Baton Rouge – One of the Best St. Patrick’s Day Destinations
Experience a week-long St. Paddy's celebration in Baton Rouge.
Baton Rouge never expected what started in 1986 as a small cultural celebration to turn into one of the city’s most highly anticipated events of the year. The Wearin’ of the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade is now enjoyed by nearly one hundred thousand locals and visitors alike, who descend upon Louisiana’s Capital City of Baton Rouge ready for a green, good time.
Starting in early March the Wearin’ of the Green takeover commences by illuminating the city in green lights, painting the streets, and hosting various parties, concerts, races and events spread throughout the week. There’s a reason Baton Rouge has been named one of the Best St. Patrick’s Day Destinations in the worldwide travel publication Destinations Magazine.
As always, the Wearin’ of the Green Parade will roll through the beautiful Hundred Oaks area and several other historic neighborhoods and business districts. Attendees line the streets collecting in popular hot-spots to watch, like the Perkins Road overpass where the parade crosses over many bars and restaurants that host after-parties. If you’re lucky and know someone who lives along the parade route, you may find yourself at one of the house parties with lively music, tasty local food and plenty of drinks to go around.
Baton Rouge St. Patrick’s Day Parade has seen Grand Marshals of all kinds serve as its leader including local celebrities like LSU quarterbacks, and Grand Marshals all the way from Ireland.
Parade-goers can expect to see it all at the Wearin’ of the Green Parade, from large floats each with their own spin on things, specialty throws, walking groups (even one actually pushing lawn mowers!) and local marching bands bringing the rhythm.
If you’re up for it, participate in the 5k Shamrock Run. Get out there the morning of the parade and run the actual parade route on parade day! Post-parade, make your way to one of Baton Rouge’s Irish pubs or famous St. Patrick’s Day block parties that have traditionally taken place for years to enjoy live music and green beer.
Plan a trip to the capital city of Louisiana for one of the best St. Patrick’s Day experiences and Irish cultural celebrations. Share your photos with @visitbatonrouge and @ExploreLouisiana and use the hashtags #ExploreBatonRouge and #OnlyLouisiana!
