7 Amazing St. Patrick's Day Parades in the United States

Start here: NYC's paddys procession along Fifth Avenue unfolds as a city-wide spectacle that draws millions. To feel the scale, pick a place near landmarks such as Central Park, the Flatiron Building, or the Empire State Building and stake your spot early. If youve got patience, youll hear marching bands, see performers, and sense luck in the sea of green as sunday crowds cheer.

Boston's paddys procession threads along the riverfront toward the Common, with adults and families enjoying the color and rhythm. The crowd lines the sidewalks near historic landmarks, while marching units and pipe bands keep pace. Expect giveaways from sponsors and a sense of camaraderie that makes this place feel intimate, making the day memorable.

Chicago's procession glides along Grant Park and Michigan Avenue, with a skyline backdrop that makes this spectacle photo-perfect. Marching bands, dancers, and performers ripple through the crowd, and if you're looking for a signature moment, the lakefront vantage points deliver. A chorus of cheers and familiar landmarks along the route reinforce why this stop belongs on every itinerary.

Savannah offers a coastal vibe with a paddys atmosphere along moss-draped squares. The custom of hospitality blends with live music as lively floats pass by and spectators, including many adults, enjoy a beach-adjacent feeling downtown. The route visits landmarks like the squares and horse-drawn carriages, making this spectacle a family favorite.

Milwaukee's procession flows through downtown and along the lakefront, delivering a lively mood that fills the streets with color. The custom pairs with modern energy as performers–from school bands to local ensembles–drive the pace. For a kid-friendly angle, arrive early for giveaways and a welcoming scene that locals treasure.

Pittsburgh's route across the three rivers adds drama with bridges and hills framing the crowd. The crowd gathers near points like Point State Park and the skyline, while marching units, pipes, and dancers deliver a spectacle that resonates with locals and visitors alike. The vibe is inclusive, making this stop a standout on any weekend plan.

in kansas City, the late-afternoon procession lights Main Street with a lively lineup of bands and floats. The route is lined with families and college groups, and giveaways add a festive edge. Youve got chances to win small prizes, and the custom of sharing snacks and stories keeps the mood vibrant. It’s a fitting capstone to the weekend, inviting you to keep the momentum going on the road home.

Parade dates, times, and crowd tips

Recommendation: reserve transit passes early and arrive 7:00–9:00 AM for best vantage along major routes.

March 17 usually marks main window for seven popular procession events across US; schedules shift to weekend near this date in some locales; verify official sources a few days ahead; this section provides start times, routes, and practical guidance for crowds.

City line-up

• New York City, NY – Start 11:00 AM ET; Fifth Avenue corridor from 59th to 85th Streets; Citys streets fill fast; best vantage near Central Park South or 72nd Street; arrive 7:00–9:00 AM; transit options include B, D, E, F, N, Q, R lines to 5th Ave/53rd St or 59th St; there are shops along route; there is a crawl of spectators along sidewalks; irish-themed floats, including dublin-inspired elements and galway vibes, add festive energy.
• Boston, MA – Start 11:30 AM ET; route along Boylston Street; Trinity Church neighborhood offers sheltered vantage near Copley; arrive 7:00–9:00 AM; transit options include MBTA trains to Copley or Back Bay; parking tight; there are citys shops along streets; crowd mood is festive, with lilting irish tunes and tributes to belfast and dublin roots.
• Chicago, IL – Start 11:00 AM CT; route along Columbus Drive past Grant Park; arrive 7:00–9:00 AM; transit options include CTA lines to Monroe/Columbus or Roosevelt; citys streets fill early; there are restaurants near corner spots; look for irish music, river motifs, and carnival vibe.
• Savannah, GA – Start 10:00 AM ET; route runs along riverfront toward Forsyth Park; best vantage along River Street; arrive 8:00–9:30 AM; transit options local buses; there are churches along route offering shade; festive mood with carnival vibes and irish flavor; crowds gather along citys streets; there are shops to explore before or after.
• San Francisco, CA – Start 11:00 AM PT; Market Street corridor toward Civic Center; arrive 9:00–10:00 AM; transit: MUNI, BART; watch road closures along cable car lines; citys shops open early; floats nod to dublin and galway heritage; There is a festive mood; check for fog.
• Milwaukee, WI – Start 11:00 AM CT; route along Wisconsin Avenue to Water Street; best vistas near Riverwalk; arrive 8:00–9:30 AM; transit: local buses; citys shops along route; carnival vibe with irish music; Luckys restaurant on a corner near loma rivers offers quick bites; river scenery nearby adds charm.
• Philadelphia, PA – Start 11:00 AM ET; Broad Street corridor from City Hall toward South Street; vantage near Independence Mall area; arrive 7:30–9:30 AM; transit options include SEPTA; there are shops along citys streets; this procession mixes irish tunes, festive floats, and tributes to home.

