PHILADELPHIA – The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, organized by the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association, will take place this year on Sunday, March 15, beginning at 11:15 a.m. 

The first documented St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade in Philadelphia was held in 1771, marking more than 250 consecutive years of celebration. This year’s parade commemorates 250 years of Irish contributions to America, honoring the legacy, culture, and achievements of the Irish community.

The 2026 parade will feature marching bands, Irish dancers, and cultural organizations from across the region. The procession will begin at 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, proceed through the historic Independence Mall area, and conclude at Front Street. The main performance area and grandstands will be located at 5th and Market Streets.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be broadcast live on Philly 57 from noon to 3 p.m. and will also stream live from noon to 3 p.m. on CBS News Philadelphia. You can catch an encore of the broadcast on Tuesday, March 17 from 9 a.m. until noon on CBS Philadelphia.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a “rain or shine” event. Traffic delays can be expected during the course of the event. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes. Road closures, parking restrictions, and details for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade can be found below.

Road Closures

All parade participants will enter at Schuylkill Avenue and John F. Kennedy Boulevard and assemble from 20th Street to 16th Street along John F. Kennedy Boulevard beginning at 9 a.m.

The parade will commence at 11:15 a.m., starting at 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard and proceeding eastbound on Market Street to Penn’s Landing. The parade is scheduled to conclude at 3 p.m.

The following streets will be closed starting at 5:30 a.m. until approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15:

  • Market Street between 6th Street and 5th Street

The following streets will be closed starting at 9 a.m. until approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 15:

  • John F. Kennedy Boulevard between 20th Street and 15th Street
  • 20th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
  • 19th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
  • 18th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
  • 17th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
  • 16th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
  • 15th Street between Market Street and Arch Street

The following streets will be closed starting at 10:30 a.m.(or earlier, depending on traffic conditions) until approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 15:

  • John F. Kennedy Boulevard between 15th Street and Juniper Street
  • Juniper Street between John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Market Street
  • Market Street between Juniper Street and 2nd Street
  • All cross streets on Market Street from 13th Street to 5th Street, between Chestnut Street and Arch Street

 

Parking Restrictions

The following streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 15:

  •  1400-2000 block of John F. Kennedy Boulevard

The following streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 15:

  • 5th Street between Chestnut Street and Market Street
  • 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Race Street
  • Race Street between 5th Street and 6th Street
  • Market Street from Juniper Street to 2nd Street

Motorists must adhere to “Temporary No Parking” signs. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated. If you believe your car has been relocated, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.

 

Public Transportation

Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation to get to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. You can get to Market Street using any [T] trolley or by exiting at City Hall Station, served by both the [B] Broad Street Line and [L] Market-Frankford Line. Use plan.septa.org to see which option works best for you.

If you’re taking PATCO into Philadelphia from New Jersey, riders can take the [L] Market-Frankford Line to travel to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Exit PATCO at 8th/Market Street Station. Take the escalator or stairs to the concourse level and exit PATCO’s fare gates. Follow the blue signs approximately one block through the concourse to the [L] Market-Frankford Line.

The following SEPTA Bus Routes will be detoured from their normal routes through the Center City area and Old City are beginning at 5 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, through approximately 5 p.m.:

  • 17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 44, 47, 48, 61, 124 and 125 

Detours will be posted, and specific route changes are available on the System Status Page at www.septa.org.

 

Regional Rail

Attendees utilizing Regional Rail Lines are strongly discouraged from carrying bags, backpacks, or satchels of any kind. All bags are subject to search, and therefore, the presence of bags could create delays in allowing attendees to enter the event. Attendees will not be permitted onto Regional Rail with cups or liquids of any kind.

 

Public Safety Information

Items NOT allowed along the route of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade include:

  • Weapons and contraband of any kind
  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Illegal or illicit substances of any kind
  • Alcohol beverages (Open Container Law will be strictly enforced)
  • Skateboards, motorized vehicles, or scooters (excluding motorized wheelchairs or similar equipment)
  • Laser pointers
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & drones of any kind

Attendees should never leave bags or other items unattended. In the event of an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity, or item (backpack, package, container, etc.), notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.

In addition, the public should expect congestion in the area. If you are attending the event, make a plan regarding driving, public transit, parking, and supervision of children. It is recommended that attendees wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire.

For tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide before you attend.

For more information about the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day parade, visit: www.phillyparade.com. 

 

Event Alerts

Sign up for free text alerts from the City to get weather, transit, event details, and public safety updates. Text ReadyPhila (one word, no space) to 888-777.

 

Additional Information for Media

General media inquiries about the St. Patrick’s Day Parade should be directed to Karen Boyce-McCollum at: kboycemccollum@yahoo.com.