Boston was one of the first cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the US and ranks No. 1 for this year’s festivities. So it’s no surprise that this event presented by the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council typically draws ~1 million spectators.
While you prepare to say “slainte” from Southie, here’s what to know before you go:
The parade route begins at Broadway Station and ends at Andrew Square.
Pro tip: Take the Red Line and avoid street closures and trying to find parking on busy streets. There’s also a free shuttle running from South Station to South Boston between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Catch the best views from one of the restaurants along the route, or find a spot in the crowds between Broadway Station and L Street — it’s a great place to experience the energy.
Dine Out Boston | Through Saturday, March 15 | Times vary | Locations vary | $22+ | It’s the final stretch of the foodie event featuring 200 local restaurants offering prix fixe lunch + dinner options.
Friday, March 14
Margaret Cho | 7:30 p.m. | Wilbur Theatre | $38+ | The stand-up comic, actress, and singer brings her “Live & Livid” comedy tour to Beantown.
St. Patrick’s Weekend Celebrations | Friday, March 14-Saturday, March 15 | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery | Cost of purchase | Think live music, corned beef flatbread specials, Black & Tans, and Split the Shield competitions, all weekend long.
Saturday, March 15
The Boston Women’s Heritage Trail: The Future is Hers | 11 a.m. | Boston Public Library: Jamaica Plain | Free | The Boston Women’s Heritage Trail delivers a presentation celebrating the past accomplishments of remarkable women in Boston.
Get Lucky Pub Crawl 2025 | 12-8 p.m. | Big Night Live | $25+ | Bar hop through 40+ venues across the West End, Faneuil Hall, Theater District, Fenway, Seaport, and the Financial District in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
Dropkick Murphys | 6 p.m. | House of Blues | $93+ | The Celtic punk rockers from Quincy are shipping up to Boston.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins | 7 p.m. | TD Garden | $64+ | Tonight’s match is also a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration — lucky you.
Wednesday, March 19
Ones to Watch Short Film Festival | 7 p.m. | WBUR CitySpace | $20 | Screen four short films created by local filmmakers ranging in topics from the beauty of dance to the supernatural.
Friday, June 6
The Keith Lockhart 30th Anniversary Concert | 7:30-10 p.m. | Symphony Hall | Celebrate 30 years of Keith Lockhart leading the Boston Pops, with special guests Michael Feinstein, Mandy Gonzalez, and Jason Danieley.*
This festival celebrates Mount Pleasant’s rich shrimping and fishing heritage. | Photos provided by Experience Mount Pleasant
Nothing says “vacation mode” likefresh seafood by the water.
The annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival in Mount Pleasant, SC — just a ~3-hour flight from Boston —invites you to soak up some fun in the Lowcountry on Sunday, April 27.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., watch local shrimp boats parade through Charleston Harbor for a traditional blessing, then dig into fresh, wild-caught seafood from local restaurants and food vendors.
While you’re there, check out:
A craft show + juried art exhibition by the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild, where you can browse and purchase one-of-a-kind works of art
With the stunning Charleston Harbor and Ravenel Bridge as your backdrop, this free festival is a must for seafood lovers and anyone looking to spend the perfect day by the water.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will deliver the annual State of the City Address on Wednesday, March 19, at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. You can watch a livestream of the full event via the city’s Cable Office from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Development
So, here’s the game plan: Northeastern University wants to replace its historic Matthews Arena (aka Boston Arena) by the 2028-2029 season with a new, 310,000-sqft rec complex that will serve its basketball and hockey programs. The project still needs approval from the city and state, but construction could begin next year. (Boston.com)
Open
Next time you’re traveling out of Logan International Airport, give yourself extra time to grab a bite. New restaurantshave landed, including Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings in Terminal A, Shake Shack with breakfast offerings and a full bar in Terminal C, and Peet’s at Night in Terminal E.
