The numbers
Portland, Oregon, is preparing for an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration scheduled from March 13 to March 17, 2026. The festivities will include a fundraising effort by Electric Literature, which aims to raise $35,000 to support its next chapter.
In addition to the literary initiative, the City of Portland is offering discounts on rides to help attendees enjoy the celebrations safely. Coupons will provide a maximum discount of $10 for Uber and Lyft rides and $20 for taxi services. These coupons will be valid for six hours, expiring at 2:30 a.m. on March 18, 2026.
The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Portland are part of a broader cultural recognition of the holiday, which has seen various adaptations across different sectors, including sports. Notably, the NBA had a tradition of special St. Patrick’s Day uniforms from 2006 until the 2017-18 season. The New York Knicks first donned these uniforms on March 17, 2006, followed closely by the Chicago Bulls the next day.
During this period, the Boston Celtics also participated in the tradition, wearing special holiday uniforms for nearly a decade. The Toronto Raptors joined the trend in 2008, showcasing the growing popularity of St. Patrick’s Day within the sports community.
As part of this ongoing celebration, the Knicks have an overall record of 3-3 in their St. Patrick’s Day uniforms, while the Bulls have a record of 4-6. This playful engagement with the holiday has become a notable aspect of the NBA’s seasonal branding.
In 2024, the NBA and WNBA extended their partnership with Nike for an additional 12 years, ensuring that the tradition of special uniforms could continue in various forms. This contract extension reflects the league’s commitment to maintaining its connection with cultural events like St. Patrick’s Day.
As the date approaches, local businesses and organizations are expected to participate in the festivities, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city. Observers are keen to see how the community will embrace these celebrations, and details remain unconfirmed regarding specific events and activities planned for the week.
