9 St. Patrick’s Day Activities in Rhode Island You Don’t Want to Miss

Anthony Faccenda

Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t just about drinking green beer anymore. Every year, Rhode Islanders are being offered more and more activities to partake in on or around March 17. This year is no different. Aside from tried and true activities like downing a pint of Guinness at your local pub, locals can broaden their horizon this year with activities ranging from 5K races to Irish-themed luxury hotel stays. And if parades are your thing, we’ve got info on a pair of parades you can attend in the Ocean State.

So whether you want to keep it local or plan on heading up north, here are nine St. Patrick’s Day festivities sure to please any drinker, runner or parade-goer.

The Newport St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place Saturday, March 12

PARADES
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Providence St. Patrick's Day Parade
When: March 19 at 12 p.m.
Where: The parade begins at Smith Street and Hilltop Avenue in Providence. The parade will advance east on Smith Street and end at the Rhode Island State House. Click here for more information.

​Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 12 at 11 a.m.
Where: Festivities begin at Newport City Hall and will proceed to Carroll Avenue at St. Augustin’s Church. For more information, click here.

RACES
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St. Pat's 5K
When: ​March 19 at 11 a.m.
Race Details: Sponsored by Guinness, this 5k race starts and ends at the Rhode Island State house located on Smith Street in Providence. All entrants will receive a shirt, but the first 2,500 people to register will receive a long sleeve technical shirt. Registration fees range from $29 to $35. For more information or to register, click here.

Shamrock Shuffle 5K
When: March 26 at 10 a.m.
Race Details: The third and final race sponsored by Guinness (the first was held on March 5), The Shamrock Shuffle starts and finishes at North Kingstown High School located at 150 Fairway Drive in North Kingstown. The first 650 racers to register will receive a long sleeve technical shirt, while all other will receive a standard race t-shirt. Registration fees range from $29 to $35. For more information or to register, click here.

FOOD & DRINK

County Cork Irish Pub
Where: 50 Waterfront Dr., Warwick
With items like Guinness Irish stew on the menu, why not celebrate St. Patrick's Day at County Cork Irish Pub in Warwick? Located in the heart of Warwick Cove, this Irish pub is offering up an all-day St. Patrick's Day event that includes live music and corned beef and Reuben sandwiches. Doors open at 10 a.m. and there's no cover charge. For more information, visit them on Facebook.

​Stillwater Tavern
Where: 280 George Washington Highway, Smithfield
How does an all-you-can-eat St. Patrick’s Day buffet sound to you? Well, if eating is your thing, stop by Stillwater Tavern in Smithfield on March 17 for an all-day corned beef and cabbage buffet for just $12.95. And what’s more, you can enjoy your St. Paddy’s buffet while listening to Second to None, who will be performing at 6 p.m. For more information, click here.

HOTEL PACKAGES

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown
Price: $259 - $289
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Hampton Inn & Suites in Downtown Providence is offering a complimentary upgrade on their standard overnight accommodations in a traditionally appointed guest rooms. Guests will receive a $50 gift certificate to Murphy's, a bucket of Irish beer in your room prior to arrival, a full hot breakfast buffet for two, and valet parking for one car. Prices range from $259 to $289. For more information call 401-608-3500 or click here.

MUSIC
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Four Year Strong at The Met
Just because it’s St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t mean you have to listen to traditional Celtic music. Why not check out Worcester natives Four Year Strong at The Met in Pawtucket? Drawing on elements from hardcore, pop and punk, Four Year Strong is currently promoting their self-titled fifth studio album. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 the day of the show. Click here for more information.

HISTORY
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Celebrating Irish History
Are you looking to celebrate Rhode Island’s large and diverse Irish-American community this St. Patrick’s Day? Visit the Providence Public Library’s “1916 Exhibit.” The exhibit, which runs through May 31, features an original copy of the “The Proclamation of the Irish Republic” and 20 other documents related to the 1916 Easter Rising in which Irish republicans mounted an insurrection to end British colonial rule. For more information on this free event, click here.