From green pints on the Yonge corridor to Toronto's biggest parade downtown, here is your complete guide to celebrating St. Patrick's Day 2026 in North York and the broader GTA.
The Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade runs on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (Bloor & St. George to Yonge-Dundas, free admission). The nearest North York pub for the day itself is The Goose & Firkin at 1100 Sheppard Ave East, open from 11 AM with green beer and $8.50 Guinness pints. Most GTA festivities peak on the parade weekend (March 13–16), with the official holiday on Tuesday, March 17.
St. Patrick's Day (March 17) is an Irish cultural and religious holiday honouring Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. What began as a feast day has grown into a global celebration of Irish heritage — marked by parades, the wearing of green, traditional music, and food and drink with Irish roots.
Toronto has one of the largest Irish communities in Canada, and the Yonge corridor in North York has long been home to Irish-Canadian families, making it a natural home base for St. Paddy's Day celebrations that don't require a trip downtown.
The celebration starts early — the official ball kicks off on March 7 — and builds to the big parade weekend on March 14–15 before the actual holiday on Tuesday, March 17.
North York's most accessible St. Patrick's Day celebration. Doors open at 11:00 AM on March 17 with green beer, Irish stew, and $8.50 Guinness pints. Rated 4.0★ on Google Maps with 850+ reviews. Reddit's r/NorthYork named it the top North York pick for St. Paddy's (42 upvotes, Feb 2026). Accessible via TTC bus on Sheppard.
Visit the Goose & Firkin →
A morning 5K run/walk through the scenic ravine trails at Evergreen Brick Works, starting around 9:30 AM. The event closes with a community party and charity fundraising. Popular with North York's running community — strong presence on Strava and local fitness Instagram accounts. Even non-runners are welcome to cheer and join the post-race festivities.
Find event details →
Toronto's largest St. Patrick's Day event, running 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Expect floats, bagpipes, marching bands, and a sea of green — attendance is free. Best North York family viewing spot: the corner of Bloor and Yonge, which is slightly less congested than Yonge-Dundas while still capturing the full energy of the march. Massive buzz on r/toronto (150+ upvotes). Take the subway south from Sheppard-Yonge or Eglinton stations.
Official St. Patrick's Day Toronto website →
The official black-tie kick-off gala for Toronto's St. Patrick's Day season, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. A formal tradition within the Irish-Canadian community — trending on Instagram as the "must-attend" opener for the season.
Details at stpatrickstoronto.com →
A multi-venue club crawl running both Friday and Saturday nights before the parade. Tickets run $15–$25 and include multi-venue access. High volume on TikTok, skewing Gen-Z and Millennial. A good option for those who want a structured night out before Parade Day.
Find tickets on Eventbrite →
Canada's largest St. Patrick's Day party, starting at 1:30 PM. Live fiddlers, Irish dancers, and airbrush tattoo stations. Tickets typically sell out — book early. Viral on TikTok under #GuinnessSPD. Accessible by TTC from North York via Line 1 to Union, then 514 Cherry streetcar.
Find tickets →
High-energy folk and Celtic music from a popular local band, 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Trending in Markham and North York Facebook event groups. A great option for those who want live traditional music on the actual day without heading downtown.
Find tickets on Eventbrite →An evening performance by "DESIRE," covering U2's spirit and greatest hits with Irish soul. High nostalgia buzz on local community event boards. A unique angle on the holiday for music fans.
Details at todocanada.ca →
Scarborough's most authentic Irish pub experience, running all weekend. The Sean Turner Band headlines on Saturday. Rated 4.4★ on Google Maps with 1,200+ reviews. Frequently cited on Reddit as the most legitimate Irish atmosphere in the GTA — "local gem" status. The pub also hosts the Parade After-Party on March 15 featuring the Sean Turner Trio.
tarainn.ca →March 15 is the busiest day of the entire St. Patrick's Day season in Toronto. Here is a practical route for North York residents to make the most of it.
Start with the morning run (or go to cheer). Even non-runners enjoy the community energy and post-race party. Drive down the Don Valley Parkway or take the TTC from Sheppard-Yonge.
Head to Bloor & Yonge for the best family-friendly viewing spot. Less crowded than Yonge-Dundas but full energy. TTC: Bloor-Yonge station. Bring green — you will feel out of place without it.
The Sean Turner Trio after-party kicks off immediately after the parade. Take the Bloor-Danforth east — the Tara Inn at 2365 Kingston Rd is the traditional pick for "real Irish atmosphere." Award-winning wings, proper pints, live music.
Return to North York for a relaxed evening at The Goose & Firkin (1100 Sheppard Ave East). Accessible via Sheppard-Yonge station, avoids the chaotic downtown club-crawl crowd. $8.50 Guinness pints and a proper Irish stew to close out the day.
St. Patrick's Day pub culture is the centrepiece of the celebration. Here are the top spots ranked by North York proximity and authenticity.
The most accessible St. Patrick's Day pub in North York, running the "Get Firkin Lucky" promotion from February 16 through March 17. The menu includes Blarney Stone Burgers and Guinness Potato & Cheddar Soup alongside the standard $8.50 Guinness pint. Consistent high Google Maps traffic on March 17. Recommended on Reddit's r/NorthYork as the top area pick.
