St. Patrick’s Day this year falls on Monday, March 17th but that doesn’t mean you only have to celebrate for one day. There will be St. Patrick’s Day parades up and down the shore throughout the month of March for you to celebrate, eat, and most importantly, drink. Whether you’re Irish or not, put on your green and let the shenanigans begin!

Belmar:

The Belmar Lake Como St Patrick’s Day parade will be on Sunday, March 2nd. Get ready for a sea of green as the parade sweeps through Belmar. Bag Pipes, Fire Trucks and parade floats start moving at 12:30 on North Lake Boulevard and Main Street in Lake Como. The marchers proudly proceed along Belmar’s Main Street, heading north to the border of Avon by the Sea. This is one of the largest parades in the state so be sure to get there early. https://www.belmarparade.com/

Local Businesses & Restaurants to check out in Belmar:

• Klein’s Fish Market – Klein’s has been a family-owned business for over 93 years! Come and experience Klein’s Fish Market and Waterside Café conveniently located with scenic Shark River views. There’s something for everyone at Klein’s with their vast selection of fresh seafood, soups, salads, burgers, and pasta dishes.
• Mr. Shrimp – Seafood market and restaurant for sandwiches, fish ‘n’ chips and full meals in nautically themed digs. Catering is available as well as a private party room and delicious dinner specials like the Conch Fritters.
• Federico’s Pizza & Restaurant – Long-running pizza parlor featuring a menu of subs & Italian entrees, plus a large seating area.

Seaside Heights:

On Saturday, March 8th head to Seaside in the morning and get a good seat for the parade that starts at 12pm from the Boulevard. Starting from J-Street and heading north to Carteret Ave. Arrive early to secure your parking spot and take advantage of the lots around the Boulevard. The post parade party will be cohosted by The Hershey Motel and featuring the Drunkin’ Clams as your entertainment. https://www.ocstpatricksdayparade.com/parade

Local Restaurants to check out near Seaside Heights:

• Klee’s Bar & Grill – Enduring place with a relaxed vibe offering thin-crust pizza & other pub grub, plus happy hours.
• Used to Be’s – Open year round and easily accessible from Route 35 in Mantoloking. Used to Be’s takes pride in offering locally sourced ingredients to provide a variety of traditional and creative dishes. Whether it is a quick bite at the bar after the beach or one of Chef Chico’s culinary delights, they have something on the menu for everyone.
• Hemingway’s Cafe – American eatery with steaks, sushi & more, plus TVs, billiards & a nightlife scene with dancing.

Atlantic City:

The historic Atlantic City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade takes place Saturday, March 8th at 1pm on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. On parade day in Atlantic City everyone is Irish, Break out your green and join the party on the boardwalk for a fun-filled family day in Atlantic City! https://www.acstpatricksdayparade.com/

Local Restaurants to check out in Atlantic City:

• Irish Pub and Irish Pub Inn – Nostalgic former speakeasy with low lighting, typical fare & antique bar pouring beers & whiskeys.
• Amada – Upmarket Spanish restaurant & tapas bar featuring dishes from famed TV chef Jose Garces.
• Margaritaville – Take a bite out of paradise at Margaritaville’s Atlantic City location on the Boardwalk. Pay tribute to Jimmy Buffett and enjoy seafood, burgers and drinks in this tropical themed restaurant.
• Knife and Fork Inn – A 1912 landmark, this upscale eatery features steaks, chops & seafood, plus an extensive wine list.

Asbury Park:

On Sunday, March 9th, Asbury Park will be hosting the Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade route begins at the intersection of Ocean Ave and 4th Ave and travels southwest towards downtown ending at the corner of Cookman Ave and Main St. The parade route takes marchers and spectators south on Ocean Ave alongside the historic Asbury Park boardwalk, past legendary landmarks like the Wonder Bar, The Stone Pony and the Empress Hotel, The Carousel House and Casino, continuing to the heart of the downtown district.

The Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a non-profit event, open to the public and welcoming of both traditional and non-traditional acts. The parade features marching bands, floats, neighborhood associations, bag pipers, mummers, scouts, dance groups, as well as our local governing body, commercial businesses and charities. https://asburyparkstpatricksparade.com/

Local Restaurants to check out in Asbury Park:

• Hot Sand – is New Jersey’s first public glassblowing studio and is located right on Cookman Ave. Make a reservation to blow glass this Holiday Season.
• Kur Wellness Studios – provides a full menu of massage, skin care and waxing services with a unique yoga studio that doubles as a private personal training gym. Try some of their introductory specials!
• Taka – Come get your sushi on at Taka where they serve the best Japanese cuisine on Cookman Ave.
• Mutiny BBQ Company – is Monmouth County’s Destination for High-Quality Craft BBQ. Try their pit to plate BBQ and scratch made sides.

