St Patrick’s Day 2025
The Best St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Families in Sydney
Let’s face it mums – St. Patrick’s Day is the one of the few days of the year when your kids can run around in green, eat questionable amounts of sugar (well), and celebrate in the name of “tradition.” But if that has your head in a spin, Sydney has plenty of family-friendly events that will let you embrace the Irish spirit without needing a pint of Guinness at the end (though, we certainly won’t judge!).
Whether you want to march in a parade, get your kids learning some Irish dance moves, or enjoy live music on the harbour, we’ve rounded up the best St. Patrick’s Day events that’ll keep the little ones entertained, and maybe give you a moment to enjoy the fun, too. Get ready to say “Sláinte!” – just don’t blame us if you end up with glitter in your hair and green food colouring on your hands by the end of it!
So who was St Patrick?
Now, before you start thinking St. Patrick’s Day is just about wearing ridiculous amounts of green and drinking, here’s a little history for you. St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in the 4th century and is famous for bringing Christianity to Ireland (no, not the man who invented the shamrock, though that’s a good story too). Over time, 17 March became the day to celebrate Irish heritage, culture, and, let’s be honest, the excuse to wear a quirky hat. Sydney’s Irish community has deep roots with many of the early settlers hailing from Ireland. Fast forward to today, and Sydney is brimming with pubs, events, and vibrant celebrations that highlight the rich history and culture of the Irish people in this city. So, whether you have Irish ancestry or not, 17 March is a day for everyone to get in on the fun!
☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Cinema – Thursday 13 March
Kick-off your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a free Irish film screening at St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Cinema on Thursday 13 March. Enjoy a special screening of the comedy-drama crime thriller “In Bruges”, starring Irish screen icons Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleason. Doors open at 5.30pm and the movie starts at 7pm. Tickets are free but you’ll need to register as spots are limited. Bookings open on 27 February so mark your diaries – click here to nab your tickets.
Location: Corner of Atherden St and Playfair St, The Rocks
Date: Thursday 13 March, 5.30pm for 7pm start
More info: www.therocks.com/whats-on/events/st-patrick-s-day-outdoor-cinema
☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Live Music on Sydney Harbour – Saturday 15 March
The Sydney St. Patrick’s Day Organisation have planned another free event to get Sydneysiders into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit – and what better way than with free, live music right on Sydney Harbour? On Saturday 15 March head down to First Fleet Park from 6pm for an evening of Irish tunes, good vibes, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re grabbing a drink with friends or dancing along with the kids, this free event promises to add an extra dose of fun to your St. Patrick’s weekend. So, bring your best green gear, let the music set the mood, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
More details coming soon so check out the St. Patrick’s Day website closer to the event.
Location: Fleet Park, The Rocks
Date: 6pm, Saturday 15 March,
More info: www.sydneystpatricksday.com/about
☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Sunday 16 March 2025
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with Sydney’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday 16 March. Starting at 11:00 AM, this is a colourful extravaganza that’s perfect for the whole family. Expect bagpipers, Irish dancers, vibrant floats, and plenty of Irish pride as paraders make their way down George Street and through Martin Place. It’s one of the city’s biggest parades of the year, and the kids will love the high-energy performances and the chance to spot all the rainbow-hued costumes.
Location: The parade will begin at 11am at Martin Place making its way down Pitt St. and ending in First Fleet Park to open the day’s festivities.
Date: 11am, Sunday 16 March
More info: www.sydneystpatricksday.com
☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Festival at The Rocks – Sunday 16 March 2025
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival at The Rocks is a fantastic family-friendly event offering something for all ages. With a combination of live music, traditional Irish food, craft markets, and interactive cultural workshops, this festival is the perfect place to spend a day with the kids.
Families can explore stalls selling everything from handmade Irish crafts to delicious snacks like Irish soda bread and hearty stews. The little ones will love the interactive Irish dance performances, where they can join in on the fun and learn some traditional steps. For those with more adventurous tastes, the festival offers live music performances featuring Irish bands, creating a lively and festive vibe throughout the day.
For those with younger kids, there’s plenty to keep them entertained, including face painting, arts and crafts, and even special family-friendly activities like treasure hunts and storytelling sessions. Plus, you’ll get to experience the charm of The Rocks, a historic part of Sydney, while enjoying the festivities.
Tip: If you’re attending with young kids, be sure to check out the family activity schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss any fun workshops or performances!
Location: First Fleet Park and Museum of Contemporary Art Lawn
Date: Sunday 16 March 2025
More info: www.sydneystpatricksday.com/about
☘️ Which St. Patrick’s Day event are you most looking forward to? Leave a comment below or email us at info@theinnerwestmums.com.au
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