Coming Soon
The Boston bagel blitz continues — and it’s making us hungry. NYC’s cult favorite Pop-Up Bagels will open a shop at Harvard Square this fall, after debuting its Assembly Row location this summer. If you’re already dreaming of dipping your bagels, check out the new shop in Seaport.
Closing
Normally we’d say donut be sad, but we know this one hurts. Allston’s beloved Twin Donuts — a sweet staple since the 1950s — will close Sunday, March 23. The breakfast spot had reportedly seen business dip in recent years as the cost of “everything” continues to rise. (Boston.com)
Sports
After a 16-year career with the Bruins, Brad Marchand is saying goodbye. The left wing was traded to the Panthers and while he’s thrilled for the new opportunity, he added, “Obviously, it’s sad to leave a place that I look at as home. I had a lot of great memories in Boston.” (The Boston Globe)
Concert
That’s my kind of night. Country music hitmaker and “American Idol” judge Luke Bryan will bring his “Country Song Came On Tour” to Xfinity Center on Friday, Aug. 8. Ticket presales begin today at 10 a.m., and general public tickets go on sale tomorrow, March 14, also at 10 a.m.
Real Estate
According to new research from RentCafe, office-to-apartment conversions are all the rage right now, with 71,000 units in the pipeline nationwide for 2025. Boston ranks No. 19 for future office-to-apartments, with 1,167 units in the works — a 160% change year-over-year. (RentCafe)
Small Biz
Own a small business in town? Let us highlight you in our Small Business Week coverage from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. Join us by filling out this form by Sunday, March 16.
Holiday
Looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boston? Lucky for us, our city is home to many Irish pubs where you can raise a glass of Guinness and snack on Irish fare. Try The Black Rose at Faneuil Hall, Galway House in Jamaica Plain, or the new McGonagle’s Pub in Dorchester.
Announced
We’re excited to introduce a new way to reach our readers — a limited-time digital display bundle + branded content bundle. Each bundle saves you 20% and includes at least three newsletter placements.
Job
We’re hiring a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join the team for our sister market, NOVAtoday, and craft daily, hyper-local content for Northern Virginia. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Plan Ahead
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Finance
Living in debt can be incredibly stressful. If you owe more than $10,000, Freedom Debt Relief could help lighten your load. See how it works.*
City Guide
City Guide
⚾ Take us out to the ballgame
See the truck off before it heads down south for Spring Training. | Photo by BOStoday team
When it comes to sports, Boston has no shortage of teams to support. Our city is home to some of the most loyal fans in the country. Today, let’s take it over to Fenway to cheer on the Red Sox, where the Sox will play their Home Opener on Frirday, April 4.
Boston Red Sox (MLB) | Est. 1901
The Boston Red Sox are one of the most iconic teams in baseball history, and attending a game at Fenway is so good, so good, so good. Founded in 1901 as one of the American League’s eight charter franchises, the Boston team has a storied history at America’s oldest ballpark.
Mascot: Wally the Green Monster
The green monster mascot debuted on April 13, 1997 and wears the uniform No. 97.
This top-rated hair and scalp oil as seen in Vogue and Vanity Fair. It features a dynamic blend of organic ingredients that boost shine and strength, smooth split ends, tame frizz, deeply hydrate the scalp, and encourage hair growth.
Own it all, Boston. City-specific “Monopoly” board manufacturer Top Trumps USA will launch a new Boston edition of Hasbro’s classic board game this November and it wants Bostonians to chime in on the historic streets, businesses, and landmarks that will fill the board.
So, what are you thinking? Swan boats? Fenway Park? Union Oyster House? You can suggest “Monopoly” locations here. We’re already setting aside three hours to play this edition — someone please bring snacks and willingness to be the banker.
Answered
Answered
We asked which springtime event you’re most looking forward to in Boston. You said...
Warmth, just warmth. This spring, ~67% of BOStoday readers are most excited for the weather to warm up so they can finally put away their winter coat.
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