St. Patrick's Day Parade 2025 in New York

Every year on March 17, New York City transforms into a vibrant sea of green as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes over Fifth Avenue. The event celebrates Irish culture through traditional music, vibrant costumes, and a festive atmosphere. Recognized as the largest and oldest parade of its kind, this iconic event attracts participants and spectators from around the world.

What to Expect

Spectators can look forward to a vibrant parade featuring people adorned in green, proudly waving Irish flags, performing traditional Irish step dances, and representing various Irish organizations. Approximately 150,000 participants will march through Manhattan to honor Ireland's patron saint, creating a festive and spirited atmosphere that captivates onlookers.

Schedule

Whether you're Irish or not, you can certainly feel the Paddy spirit as thousands of bagpipers and other cheerful participants in traditional Irish attire march past to the sounds of lively folk music. The parade kicks off at 11 am and continues until approximately 4:30 pm. Additionally, on March 16, the day before the parade, there's another memorable event to attend—the Irish Flag Raising ceremony, held at noon in Bowling Green.

Parade route

St. Patrick’s Day Parade goes from 44th Street to 79th Street on 5th Avenue. Millions of spectators gather in Manhattan throughout the day to celebrate the Irish culture. So don't forget your green shirt and red beard, have a beer or a whiskey shot, and join the party!

Other St. Patrick's Day Events

While the parade is the centerpiece of the celebration, other events, like parties and bar crawls, complement the festivities.

New York St. Patrick's Day Run

The New York St. Patrick's Day Run will be held on Sunday, March 16, from 12 to 1 pm at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. This annual 5K event is part of a world record attempt. Runners will complete a social 5K lap around the perimeter of Central Park, followed by a post-run social at a nearby Irish-themed bar.

Location and Accessibility

The parade route runs through the heart of Manhattan along Fifth Avenue, making it easily accessible by public transportation. Subway lines such as the 4, 5, 6, and E have stops near the route, ensuring convenience for both locals and visitors. Parking, however, is limited, and attendees are encouraged to use public transit.

For those traveling from outside the city, accommodations near Midtown Manhattan provide the most convenient access. Additionally, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and the Museum of Modern Art to round out their day.

History

The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, first held on March 17, 1762, predates even the celebrations in Dublin! Historically, New York City has had a large Irish community, making it no surprise that one of the biggest Irish holidays is widely celebrated here.

In the 18th century, when wearing green, speaking Irish, and singing Irish songs was banned in Europe, a group of homesick Irish patriots and military members founded the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York. Since then, the parade has become a beloved tradition in New York.