Note: The entry for Shannon Rose has been updated to show the correct dates for the Kids’ Brunch events. An earlier version of this article contained an inaccurate date.
St. Patrick’s Day is approaching, bringing with it parades, meals, music, and other festivities to honor all things Irish.
One of our favorite events is the Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, departing from St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in downtown Bergenfield.
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We have a particular fondness for it because every year, NorthJersey.com provides a live broadcast of the parade, showcasing all the excitement on Washington Avenue, along with historical photos of the event and conversations with parade organizers, officials, and others.
When the moment arrives, you can view it live at this simple-to-remember website address using any computer, mobile phone, or other internet-connected device:northjersey.com/watchparade.
Here are some of the other enjoyable and celebratory events that North Jersey provides.
A month-long festival at Shannon Rose in Ramsey and Clifton
The Shannon RoseAt 1200 State Route 17 in Ramsey, and 98 Kingsland Road in Clifton, there will be live music every weekend, including bagpipers and step dancers, along with Irish food, drink discounts, and a menu featuring Foods & Drinks of Ireland. Additionally, there will be Kids’ Brunches on March 7 and March 8.
Party in Ramsey, flag raising in Belleville on March 6
Belleville:Mayor Michael Melham, the Township Council, and the Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs will honor Irish heritage and the achievements of the Irish community in celebration of theflag raising ceremonyat midday at the Town Hall, 152 Washington Ave.
Ramsey:The Grand CelebrationThe event will be organized by the Ramsey Knights of Columbus Patrick Pindar Council 3962 on March 6 at the North West Bergen Columbian Association Hall, located at 48 Mechanic St., Ramsey. The show will begin at 7 p.m., with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. It will include Celtic music performed by Will O’Conner and Alex O’Stecyna; eclectic rock from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s by the Dad to the Bone Band; the Early-McLoughlin School of Irish Dance; and Chef Tom’s Exceptional Irish Buffet. Admission is $60. To make a reservation or for more details, contact Ed at 201-310-4670 or Matt at 917-699-0556. You can also email [email protected].
Parades in Newton and Nutley on March 7
Newton:11 a.m. on Spring Street. The Town’s parade, in partnership with the Fire Department, honors Irish culture and community spirit with vibrant floats, traditional Irish music, dance acts, lively decorations, local food vendors, and a sense of community pride.newtontownhall.com
Nutley:The procession organized by theNutley Irish American AssociationWill start at 1 p.m. on Franklin Avenue. The grand marshal will be Nutley-native Stephen “Steve” Blank, one of the founders of the parade and NIAA. The deputy grand marshal will be Noel Lenahan, and the Firefighter of the Year will be Brandon Griffitt, both from Belleville. The NIAA Member of the Year is Katherine Bennett from Belleville, and the 2026 Queen was presented to Victoria Healy from Nutley. Activities will kick off with a special Investiture Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Participants in the parade will gather at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church at noon, and the parade will begin at 1 p.m. at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Evergreen Street. The parade will travel north along Franklin Avenue and conclude on Chestnut Street at the review stand in front of John Walker Middle School. For more details, reach out to [email protected].
Irish music performed by the Bantry Boys in River Edge on March 8
The Bantry Boys are returning this year with a performance of classic Irish folk music, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. atRiver Edge Public Library, 685 Elm Ave.
Raising the flag in Verona on March 9th
The city’s mayor and council will organize the Irish American Heritage Flag Raising event at 6:30 p.m. at the Verona Civic Center, located at 600 Bloomfield Avenue.
Irish group Dreams of Freedom performing in Maywood on March 10
The Irish ballad band, Dreams of Freedom, will take the stage at 7 p.m. at theTwin Door Tavern, 122 W. Pleasant Ave.
Dance event in Rutherford, parade in Newark on March 13
Rutherford:Paddy’s Rave – 9 PM at theWilliams Center, 15 Sylvan St. – will feature Paddy’s Day hits, Y2K classics, 2000-2012 remixes, and EDM. Dress in your greenest attire and come with your Peace Love Unity Respect energy. Prices range from $19.28 to $26.46.
Newark:The 91st Anniversary Newark Saint Patrick’s Day Paradewill once more honor Irish culture, the strength of community, and the impact of our original leaders. This year’s special guests include grand marshal Jack Doll; deputy grand marshals Chase Hamilton Sr., Jane McKenna, Monsignor William J. Reilly, and Frank Yorke; and honorary deputy grand marshal Sean Mannion from the Castlerea Brass and Reed Band, who is traveling from Ireland for the celebrations.
