It’s mid-March here in the Burgh, and if you know anything about this city it’s that we have an insane Saint Patrick’s Day Parade! On March 12th, more than 20,000 participants gather in Downtown Pittsburgh dressed in their Irish best.
With festivities spread out across the city and parties lasting well throughout the afternoon, hanging on for the final hours and being safe while doing it is necessary. Here are some tips on how you can make this Saint Paddy’s Day your best yet!
1. EAT BREAKFAST!! If you eat pizza before a Fridays night of going out, Saint Patrick’s Day is no different. Getting wrapped up in the spirit of the holiday (which is drinking) can be easy, so having a belly full of green eggs or a bagel to accompany your drink of choice will save you in the long run. 2. Don’t go off alone. Feeling invincible while you’re out is common, and coming from someone who loves to venture alone when their out, it will eventually get you into trouble. Having a buddy or a large group of friends is your best bet, especially if you’re planning on party hoping or wandering through the sea of green in downtown.
3. If you’re under 21, stay out of the Southside. The streets are packed, the 80 bars and restaurants are at full capacity, and people will be very, very, very drunk. You will not get in anywhere without an ID on this day so there is literally no point of making your way over there.
4. Watch those surge fees if you’re using Uber or Lyft. Uber usually has a higher fee than Lyft, but I can promise you that both will be costly come parade day. If you can, use public transit. Sure it may be crowded, but it’s better than spending $20-$30 dollars on a ride that would usually cost you $10.
5. Don’t leave your drink unattended! Whether you’re at a bar, a friend’s party or someone’s tailgate, you really never know what people are up to. If you leave your cup unattended it’s best to pitch it, even if it’s yummy.
But most importantly, have fun!!! If you get this day off of work, take it all in! Pittsburgh is a great city full people that just want to have a good time, so make the most out of this day because you won’t always be able to enjoy it!