New York City, New York
If you're looking to go big on March 17, you'd better head to the Big Apple. New York City is home to the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report. The NYC Saint Patrick's Day Parade website notes that each year, the event features hundreds of thousands of marchers making their way up 5th Avenue as millions of spectators look on.
San Francisco, California
Take your trip to the Golden State for "the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade west of the Mississippi," according to the The United Irish Societies of San Francisco's website. Expect colorful floats, Irish dance troupes, and marching bands galore during this year's parade on March 11.
Boston, Massachusetts
It's no surprise that Boston knows how to properly celebrate St. Patrick's Day—almost 30% of the city is Irish, The Boston Globe reports. The Boston Irish Tourism website lists a nearly month-long list of events, including the annual parade in South Boston, which will take place on March 19 this year.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Although it's best known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans also throws several St. Patrick's Day parades from March through April 1. According to the event's website, attendees are instructed to chant "Throw me something, Mister!" and sometimes receive cabbages, carrots, and onions.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, aka "Greenest City in the World" takes its title pretty seriously—the Chicago River is even dyed green for St. Patrick's Day! The city also hosts an annual St. Patrick's Day parade on March 11 that travels through downtown.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah traditionally hosts a two-day festival that features a dance party, live music, and a variety of vendors. The southern city is also home to a parade on March 17 in downtown.
San Antonio, Texas
Enjoy Celtic dancers, authentic Irish food, and even a tater tot eating contest at San Antonio's green-themed event. Make sure to be there on March 17 by 1 p.m. to watch the River Walk get dyed green!
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Don't let the title "World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade" fool you—this town features a two-day celebration March 17-18 to honor the Irish! The party traditionally includes live music and is followed by the big (er, small?) event according to their Facebook page. Believe it or not, you might spot a few celebrities in Hot Springs. Joey Fatone, Kevin Bacon, Bo Derek, and John Corbett have all acted as Grand Marshals for the celebration.
O'Neill, Nebraska
Although O'Neill is home to just about 4,000 residents, it's still proudly dubbed "Nebraska's Irish Capital," according to the city's website. This quaint Midwestern town is home to the world's largest shamrock, which is the center of its St. Patrick's Day festivities. Along with a parade on March 17, locals gather for a green eggs and ham breakfast each year.
Carol
A wealthy woman and a department store clerk begin an illicit affair in this must-watch LGBTQ+ film set in the 1950s. Adapted from the cult classic The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, it depicts how unexpected romance can change your life.
Tig
Fans of comedian Tig Notaro will love this tear-jerking documentary about life after a devastating cancer diagnosis. If you also cried your way through her stand-up set where she announced it, show this to a friend.
But I'm a Cheerleader
Many of us first watched this sleeper hit when we were teens ourselves, and it's well worth revisiting. It's poignant, hilarious and endlessly quotable.
The Perfection
Charlotte is a troubled musical prodigy and Elizabeth is a new star student. Before long, they find themselves starting down a dangerous path with sinister results. This LGBTQ+ thriller will send shivers down your spine.
Blue Is the Warmest Colour
High schooler Adele has barely begun exploring her own identity when she meets blue-haired, free-spirited Emma. Adele's friends don't accept her as she really is, so she grows even closer to Emma. This one's best for adult audiences, so save it for when you're ready to get a little steamy.
D.E.B.S.
A comedic spoof on the Charlie Angels franchise, D.E.B.S. centers around the unlikely love story between the leader of an elite group of teen spies and a super villain. You don't have to be too familiar with the original story to love this fun, flirty romp.
Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List
Like so many besties, Naomi and Ely have a firmly established "no kiss list" to protect them from getting romantically entangled. But in a surprising twist, they both come down with the hots for the same dude, even though Ely's a lesbian. Turn rom-com stereotypes upside down with this quirky, fun film.
Duck Butter
Starring Ali Shawkat of Arrested Development, this intimate drama redefines what love between two women can look like. After getting fed up with the lies and deception their previous relationships have involved, two women spend 24 hours with each other to see if they can do any better.
I Can't Think Straight
This enticing story is a romantic trope as old as time. It follows the love story of Tala, a London-based Palestinian woman who's planning her wedding when she meets and falls for Leyla, a British Indian woman.
