Sydney St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival 2025

The Sydney St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival will once again return to The Rocks and Circular Quay this March and is set to be bigger and better than ever before. The parade kicks off at 11am with a new extended route starting at Martin Place and will weave its way through the Sydney streets showcasing vibrant floats and electrifying performances, The free-family fun continues in Circular Quay with world class Irish music and dance performance as we raise a glass to the Irish patron saint.

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 70 groups embracing this year’s theme, Meitheal – Our Irish Connection and putting on a colourful display of community and cultural pride.

Free Festival

 A day full of toe-tapping live music, world-class Irish dancing, Irish language lessons, Irish markets, magic show and 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 ensemble, Tippin Trad kicks off proceedings on the Main Stage in First Fleet Park at 11am 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 again home to the children’s area where our youngest party goers can connect to their Irish roots with Irish dance displays and even learn ‘cupla focal’ at an Irish language lesson. There’s also face-painting, art and craft tent, a magic show and plenty of Irish treats to enjoy! Elsa and Olaf are even set to make an appearance.

Calling Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan lookalikes!

Think you’ve got what it takes to pull off Mescal’s brooding intensity or Ronan’s graceful presence? We’re scouting for Sydney’s best lookalikes and with an overnight stay at The Four Seasons up for grabs, we’re sure this will be a popular contest. Register in advance or be scouted on the day.

The Call of Ireland Showcase – Saturday 15th – First Fleet Park

When one day of celebration is simply not enough, the Call of Ireland Showcase is a celebration of traditional Irish music that will have party goers dancing in the street! This after dark, over 18’s event is held at First Fleet Park from 6-10pm with bar, food trucks and merchandise available all evening.

Irish Movie Night

Celebrate Irish cinema and kick off the weekend celebrations early with a free screening of In Bruges at the St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Cinema in The Rocks on Thursday 13th of March. With Guinness and Jameson on offer, it’s sure to be an enchanting evening under the stars.