Crowd tips

• Arrive early, bring compact seat pad if allowed, and dress in layers for wind along river or bay areas.
• Public transit preferred; driving leads to parking queues and long walks; study station exits to minimize crowds crawling along sidewalks.
• Keep valuables secure; carry minimal bag; bag checks occur at entry points; there are restroom lines near major hubs; plan breaks at intersections with shops or church grounds like Trinity area in Boston or nearby dublin-inspired cafes.
• Hydration and snacks help; there’s a chance of rain; bring poncho or compact umbrella.
• Food options: Luckys restaurant on a corner near loma rivers offers quick bites; citys streets host diverse stalls, with irish theme and carnival spirit for a real festive mood.
• Weather can shift; bay fog in SF, humidity in Savannah; check local forecast day before; carry sunscreen on sunny days; wear comfortable walking shoes; pick up a map from citys visitor centers to locate restrooms and viewing zones.

Best viewing spots and accessibility for families

Choose west rivers area along 29th Avenue as home base for families; long sightlines, gentle grades, and wide ramps let youre crew settle with strollers while marching processions roll by, creating a lively, kid-friendly setting.

Stretches along streets spanning five blocks offer steady viewing; expect wheelchair access at crosswalks, accessible restrooms near parks, and stroller-friendly grades. Beer stalls nearby keep adults refreshed; hot stew and kid-friendly snacks appear, while a few vendors stock t-shirt keepsakes bearing luck motifs.

Crowds top a million along starting blocks; plan to arrive early and pick a shaded corner near avenue entrances to secure a good view.

During late afternoon, goitse moments from sligo-inspired performers add charming appeal to a lively route; families pause for a kiss near river corner while a nearby beach area catches sunset.

Accessibility notes

ADA ramps, curb cuts at every crosswalk, and portable restrooms ensure smooth lineups; shade spots along riverfront give small groups relief.

Arrive early to secure shade and a good view; plan soft paths for strollers, benches near avenues, and clear routes to kid zones; expect signage in multiple languages and a few goitse displays that highlight local heritage, adding heart to family moments.

Parking, transit, and route planning

Park early in a municipal garage near downtown, then ride rapid buses or rail to reach celebration corridors. Arrive two hours ahead to secure a spot, switch to walking routes, and avoid long waits along crowded streets. In savannah, riverfront parking links to a short shuttle into historic district; in dublin vibes, bagpipes echo along streets while paddys stalls, boxty bites, and beers attract crowds around festival zones. Best route blends a downtown start with a loop past food hubs, so you feel welcomed among people; after some drinks, catch performers and lambs at open stages. From start to finish, map a destination walk with access to restrooms, restaurants, and beer gardens. Some routes offer more options. Back routes near beach and backstreets smooth recovery after a long march. If something feels off, adjust by swapping parking options.

City parking tips

Boston: harbor garages near back bay provide easy exit routes; Chicago: grant park area garages connect to loop via CTA lines; savannah: riverfront lots feed to short shuttle to historic district; new york: hudson yards garages link to midtown corridors. Arrive early, check street closures, and use rideshare for return after event. Keep group together, gather near performers to find best sightlines.

Transit routes and crowd flow

Use preloaded transit apps for live updates; pick lines with extra capacity; avoid bridges at peak moments. In downtown cores, expect road closures caused by paddys processions; map a final leg along a restaurant row where bagpipes and performers create familiar vibes. After dusk, prefer beers stalls and shaded seating; walkable segments let people enjoy drinks without missing a bus.

Must-see elements: floats, pipe bands, and mascots

Go early to eastern curb along avenue to hear drums echo, enjoying bright colors as floats glide by and mascots wave.

Floats showcase themes ranging from mythic beasts to civic life, including storehouse motifs, Galway legends, and bright banners; passes are slow, giving anyone time to snap close shots and soak in detail.

Pipe bands anchor rhythm, with bagpipes and snare drums shaping tunes that carry through streets; musicians trade cadences, inviting anyone nearby to join in singing.

Mascots in cozy costumes mingle with crowds; some wear carnival garb, others dressed as mythical figures, making it easy for anyone to explore photo opportunities beyond street corners.

During multi-day events, schedules run along long avenues; theres always a moment to soak in whiskey or boxty aromas from nearby vendors, while kids chase confetti and memories stick long in life.

Nearby Irish culture: food, pubs, and museums

Reserve tickets for guided pub crawls in citys with strong Irish roots, including Boston, Chicago, and kansas City, available in several states. Groups can join shared routes that pair tavern stops with short sets and storytelling. school life themes appear in neighborhood venues with informal talks after performances.

Soak up festival vibes along busy streets, then enjoy dishes such as boxty, colcannon, Irish stew, and soda bread. cork flavors appear in many menus, pairing with stout for a hearty experience.

armagh-inspired displays await at several museums, including isle life exhibits in regional collections. A storehouse exhibit covers rural life, craftwork, and schooling from earlier decades.

Where to begin

Start with a walking route that blends shopfronts, pubs, and music venues. youre encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring tickets, and move together with groups.

Bites to seek

Look for charming eateries offering traditional bites, aromatic soups, and seafood favorites. Massive parades often spill onto streets during event nights, so align plans around these occasions and enjoy festive ambience.