Rumson:

The Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a cherished 12-year tradition + annual event, is back on Sunday, March 9th! The parade’s mission is to honor Irish heritage and give back to the Greater Rumson community, while inspiring joy + hosting the most fun day ever in town! Supporting local organizations, the parade thrives on the generosity of businesses, donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Please get involved – however you can! They’d love to see you there, with Irish eyes smiling (because EVERYONE is Irish during the Rumson St. Pat’s Parade!).

The 2025 parade will be led by Grand Marshal Christopher Rinn, supporting No Limits Cafe of Middletown. No Limits Cafe is a lunch cafe with a significant difference.  A charitable organization, No Limits Cafe trains and employs adults with Intellectual Disabilities.   The Cafe believes that EVERYONE can contribute to society, and its employees will gain a sense of pride and purpose while serving customers fantastic food. 

https://www.rumsonstpatricksdayparade.org

Local Restaurants to check out in Rumson:

• Crazees – A landmark in the Rumson community, there’s never a night where you won’t find kids, families, and really adults at Crazees in Rumson. Everything is delicious, their dipped sugar cones take the cake, and so do their colorful fruitful flavors.
• Red Horse by David Burke – Fueled by passion, grit and a knack for artful innovation, David Burke is one of the best known and most respected chefs in modern American cuisine. Red Horse is a modern steakhouse with sushi bar.
• Barnacle Bill’s – Barnacle Bills in Rumson is know for their award winning burgers, seafood, live music and gorgeous views of the Navesink River. 
• Salt Creek Grille – You’ll feel like a million bucks after dining underneath the stars on the Navesink River at Salt Creek Grille. Featuring fire grilled dishes, a wide selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, it’s location makes for a great date night out.

Freehold:

Freehold Borough Arts Council’s ST. Patrick’s Day Parade. Mark your calendars, Downtown Freehold will be hopping on Sunday, March 16th at 12pm. Live Music all over with Food, Drinks & Fun!

After Parties:

• Freehold Elks Lodge 1454 – Corned Beef Platters & Sandwiches, etc. Beverages – 50/50 -5:30PM – Mail Order Bride 1-6pm
• Freehold Knights of Columbus – Corned Beef Platters & Sandwiches & Beverages – Jimmy & Gene’s McMahon Clan
• The American Hotel – Corned Beef, Platters & Sandwiches, Beverages – Immediately After Parade -THE EDDIE TESTA BAND $5 coverage – Majestic Room / Pat Guadagno & Richard Blackwell – Royal Room

https://www.downtownfreehold.com/events/2025-fbac-st-patricks-day-parade

Local Restaurants to check out in Freehold:

• Jersey Freeze – Opened in 1952 and has the best ice cream, grill and takeaway desserts around. Open all year round!
• Broad Street Dough Co. – offers traditional, specialty, and even inside-out stuffed doughnuts, with every topping you could dream of from caramel to sprinkles and more!
• Oyako Tso’s Sushi and Hibachi Steakhouse – specializes in great food at a great price. Serving sushi and sashimi, Terriyaki and Asian dishes 7 days a week.
• La Cipollina – Classy, brick-walled Italian BYOB with a warm atmosphere & tuxedoed staff serving traditional fare.

Highlands:

The Highlands Business Partnership will paint the town green for the 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 22nd at 2:00 PM. The colorful festivities will highlight Irish culture with nearly 100 marching units including bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and beautifully decorated floats. The parade will begin at Waterwitch Avenue and extend along Bay Avenue. The 2025 Grand Marshal is Timothy G. Hill. https://www.highlandsnj.com/Special_Events/St_Patricks_Day_Parade/St_Patricks_Day_Parade-page.shtml

Local Restaurants to check out near the Highlands:

• Porcini –  in The Highlands is the best way to relax and unwind after a long day. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine and get cozy in Porcini’s intimate dining room. 
• The Atlantic House – Atlantic Highlands – located on 1st Ave, their goal is to bring the area a European influence of handcrafted cocktails and small plates. It’s an excellent place for business people and locals to come for a delicious lunch/dinner and a good quality glass of wine.