St. Patrick’s Day is just a few days away, and Cincinnati is truly preparing itself for a celebration like no other! Whether one is drawn to the deep Irish legacy of the city, that electric energy of events, or simply brings in the unbeatable combination of cheerful drinks and mouth-watering food, there’s something for everyone.
The connection between Cincinnati and Irish culture runs deep. The Irish-American community in Cincinnati has greatly affected the shaping of its history, and its influence is visible in the grand celebrations held each year.
From lively parades to cozy pub gatherings, Cincinnati transforms into a sea of green: nothing beats this city when it comes to catching the luck of the Irish. A day filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable flavors—here is your ultimate guide to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Cincinnati!
Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade: Where It All Begins?
The highlight of St. Patrick’s Day in Cincinnati? Undoubtedly, the Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade. This beloved tradition, running strong for over 57 years, draws locals and visitors alike for a day of high-energy fun, music, and cultural pride.
Whether you’re here to shout out for the bands marching by, gawk at the fabulous floats, or just soak in the charged atmosphere, this is the event to attend to kick off your St. Paddy’s celebration.
Parade Day Essentials: When & Where
The Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade will return on Saturday, March 15, 2025, starting at Mehring Way & Central Avenue, close to Paycor Stadium. The route travels east down Mehring Way, then north on John Nuxhall Way, west on Freedom Way, and into Elm Street- so get your spot early for the best viewing!
Expect to see marching bands, Irish dancers, bagpipers, and beautiful floats in the midst of lots of high-energy celebrations. For the latest updates, route changes, or additional details, visit the Cincinnati St Patrick’s Day website.
Pro Tip: Arrive early! Streets close around 10:00 a.m., and parking gets limited quickly. Opt for public transportation or plan your visit well in advance to grab the best viewing spot.
Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Cincinnati
After the parade, an endless number of venues and activities in the city warrant that the celebration continues.
Attend the Parade Festivities
Don’t miss out on the lively parade festivities, featuring street performers, local vendors, and festive crowds. There’s something for everyone! Arrive early with your family to find the right spot and celebrate to the fullest.
Head Over to Taste of Belgium for Food & Drinks
After the fun of the parade, work up an appetite for Taste of Belgium. We are near the festivities and offer an intimate setting for post-parade get-togethers. We serve innovative Belgian cuisine with an American twist.
Why Taste of Belgium?
- Centrally Located: Our locations, including The Banks and OTR, are just a short walk from the parade route.
- Warm Ambiance: Our cozy interiors provide the right setting to unwind and continue the festivities.
- Community-Focused: We pride ourselves on evolving our menu based on the tastes and preferences of our local customers.
- Scratch Kitchen: Everything we serve is made from scratch, ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients in every dish.
What to Order?
- Liège Waffles: These are our signature Liège waffles, a Belgian classic with a twist.
- Chicken & Waffles: This Classic Waffle & Chicken dish has become a fan fave for combining sweet and savory goodness with local maple syrup, hot sauce, and blue cheese salad.
- Mussels & Frites: Enjoy this trademark Belgian dish of Mussels du Jour for a full wonderful experience.
- Beers: Match any meal from the curated list of beers, from independent breweries.
At Taste of Belgium, we proudly operate a scratch kitchen, meaning every dish is made fresh from the finest ingredients. Our commitment to the community means our menu also changes quite a bit to please the tastes of our customers, embracing the eclectic palate of Cincinnati herself.
Fun Things to Do After the Parade
St. Patrick’s Day can be celebrated with events beyond the parade. Here’s a list of activities to keep living the St. Patrick’s Day spirit:
Attend a Live Music Event or Festival
It is indeed the very essence of music that accompanies every celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Fountain Square, where different live musical performances, be it by Irish or local talent, take place in the venue. Fountain Square will come alive with music; green beer and Ireland’s traditional fare from March 15 to March 16, 2025.
After the Music:
After enjoying the music, visit Taste of Belgium for some cold beer and delicious snacks. We offer the best Belgium beers and cocktails. Make sure to try some of our bestsellers including Belgian Mule and Chimay Grand Reserve (blue).
Family-Friendly Activities Around the City
There’s plenty to see and do with family in Cincinnati:
- Shamrock Shuffle 5K: A fun run meant for the whole family to kickstart the day’s celebrations.
- St. Patrick’s Day Craft Workshops: Local community centers and museums are usually good for workshops where kids can create Irish-themed crafts.
- Green-Themed Attractions: Visit the Cincinnati Zoo or any local park, which usually recognizes the holiday with special decorations and activities.
Satisfy Your Cravings at Taste of Belgium
After a long day of festivities, enjoy some seriously satisfying food at Taste of Belgium, where we whip up an equal measure of traditional comfort foods and adventurous palate-pleasers.
Must-Try Items:
- Chicken & Waffles: Our wonderful twist on the classic pairs the sweetness of our Liège waffles with savory fried chicken and a perfectly paired drink. This combination is a flavor lover’s dream.
- Sweet and Savory Crepes: From Nutella sweet to ham and cheese, we’ve got a variety of crepes.
- Flank Steak & Frites: Just what the heart wants after a long day of partying and celebrating.
- Craft Belgian Beers: The hand-selection from independent breweries tastes great with our signature dishes.
Pro Tips for Enjoying St. Patrick’s Day in Cincinnati
- Get There Early: Don’t get caught in a needlessly long line when you’ve already planned your day out.
- Go Green: Wear something festive that shows you’re all-in this year.
- Reservations: Restaurants like Taste of Belgium fill up fast. Book a table early.
- Public Transportation: Parking will be minimal, so plan ahead.
Wrap Up Your St. Patrick’s Day at Taste of Belgium
As the excitement of St. Patrick’s Day winds down, there’s no better way to wrap up the festivities than with a delicious meal at Taste of Belgium. Whether you’ve spent the day cheering at the parade, hopping between pubs, or enjoying live music, we’re here to provide the perfect ending to your celebration.
Sink into a cozy seat and indulge in our warm, hearty cuisine, crafted fresh in our scratch kitchen.
Our welcoming ambiance, friendly service, and community-driven spirit make Taste of Belgium the ideal spot to reminisce about the day’s adventures with family and friends. Whether you’re winding down or keeping the celebration going, we’ve got the food, drinks, and atmosphere to match.
Don’t miss out on a truly unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day experience—book your table now at Taste of Belgium!
