Sydney St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival 2024

Sydney is set to turn green as the Irish celebrate their patron saint with the Sydney St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival celebrating over four days this March.

The highlight sees the much-loved parade return to the city streets and a free, family-friendly event around First Fleet Park and The Rocks on Sunday 17th of March. Celebrate all aspects of Irish culture and heritage and raise a glass to St. Patrick!

For the first time since 2015, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will march through the city streets, beginning at 11am on the corner of Pitt St. and Hunter St. and finishing at Circular Quay where spectators and participants alike can continue the celebrations of all things Irish at the festival. Pipe bands, Irish dancers, stilt walkers, children’s characters, as well as Molly Malone, St. Brigid and of course St. Patrick himself, will be amongst the 1,500 participants from more than 60 groups embracing this year’s theme, ‘Le Cheile’ (Together) and putting on a colourful display of togetherness and cultural pride.

The Festival - A day full of toe-tapping live music, world-class Irish dancing, Irish language lessons, Irish markets, children’s entertainment will keep the whole family entertained. Festivities take place in First Fleet Park, MCA Lawn and Bligh & Barney Reserve which all enjoy the iconic view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Popular trio, Blackwater, kicks off proceedings on the Main Stage in First Fleet Park at midday and festivalgoers can enjoy live music until 6pm. MCA Lawn is where you can enjoy the Opening Ceremony, Sessions area, Irish markets and the merchandise tent where you can pick up t-shirts, hats, flags and much more.

Fun for the kids - Bligh & Barney Reserve is home to the children’s area this year where our youngest party goers can connect to their Irish roots with Irish dance displays and even take part in a lesson, learn ‘cupla focal’ at an Irish language lesson and watch an uilleann pipe demonstration. There’s also face-painting, pop-up music and play zone, roaming kid’s characters, and plenty of Irish treats to enjoy!

Calling all red heads! With less than 2 per cent of the world population boasting red hair, it’s time to celebrate this rare beauty. The festival is gathering all red heads for an iconic photo before crowning the King and Queen of the red heads along with the best red head family. Those lucky enough to take part can register in advance or be scouted on the day.

Citizenship Ceremony - Another unique element of the festival is the Citizen Ceremony which takes place with the support of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This year sees a record number of almost 100 people receiving their Australian Citizenship across two special ceremonies.

The festival runs over four days with Sharon Shannon at The Factory on Thursday 14th, Irish party at Scruffy Murphy's on Friday and Sasta on the Main Stage at First Fleet Park on Saturday.