes. Local bars also serve green beer, Irish whiskey, and other festive drinks to get you in the holiday spirit.

14. Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy

If you’re looking for a more relaxed St. Patrick’s Day experience, then head to the beach or boardwalk. You can take a dip in the ocean and pretend you’re in Ireland, soak up the sun if it’s out, enjoy the showers, rent bikes to explore the 3-mile boardwalk, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll along the boards. 

St. Patrick’s Day is a fun-filled holiday that’s celebrated with great enthusiasm in Ocean City, Maryland. Whether you’re looking to participate in a parade, enjoy traditional Irish food and drinks, or do something fun with the kids, there’s something for everyone in Ocean City. So, gather your friends and family and head to Ocean City to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in 2024.

More restaurants specials will be added to this article as we discover them!