Green Beer Sunday: Syracuse, NY's Start to St. Patrick's Celebrations
Syracuse is known for many things: four seasons of fun, rich history, and an Irish neighborhood that knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a big way.
Tipperary Hill, home to the iconic upside-down traffic light, kicks off the festivities with Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub’s annual Green Beer Sunday.
A tradition for more than 50 years, Green Beer Sunday is held on the last Sunday of February, marking the official start of St. Patrick’s season.
This year, the green beer starts flowing on Sunday, February 22, at noon sharp.
What is Green Beer Sunday (GBS)?
First introduced in the 1960s by Peter Coleman, the founder of Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub, GBS is Syracuse’s ultimate pre-St Patrick’s Day party. The day begins with a mini parade along Tompkins Street, featuring bagpipers, Irish step dancers, and of course — a truck full of green beer!
Once the beer arrives, the party spreads across Tipp Hill, filling the pub, the back patio with live music, and the neighborhood bars as revelers raise their first festive pint of the season.
If you’re new to Green Beer Sunday, here’s what to expect:
🍀 Arrive Early – The crowd builds fast, and the energy is contagious.
🍀 Wear Green – It’s not just about the beer. It’s a full St. Patrick’s dress rehearsal.
🍀 Celebrate Responsibly – While GBS is all about fun, be mindful of those around you, respect the neighborhood, and drink in moderation.
St. Patrick’s Celebrations in Syracuse
Green Beer Sunday is more than just a party. It’s a Syracuse tradition that kicks off a month-long celebration of Irish culture, community, and, of course, a little bit of mischief. Whether you’re raising a pint at Coleman’s or marching in the parade, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate St. Paddy's in Syracuse.
Mark your calendars for these key St. Patrick's Day events in Syracuse.
- Sunday 2/22 | Green Beer Sunday - The official start to the season at Coleman's
- Saturday 3/7 | Shamrock Run - A festive 4-mile run through Tipp Hill (there's a kid's fun run too!)
- Friday 3/13 | Painting of the Green Stripe - Marking the route for the next day's parade
- Saturday 3/14 | St. Patrick's Parade - One of the biggest parades in the state, bringing the community together in downtown Syracuse
🍀 Reminder: Green Beer Sunday is a 21+ event. Visit Syracuse encourages everyone to drink responsibly and plan ahead — whether that means designating a sober driver, using rideshare services, or taking public transportation. Enjoy the celebrations safely! 🍀
Related Stories