Parade, musical performance, meal, and dancing on March 14
Fort Lee:The Madelyn Monaghan Trio features New York City-based Irish-American vocalist Monaghan, guitarist and singer Caleb Adams, and Scottish multi-instrumentalist and piper Cameron Macdougall. Their performance at theBarrymore Film Center, 1 Park Ave., will feature Celtic music including Irish ballads and sean-nós (old style) singing, American folk songs, and traditional Scottish pipe and whistle melodies. Prices range from $25 to $35.
Haworth:The annual Sacred Heart Church dinnerwill occur from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the Parish Hall, located at 102 Park St. The meal will feature classic Irish dishes, chicken, and a sweet treat. Please bring your own beverages. A live band and an Irish step group will perform. The cost is $55. Reservations must be made by March 10. Contact 201-387-0080 for any inquiries.
Hopatcong:The annual corned beef dinnerAt St. Jude Parish, located at 40 Maxim Drive, the event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. The meal, provided by Edward Kelly Catering & Events, will feature corned beef, cabbage, carrots, colcannon potatoes, Irish soda bread, and a dessert. Additionally, An Clár School of Irish Dance will offer entertainment. Tickets are $30 if purchased by March 8; $35 when purchased on the day of the event. All funds raised will support parish improvements and repairs.
Mine Hill:The dinner eventat Cinders, from 6 to 9 p.m., will showcase Irish dance and bagpipes. The buffet dinner will offer stuffed cabbage, hearty potato soup, kale salad with radishes, carrots, walnuts, chickpeas, avocado, tomato with apple vinaigrette, house-cured corned beef, red potatoes, beer-battered cod, and colcannon. Dessert will include mini carrot cakes, a variety of pastries, and fresh fruit. $40. Cash bar.
Morristown:The Morris County paradewill start at noon, featuring Keith Wood as the grand marshal.
New Milford:The yearly dinner dance is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. in Coogan Hall, located at 199 River Road, organized byKnights of Columbus St. Joseph/Ascension Council 3814The gathering will include a corned beef meal, dessert, coffee, soda, tap beer, a cash bar, and entertainment. Admission is $45. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact Frank DeBari at 201-739-8686, Bob Osterlof at 201-370-3404, or Jo Planillo at 201-316-3061.
Parades, lunch, and a film showing on March 15
Bergenfield:The Council of Irish Associations of Greater Bergen Countywill honor Irish heritage, traditions, and spirit with a flag ceremony at 1 p.m. at Roy Brown Middle School, 130 S. Washington Ave., followed by the parade starting at 2. The parade will start at S. Washington and W. Englewood avenues, move north along Washington, and end at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.
Glen Ridge:The Parish Life and Children & Youth Departments at Glen Ridge Congregational Church will host a lunch at 11:15 a.m., after the service. The event will feature Irish cuisine, music, and activities for kids. Everyone is invited. Admission is $15; children can eat free.RSVP by March 9.
Hawthorne:Honor St. Patrick’s Day by watching John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in “The Quiet Man,” a timeless Irish romance from 1952, at 7 p.m. atHawthorne Theaters, 300 Lafayette Ave. The top St. Patrick’s Day attire wins a special reward. This is a free showing, although a tax-deductible contribution supports this and upcoming events.
West Orange:The 73rd annual paradewill include grand marshal Tom Brennan and deputy grand marshals Eileen Cassels Aker, Daniel Cunningham, Bill McEvoy, and Steve Shaffer. The morning mass will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 9:30 a.m. The parade will begin at 12:15 p.m., regardless of the weather, from the intersection of Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Main Street, and will travel north along Main Street, concluding at the church. Free shuttle buses will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Mississippi Avenue (near the church) to carry participants and attendees to the starting point. Parking is available at Quigley’s, located next to Mississippi Avenue and the nearby streets.
Service, morning meal, procession, and festival in Ringwood on March 21
The traditional Irish Mass at St. Catherine’s Church, located at 112 Erskine Road, will start at 9 a.m., followed by the Unity Breakfast at 9:45 a.m. at the Ringwood Community Center ($20 entry; free for children under five years old). The parade is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and will take place regardless of weather conditions. It will be immediately succeeded by the Family Celebration at the Ringwood Community Center, where food and beverages will be available for purchase. The event will feature entertainment such as performances from the McLoughlin Step Dancers, pipe bands, and a DJ. For more details and tickets, contact Lynda at 973-222-6190 or Joe at 973-670-0026, or email [email protected].
This piece first was published on NorthJersey.com:Discover St. Patrick’s Day parades, festivals, music events, and other activities here