View pub details →
A neighbourhood staple known for its Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner ($21.99) — the classic annual St. Paddy's menu that keeps regulars coming back. Recent Google Maps reviews highlight the "classic annual St. Paddy's atmosphere." A quieter, more relaxed alternative to the Sheppard strip.
View pub details →The most-cited authentic Irish pub experience in the GTA on Reddit and local community boards. Sean Turner Band performs March 14 (11 AM–2 AM); Sean Turner Trio returns for the Parade After-Party on March 15. Award-winning wings and authentic Irish fare. Worth the eastbound TTC trip for anyone who wants the real thing.
tarainn.ca →Whether you are cooking at home, grabbing a quick bite, or trying something unexpected, here are the best food and drink options for St. Patrick's Day in North York.
Researched as of February 22, 2026. Prices at pubs and grocery stores may vary — confirm with the venue before visiting.
The classic annual St. Paddy's plate at a North York favourite. Google Maps rated 4.3★ (900+ reviews); recent reviewers specifically praise the "classic annual St. Paddy's atmosphere." Book ahead — this is the most popular item on their March menu.
View at Firkin Pubs →
The North York pick for St. Paddy's pints — Reddit's r/NorthYork named this the best area option (42 upvotes, Feb 2026). $8.50 for a 20 oz Guinness is a fair price for the area. Green beer also on offer for the traditionalists.
View at Firkin Pubs →
Scarborough's top fish and chip institution, rated 4.7★ on Google Maps with 1,500+ reviews. Recent diners praise the seasonal Guinness batter which arrives for St. Patrick's Day — an extra depth of flavour from the stout. Worth the trip from North York if you want a proper chip shop experience.
standrewsfishandchips.ca →The DIY option for home cooks. FreshCo at Bathurst & Steeles typically stocks corned beef brisket at competitive prices around St. Patrick's Day — verify the weekly flyer for the confirmed price before shopping. Point cut is more affordable than flat cut and works well braised with cabbage.
Check FreshCo flyer →
A seasonal St. Patrick's Day drop from Hale Coffee at Yonge & Sheppard — one of North York's most popular specialty coffee shops. The Irish Cream Cold Brew topped with green cold foam is their March 2026 promo. Great non-alcoholic option for the morning of the parade or an afternoon pick-me-up.
halecoffee.com →
Opened in late 2025, Hazukido at Shops at Don Mills is trending with the "aesthetic foodie" crowd (TikTok: @shopthedonmills, 22K views, Oct 2025). The matcha white chocolate croissant is perfectly on-theme for St. Patrick's Day — a fun food photo opportunity before heading to the parade.
hazukido.ca →
Craig's Cookies at Bayview Village has confirmed a "Pot of Gold" shamrock cookie as part of their March 2026 seasonal lineup via their official Instagram (@craigscookies). A great gift or treat for the kids — Bayview Village is steps from Bayview subway station.
Bayview Village Shops →St. Patrick's Day is not just for the pubs. Here are the best options for families with children.
Stock up on green gear, decor, and party supplies at these North York locations.
Full 2026 range: shamrock kits, leprechaun trap kits for kids, green tiaras, tinsel garlands. TikTok staple for St. Paddy's haul videos. 4.1★ (1,300+ reviews).
Budget-friendly: green plastic tableware, shamrock headbands, gold "pot-of-gold" plastic coins. Local favourite for teachers and office party planners. 4.2★ (500+ reviews).
2026 "Spring Refresh" collection: green apparel, shamrock-patterned kitchen towels, "Kiss Me I'm Irish" items. Recommended on r/askTO for seasonal designer finds. 4.3★ (2,400+ reviews).
Authentic Irish gifts: Aran wool sweaters ($235), Claddagh rings, Nicholas Mosse pottery, handmade Irish linens. Featured on CP24. 4.8★ (190+ reviews). Worth the trip for a meaningful gift.
St. Patrick's Day 2026 is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place on the prior Sunday, March 15, 2026, running 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM from Bloor & St. George to Yonge-Dundas Square.
The corner of Bloor and Yonge is the best family viewing spot — slightly less congested than Yonge-Dundas but still full energy. Take Line 1 south from Sheppard-Yonge or Eglinton stations to Bloor-Yonge. The parade runs 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
The Goose & Firkin at 1100 Sheppard Ave East opens at 11 AM on March 17 with green beer and $8.50 Guinness pints. The Frog: A Firkin Pub on Bayview Ave serves a Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner for $21.99. Both are Firkin chain pubs and are consistent picks for North York celebrations.
Yes, the Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade is free to watch from the sidewalk. It runs on March 15, 2026 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM along the route from Bloor & St. George to Yonge-Dundas Square.
FreshCo at Bathurst & Steeles carries corned beef brisket around St. Patrick's Day (approximately $4.99/lb — confirm the weekly flyer). The Frog: A Firkin Pub (Bayview Ave) serves a Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner for $21.99. For Guinness-battered fish and chips, St. Andrews Fish & Chips in Scarborough (Ellesmere area) is the top-rated option (4.7★, 1,500+ reviews, $18.50).
Green is the tradition — wearing green on St. Patrick's Day is part of the fun at both the parade and the pubs. Winners & Marshalls at Dufferin & Steeles has affordable green apparel in their 2026 Spring collection. Party City at 1225 Finch Ave West carries green tiaras, shamrock headbands, and themed accessories. Dress warmly — March in Toronto can still be cold.
Some photos provided by Google Maps contributors. Powered by Google.