The best things in Sydney to do this St Patrick's Day weekend

Ahh, St Patrick’s Day. The day where backpackers, recent Irish settlers, and your mate who claims their great, great grandmother twice removed was Irish, all come together to celebrate a day that most don’t understand the history around.

And after a quick Google, all you really need to know is that the day (officially Monday 17 March) is designed to celebrate Irish culture. In other words, expect many four leaf clovers, pints of Guinness, and leprechaun dress ups that feel politically incorrect. For those who are actually Irish, it’s also a great day to reconnect with fellow homelanders that you wouldn’t have seen since Bronte Beach on Christmas Day.

But enough of my antics, the good news is that Sydney lights up for ol’ St Paddy’s Day. So if you’re looking to make a weekend of it, you’ve come to the right place. From parades and festivals, to spice bag offerings almost everywhere you look, we’ve rounded up some of the best events happening in town for this very Irish, very fun weekend.

Okay, all set? Here are our top picks for St Patrick’s Day this year.

St Patricks Day Parade and Festival

Image: The Rocks

If you’re looking to take part in the official celebrations this weekend, then it’s best to head over to the Rocks. There, you’ll find Irish dancing, food stalls and enough whiskey to drown a tiny leprechaun. The parade will be taking place on Sunday, starting at Martin Place and heading down to Circular Quay, where you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of live music and dancing to follow on the MCA Lawn.

WHEN: Saturday 15 to Monday 17 March
WHERE: The Rocks
HOW MUCH: Free entry
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Misneach Festival

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A post shared by Misneach Festival (@misneachfestival)

Sydney’s scoring a new festival this year, which is a refreshing change to the seemingly endless cancellations of live gigs we’ve faced in the past. I guess we really can leave it to the Irish to carry the heavy weight of Sydney’s nightlife. Misneach Festival, meaning ‘courage’ in Irish, will bring the likes of Dermot Kennedy, The Frames, Matt Corby and more to the stage this Sunday. It’s kind of the perfect spot to head on to after the parade, if you’re looking to make a day of it.

WHEN: Sunday 16 March, from 12pm
WHERE: The Domain, Sydney CBD
HOW MUCH: Tickets from $150
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

PJ O’Briens Official St Patrick’s Day

Image: Tripadvisor

We couldn’t write a St Patrick’s Day lineup without an honourable mention to one of Sydney’s most iconic Irish pubs, PJ O’Briens. And where do we even start, because the institution is serving up parties and events from morning until night on the official day of St Paddy’s, next Monday 17 March. Think full Irish breakfasts, to traditional Irish music, you can be more or less assured that this place will be pumping every hour it’s open.

WHEN: Monday 17 March, from 8am
WHERE: PJ O’Briens, Sydney CBD
HOW MUCH: Varies
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Scruffy Murphy’s

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Live music, Irish dancers and $12.50 pints. Does it get more Irish? I think not. To no one’s surprise, Scruffy Murphy’s is also giving St Patrick’s Day a red hot crack this weekend, hosting events from Friday through to Monday. Bondi Line’s take is that it’ll be perfect for Sunday kick ons, so you’ll probably want to prep the Monday morning Hydralyte in advance.

WHEN: From Friday 14 to Monday 17 March
WHERE: Scruffy Murphy’s, Sydney CBD
HOW MUCH: Varies
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Taphouse Darlinghurst Party

This is quite a shenanigan | Image: Supplied

Okay, now onto some not-so-Irish and not-so-degenerate options if you’re looking to celebrate over the weekend without hating yourself until next Wednesday. Taphouse Darlinghurst is also hosting their very own rooftop shindig on Sunday, with live music from 4pm. Expect their viral spice bags, drink specials and an illustrious ‘$34 Shenanigans banquet’ that we’re deeply intrigued by.

WHEN: Sunday 17 March, from 12pm
WHERE: Taphouse, Darlinghurst
HOW MUCH: Bookings encouraged
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Forrester’s Surry Hills

I sense a stomach ache incoming | Image: Supplied

Surry Hills institution, Forrester’s, will also be slinging their very own specials this St Patrick’s Day weekend. From Saturday through Monday, they’re serving an exclusive Irish menu packed with spice bags, Guinness and themed cocktails. Plus, from 4pm till 7pm on Sunday and Monday, you’ll be able to inhale that curried Chinese meal with some live music. What more could you ask for, really?

WHEN: Saturday 15 to Monday 17 March
WHERE: Forrester’s, Surry Hills
HOW MUCH: Varies
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Pint and Paint at The Mercantile Hotel

This is my idea of a good day | Image: Supplied

Okay, let’s hold the spice bags and Guinness for a moment (not that there’s any problem with that), because this weekend, Sydney’s oldest Irish pub, The Mercantile Hotel, are doing things a little different. Guinness has partnered up with the venue for a Pint and Paint nail bar, where you can score complimentary themed nail art for free. Think shamrock flourishes, harp-inspired looks or the iconic brew’s logo. Because after all, why drink a Guinness when you can wear it?

WHEN: Saturday 15 to Monday 17 March, 12pm to 3pm and 5:45am to 12pm respectively
WHERE: The Mercantile Hotel, The Rocks
HOW MUCH: Free
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

The Bank Hotel

Ok now I’m hungry | Image: Supplied

While there’s lots to do in the city for St Paddy’s day this weekend, we can’t forget the good ol’ trusty Bank Hotel to deliver the festivities to Newtown. Head over to expect $10 pints of Guinness and $10 spice bags, meaning you can eat, drink and be merry for a fraction of the price. Live music has also been guaranteed, which is always another plus.

WHEN: Friday 14 to Monday 17 March
WHERE: The Bank Hotel, Newtown
HOW MUCH: Varies
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

House Bar at Barangaroo House

If you’re not drinking Guinness this weekend, what are you doing | Image: Supplied

Just for good measure, we’re throwing in a non-pub option for those classy lads and lasses out there, too. House Bar at Barangaroo House will also be joining in on the action this weekend, slinging $10 Guinness pints and $10 spice bags that won’t break the bank. The difference? You’ll be able to bask in the cracking harbour views and claim that you did the day in style.