When is St. Patrick's Day?

Upcoming dates

• 2027Wed, March 17
• 2028Fri, March 17
• 2029Sat, March 17
• 2030Sun, March 17

When is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day always falls on March 17, a fixed calendar date, so the weekday it lands on changes from year to year. The date marks the traditional day of Saint Patrick's death in the fifth century.

It is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland, and it is also observed in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the United States and many other countries it is widely celebrated but is not an official day off.

Who Saint Patrick was

Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Christian missionary who is credited with spreading Christianity across Ireland. According to his own writings, he was born in Roman Britain and was taken to Ireland as a captive in his youth before later returning as a missionary.

Many legends grew around him over the centuries, including the popular story that he used the three leaves of the shamrock to explain the Christian Trinity. The tale that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland is symbolic, as the island had no native snakes to begin with.

How St. Patrick's Day is celebrated

The color green is everywhere on the day, and people wear it, decorate with shamrocks, and attend parades. Dublin hosts a large multi-day festival, while cities such as New York, Boston, and Chicago hold some of the biggest celebrations outside Ireland.

Chicago has famously dyed a stretch of its river green for the occasion since 1962. Traditional Irish music, dancing, and food are common, and in the United States corned beef and cabbage has become an associated dish.

Frequently asked questions

When is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is on March 17, 2027.

What day of the week is St. Patrick's Day?

This year, St. Patrick's Day falls on a Wednesday.

How many days until St. Patrick's Day?

194 days.