Several cities around the world opt for an early celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, New Orleans held its 70th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade last week in the Irish Channel. In case you missed last week’s parade, it’s not too late to join the holiday festivities.

In fact, they are just getting started.

From Friday, March 17 to Sunday, March 19, there are five events surrounding the St. Patrick’s Day Holiday. From the Bywater to the French Quarter, each day will be filled with events.

All maps courtesy of St. Patrick’s Day New Orleans.

New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day History

Celebrated in North America for nearly three centuries, St. Patrick’s day festivities is considered one of the largest ethnic celebrations in North America, according to St. Patricks Day New Orleans. Falling every year on March 17, the holiday commemorates the life of the Patron Saint Patrick. New Orleans has celebrated the holiday since 1947.

St. Patrick’s Day Events

Jim Monaghan’s St. Patrick’s Day parade - 6 p.m.

The 35th annual parade takes place in the French Quarter this Friday at 6 p.m.. The parade starts and ends at Molly’s at the Market, located at 1107 Decatur Street.

Downtown Irish Club parade

The Downtown Irish Club, an Irish identity and advocacy organization in New Orleans, will host its 40th annual parade on Friday evening. Starting at the corner of Burgundy and Piety Streets, the parade rolls through h the Bywater and French Quarter neighborhoods. The parade ends at the intersection of Bourbon and Orlean Streets.

Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Club

The Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Club will host its annual Block Party at Annunciation Playground. The block party starts at 10 a.m. and will run until 6 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Michael's Special School.

How to get there

For the St. Patrick day parades, walking or biking is always your best bet. Friday’s parades are easily accessible from the French Quarter and Bywater neighborhoods. The block party is located in the Lower Garden District.

Currently, New Orleans is demoing its bike share program, and it has been extended to the end of March, which mean several bikes may be available to rent before, during, and after the parade.

Driving is also a possibility, but parking is likely to be limited close by the parade route.

• New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day parade 2017: route and street closures [Curbed NOLA]
• St. Patrick’s Day New Orleans [Official Site]
• Social bicycle demo in New Orleans is extended until end of March [Curbed NOLA]