St. Patrick’s Day parades will be held in major cities across the US on March 15-17, 2025. Most parades start around 11 AM, featuring Irish music, dancing, and cultural celebrations.
Major St. Patrick’s Day Parades in 2025
New York City Parade
The 264th New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will take place along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Monday, March 17, 2025. This parade holds the distinction of being “the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world,” with a tradition dating back to March 17, 1762—even earlier than the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Time and Route
- Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
- Start Time: 11:00 AM
- End Time: 4:30 PM
- Route: The parade begins at 44th Street and marches up Fifth Avenue, passing St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th Street, and continuing all the way to 79th Street.
Parade Highlights
- Over 150,000 marchers are expected to participate
- Approximately 2 million spectators will line the parade route
- Michael A. Benn, a proud son of Limerick and longtime chairman of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, will serve as the Grand Marshal
Road Closures
Numerous streets will be closed for the parade, including:
- Fifth Avenue between 42nd Street and 86th Street
- Madison Avenue between 63rd Street and 64th Street
- Madison Avenue between 78th Street and 86th Street
- Vanderbilt Avenue between 43rd Street and 46th Street
- Multiple cross streets between Park Avenue and 6th Avenue
Chicago Parade and River Dyeing
Chicago hosts several St. Patrick’s Day parades, with the main downtown parade taking place on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Chicago is internationally renowned for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which include the famous dyeing of the Chicago River.
Downtown Chicago Parade
- Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
- Start Time: 12:00 PM (noon)
- Route: Along Columbus Drive from Balbo to Monroe Street
Chicago River Dyeing
- Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Best viewed from Upper Wacker Drive or one of the city’s bridges between Columbus Drive and Fairbanks Court
- Details: Boats will spread eco-friendly dye throughout the river until the water turns a bright emerald green. The dye typically remains visible for several days after the event.
Additional Chicago Area Parades
- Archer Ave. St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Saturday, March 15, 2025, along Archer Avenue from Oak Park to Narragansett
- Northwest Side Irish Parade: Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM, departing from Onahan School (6633 W. Raven)
- South Side Irish Parade: Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM, traveling down Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th Street
Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival
The 44th Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This popular event attracts more than 120,000 people to the 2-mile strip of Greenville Avenue.
Time and Location
- Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
- Parade Start Time: 11:00 AM (sharp)
- Festival Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Starting Point: Greenville and Blackwell Street
- Ending Point: SMU Boulevard (estimated end time 2:00 PM)
Transportation Options
- DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) provides service to the parade area
- Ride-hailing services such as Uber, Lyft, and Alto are recommended for safe transportation
San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 174th Annual San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted by the United Irish Societies, will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Time and Route
- Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
- Start Time: 11:30 AM
- Route: Begins at 2nd Street & Market Street, travels down Market Street, and ends at Civic Center Plaza via McAllister Street
Parade Highlights
- Theme: “The Immigrant’s Story,” celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of immigrants
- Grand Marshal: Mark Gorman
- Honorees: Jerry Cassidy, Marie Gavney, and Sr. Edith Hurley, RSM
- Features floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, and cultural groups
- Special tribute to the role of Irish immigrants in San Francisco’s early history
Important Note
There will be no post-parade festival at Civic Center Plaza in 2025.
St. Paul St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Paul, Minnesota will host its St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Time and Route
- Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
- Start Time: 12:00 PM (noon)
- Route: Starting at Rice Park (5th St & Market St) and ending near Mears Park (5th St & Sibley St), traveling along 5th Street
Parking and Access Information
- Recommended parking in lots & ramps along Kellogg and north of 6th St E
- The staging area typically closes at 10:00 AM
- 5th St E and intersecting roads between 6th St E & 4th St E close at 11:00 AM
Easy St. Patrick’s Day Drawings
When is St. Patrick’s Day 2025?
St. Patrick’s Day falls on Monday, March 17, 2025. This annual celebration commemorates Saint Patrick, Ireland’s most celebrated patron saint, and marks the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The date specifically corresponds to the death of Saint Patrick. While the actual holiday is on March 17th, many cities will hold their parades on the weekend before (Saturday, March 15 or Sunday, March 16) to allow for maximum participation.
St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and traditions. In the United States, it’s marked by parades, festivals, special events, and the wearing of green attire. The holiday has transcended its religious origins to become a widespread cultural celebration embraced by people of all backgrounds.
History of St. Patrick’s Day Parades
St. Patrick’s Day parades have a rich history in the United States, with the New York City parade dating back to 1762. These parades began as a way for Irish immigrants to celebrate their heritage and maintain connections to their homeland while establishing new lives in America.
Over the centuries, these parades have evolved from small gatherings of Irish immigrants to massive civic celebrations that attract participants and spectators from all backgrounds. The parades serve as a testament to the significant contributions of Irish Americans to the cultural fabric of the United States.
In cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco, the St. Patrick’s Day parade has become an institution—a beloved annual tradition that brings communities together in celebration. The parades typically feature:
- Marching bands playing traditional Irish music
- Irish dance troupes performing traditional steps
- Floats representing Irish organizations and businesses
- Police and fire department units showcasing Irish-American pride
- Community groups celebrating Irish heritage
- Local politicians and dignitaries
What to Expect at a St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Parade Participants
St. Patrick’s Day parades feature a diverse array of participants that showcase Irish culture and community spirit:
- Traditional Irish musicians playing bagpipes, fiddles, and drums
- Irish dance schools performing intricate jigs and reels
- Local schools and youth organizations
- Labor unions with Irish-American roots
- Cultural groups celebrating Irish heritage
- Police and fire departments, often with strong Irish-American representation
- Community organizations and charities
- Colorful floats representing various aspects of Irish culture and history
- Local businesses and sponsors
Spectator Experience
Attending a St. Patrick’s Day parade offers a festive and family-friendly experience:
- Crowds typically wear green attire, shamrock accessories, and other Irish-themed items
- Many spectators arrive early to secure prime viewing spots along the parade route
- The atmosphere is lively and celebratory, with cheering and interaction between spectators and parade participants
- Food vendors often sell traditional Irish fare and other refreshments near parade routes
- Weather in mid-March can be unpredictable, so spectators should dress in layers and be prepared for various conditions
- Public transportation is usually recommended, as parking can be limited and street closures affect traffic patterns
Cultural Significance
St. Patrick’s Day parades serve as important cultural events that:
- Celebrate Irish heritage and traditions in a public, communal setting
- Recognize the historical contributions of Irish immigrants to American society
- Provide a platform for Irish cultural expression through music, dance, and visual arts
- Bring together multiple generations of Irish-American families
- Foster community pride and unity
- Attract tourism and support local businesses
- Serve as a bridge between Irish traditions and contemporary American culture
Tips for Attending St. Patrick’s Day Parades
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your St. Patrick’s Day parade experience:
- Check the official parade website for the most up-to-date information on timing, route, and any special instructions
- Plan to arrive at least 1-2 hours before the parade starts to secure a good viewing spot
- Research transportation options, as many streets will be closed and parking will be limited
- Consider the weather forecast and dress appropriately—mid-March can be chilly and sometimes rainy
- Bring portable chairs or blankets if you plan to be there for the entire parade
- Pack snacks and water, though food vendors will likely be available along the route
- Locate public restrooms or businesses with facilities along the parade route
Family-Friendly Considerations
If attending with children:
- Choose a less crowded section of the parade route for better visibility and safety
- Bring ear protection for young children, as bagpipes and drums can be loud
- Pack essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, and extra layers of clothing
- Consider bringing a stroller with a canopy for shade or weather protection
- Identify a meeting spot in case family members get separated
- Point out parade officials or police officers to children in case they need assistance
Photography Tips
For those wanting to capture memories of the parade:
- Scout photo locations in advance if possible
- Consider the direction of sunlight when choosing your viewing spot
- Bring extra batteries and memory cards
- Use burst mode to capture action shots of dancers and musicians
- Look for colorful characters, interesting floats, and emotional moments
- Try to capture the crowd’s reactions as well as the parade itself
- Consider a monopod or small tripod for stability in crowded conditions
St. Patrick’s Day Traditions Beyond the Parade
Irish Food and Drink
Many restaurants and pubs offer special St. Patrick’s Day menus featuring traditional Irish fare:
- Corned beef and cabbage
- Irish stew
- Shepherd’s pie
- Soda bread
- Colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage)
- Boxty (potato pancakes)
- Irish coffee
Cultural Events
Beyond parades, many cities host additional St. Patrick’s Day events:
- Irish music concerts and performances
- Irish dance competitions and showcases
- Film screenings of Irish movies
- Readings of Irish literature and poetry
- Art exhibitions featuring Irish artists
- Cultural lectures on Irish history and heritage
- Irish language workshops
- Family-friendly activities like face painting and crafts
Community Celebrations
St. Patrick’s Day often extends beyond official events to include:
- Church services honoring St. Patrick
- Fundraisers for Irish-American organizations and charities
- School activities and educational programs about Irish culture
- Community dinners and social gatherings
- Special lighting of landmarks and buildings in green
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a St. Patrick’s Day parade?
Green is the traditional color for St. Patrick’s Day, so wearing green clothing, accessories, or even temporary tattoos is customary. Many parade-goers wear shamrock pins, green hats, or other festive items. Since the weather in March can be unpredictable, dressing in layers is advisable. Comfortable shoes are essential as you may be standing or walking for extended periods.
Are St. Patrick’s Day parades appropriate for children?
Yes, most St. Patrick’s Day parades are family-friendly events suitable for children of all ages. The parades feature colorful floats, music, dancers, and other entertainment that appeals to young spectators. However, some areas near bars or pubs along parade routes may become crowded with adult revelers, especially later in the day. For families with children, attending earlier in the day and choosing less congested viewing areas is recommended.
How long do St. Patrick’s Day parades typically last?
The duration varies by city, but most major St. Patrick’s Day parades last between 2-5 hours. New York City’s parade, one of the longest, runs for approximately 5.5 hours (from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Smaller city parades may be shorter, lasting 1-2 hours. Check the specific parade’s website for timing details.
Are there any rules or restrictions for parade spectators?
Common rules include:
- Public consumption of alcohol is generally prohibited along parade routes (though enforcement varies by city)
- Barriers and designated viewing areas must be respected
- Emergency access lanes must remain clear
- Drones are typically not permitted without special authorization
- Backpacks and large bags may be subject to search in some locations
- Specific local regulations may apply, so check the official parade website
What if the weather is bad on parade day?
St. Patrick’s Day parades typically proceed “rain or shine.” Most parades will continue despite light rain or cold temperatures. However, severe weather conditions like lightning, high winds, or blizzards may cause delays, route modifications, or cancellations. Check the parade’s official website or social media accounts for weather-related announcements on parade day.
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