ORLANDO, Fla. – Let the festivities begin!

St. Patrick’s Day is this Monday and many are preparing to celebrate with traditional Irish meals, music and dancing. It is celebrated each year on March 17.

According to History.com, the day marks the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death in the 5th century and it has been observed as a religious holiday by the Irish for over 1,000 years.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade did not happen in Ireland. It happened here in Florida when the first parade was held on March 17, 1601, in St. Augustine.

Many locations are preparing for big crowds this year with fewer COVID restrictions in place. Here are some places to celebrate in Central Florida:

St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages

Starting Thursday, March 13, two days of entertainment and festivities will kick off to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Click here to see the list of performances.

Celticfest 2025 at Crooked Can Brewing Company in Winter Garden

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all weekend long at Crooked Can Brewing Company.

Celticfest 2025 will run from Friday, March 14, through Sunday, March 16.

There will be live music, performances, activities and more to enjoy.

Click here for more info.

Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road in Disney Springs

The festival runs from Friday, March 14, to Monday, March 17.

Featuring award-winning bands and dancers, this weekend’s festival will be filled with entertainment for four days.

Click here to learn more.

Shamrockin’ Fest BBQ & Beer Festival in downtown Leesburg

Bands, beer, BBQ and a parade are set for Shamrockin’ Fest BBQ & Beer Festival on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15.

There will be over 40 sample food tastings and 25 beers, wines and spirits.

Click here to learn more.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Oviedo

Listen to live Irish entertainment by Colin Farrell and The Byrne Brothers while enjoying unique Irish cuisine and more.

The free festival at Oviedo Center Lake Park will kick off Saturday, March 15, at 4 p.m. and run through 9 p.m.

While the festival is free, there will be beer punch cards available for purchase to enjoy Guinness, Smithwicks and Harp on tap.

Click here for everything you need to know.

St. Patrick’s Fest in downtown Melbourne

A three-day festival will kick off Saturday, March 15, at Meg O’Malley’s in Melbourne.

There will be three concerts, one on each day, and other events, such as downtown Melbourne’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Click here to see the full list of events.

St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Boxi Park

Check out all things St. Patrick’s Day at Lake Nona’s Boxi Park this Saturday, March 15.

There will be live entertainment from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., including a performance by Mount Dora’s Pipe Band.

Click here to see the full line-up.

Irish Fest 2025 at Suncreek Brewery in downtown Clermont

Enjoy Irish food, beer and live entertainment on Saturday, March 15, in downtown Clermont.

There is no admission fee for this weekend’s fest.

Click here for more.

All-day celebration at Fiddler’s Green Pub in Winter Park

The party is on all day Monday, March 17, at Fiddler’s Green Pub.

There will be live entertainment all day, including music performances and Irish dancing.

Click here to learn more about the specials.

Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at Hogan’s Irish Pub in Cocoa

Enjoy Irish whiskey, stouts and ales, and dancers Monday, March 17, at Hogan’s Irish Pub.

There will be corned beef and cabbage and of course, live music featuring Irish bands and other special guests.

Click here to learn more.

And if you’re celebrating with some adult drinks without a designated driver, AAA is offering its Tow to Go program as a last resort to get you and your car to a safe location.

If there is an event you’d like added to this list, click here to email us details.