In New York, the 15th annual alcohol-free celebration takes over a landmark Gilded Age mansion with a lineup of acclaimed Irish musicians and award-winning step dancers. Organizers say the cross-cultural event pairs Irish tradition with Ukrainian performance and solidarity while offering mocktails, light bites and surprise guests for families and fans alike.
Irish culture takes center stage at Sober St. Patrick's Day, right where New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade ends, at the Ukrainian Institute of America on Fifth Avenue and 79th Street. The 15th annual alcohol-free, family-friendly festivities showcase world-class Irish musicians, step dancers, and storytellers, joined by Ukrainian dancers.
The Ukrainian Institute of America, Sinclair House.
Where the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade ends on Fifth Avenue at 79th Street, the grand celebration gets underway at the landmark Gilded Age mansion of the Ukrainian Institute of America. The lively showcase of Irish music, dance, storytelling, and heritage, in a joyful, alcohol-free atmosphere, is hugely successful each year. You can purchase tickets today here!
Sober St. Patrick’s Day’s mission is to reclaim the true spirit of St. Patrick's Day by changing the perception and experience from an occasion for binge drinking and misuse of alcohol and other drugs to a celebration of the richness of Irish culture
“It’s our biggest talent lineup, our best location, and best venue in 15 years,” said Sober St. Patrick’s Day founder William Spencer Reilly.
“The Ukrainian Institute of America is not only welcoming us to use all four floors and nine state rooms of its magnificent mansion, but they are also partnering with us for an interactive, immersive Irish celebration with cross-cultural Ukrainian accents.”
Reclaim the day at Sober St. Patrick's Day.
Ukrainian Institute of America Executive Director Lydia Zaininger said, “We are excited to greet the New York Irish community on its biggest day, as Ireland and Ukraine, nations shaped by struggle yet defined by their unbreakable spirit, stand together in friendship, bound by shared histories and a profound respect for each other’s courage and culture.”
Underscoring Ukraine's current struggle and the two countries’ shared history of famine, foreign occupation, and resolute spirit, Irish community leaders and Ukrainian dignitaries will join hands in solidarity at the “Bilateral Meet & Greet” at the venue on March 17th between Noon and 1 PM (by invitation only).
Headlining this year’s Sober St. Patrick’s Day Grand Celebration are famed Irish and Irish American performers, including:
- Rory Makem, Legendary Irish Folk Singer
- John Whelan, Seven-time All-Ireland Champion Button Accordionist
- Brian Conway, Five-time All-Ireland Champion Fiddler
- Mary Courtney, Celebrated Irish Singer
- Donny Golden School of Irish Dance, Award-Winning Irish Step Dancers
- Jerry O’Sullivan, America’s Premier Uilleann Piper
- Brendan Dolan, Award-winning Pianist and Keyboard Player
- Flynn Cohen, Guitarist & Singer
- Dan Hunt & Irish Arts Center Set Dancers
- Cast Members of "Parcel for America"
- John Duddy and Doireann Mac Mahon perform an excerpt from the play "Hunger"
- Susan Davey, St. Brigid’s Storyteller
- Lisa McLeary, Visual Artist
- Ukrainian Folk Dancers
- Loretto Leary of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield
- Seamus O’Farrell, Storyteller
- Mark Mitton, Master Magician
- And more actors, musicians, dancers, and surprise guests
A television and theater producer, Reilly founded Sober St. Patrick’s Day to elevate Irish arts and entertainment over the holiday’s tragic association with binge drinking, particularly among the young.
Donny Golden's School of Irish Dance.
The organization’s executive director, Christine Harrington, said, “At its heart, Sober St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural celebration honoring Irish tradition, music, story, history, and hospitality, where everyone can enjoy the day in a safe, healthy, family-friendly, alcohol-free environment. We create a shared, joyful experience that is vibrant and intentional, demonstrating that culture, connection, and meaning thrive when they are placed at the center.”
Bagpiper Donal Morrissey will again lead the Sober St. Patrick’s Day contingent up Fifth Avenue in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Grand Marshall is Sally Corbett Turco, Executive Director of “Stepping Stones®, the historic home of Bill & Lois Wilson,” Co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.
Event details
• What – 15th annual Sober St. Patrick’s Day celebration of Irish heritage and culture with famed Irish musicians, step dancers, entertainers, and surprise guests with light bites, desserts, mocktails, and other non-alcoholic refreshments included
• When – Tues., March 17, 2026, 4:30 to 7:30 PM
• Where – The Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 E 79 St. at 5th Ave, NY, NY • Tickets – $45 for adults, $40 for seniors, students, and UIA members, $25 for children. The event sells out each year, so guests should get tickets in advance at www.soberstpatricksday.org
• March in the Parade with Sober St. P.atrick’s Day. Register at www.soberstpatricksday.org.
