The annual Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns Sunday, March 15, bringing thousands of spectators to Center City for one of the city’s most beloved traditions. The parade beings at 11:15 a.m. and will fill the streets with marching bands, Irish dancers, and cultural organizations celebrating Irish heritage.
Philadelphia’s celebration dates all the way back to 1771, meaning the city has hosted more than 250 years of St. Patrick Day parades. This year’s event also honor 250 years of Irish contributions to America, highlighting the culture, legacy, and impact of the Irish community.
What is the parade route? 🍻
The parade will start at 16th and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, looping around the northeast side of City Hall before continuing east along Market Street. The route will finish between 5th and 6th streets, where the main performance area and judging stand will be located.
The parade will also be broadcast live on Philly 57 from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. You can watch it again on Tuesday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to noon on CBS3.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – major road closures 🍀
If you’re driving through Center City on parade day, expect several street closures and traffic delays
5:30 a.m. street closures
- 🚧 Market Street between 5th Street and 6th Street
Streets closing around 9 a.m.
- 🚧 John F. Kennedy Boulevard between 20th Street and 15th Street
- 🚧 20th Street between Market and Arch Streets
- 🚧 19th Street between Market and Arch Streets
- 🚧 18th Street between Market and Arch Streets
- 🚧 17th Street between Market and Arch Streets
- 🚧 16th Street between Market and Arch Streets
- 🚧 15th Street between Market and Arch Streets
Streets closing around 10:30 a.m.
- 🚧 John F. Kennedy Boulevard between 15th Street and Juniper Street
- 🚧 Juniper Street between JFK Boulevard and Market Street
- 🚧 Market Street between Juniper Street and 2nd Street
- 🚧 All cross streets between 13th Street and 5th Street from Chestnut to Arch Streets
Important to note, most closures are expected to remain in place until around 3:30 – 4 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Temporary parking restrictions 🅿️
Drivers should also watch for temporary no-parking zones
🚫 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- 1400–2000 block of John F. Kennedy Boulevard
🚫 5 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- 5th Street between Chestnut and Market
- 6th Street between Chestnut and Race
- Race Street between 5th and 6th
- Market Street between Juniper and 2nd
Vehicles parked in posted areas during those hours may be relocated.
Public transit is the best way to get there 🚍
Officials strongly encourage using public transportation to attend the parade.
Visitors can easily reach the route via SEPTA by taking:
- 🚇 the Market–Frankford Line
- 🚇 the Broad Street Line
- 🚋 any SEPTA trolley to City Hall
Coming from New Jersey? Riders using PATCO Speedline can exist at 8th & Market and transfer to the Market-Frankford Line.
Lastly, several bus routes — 12, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 44, 47, 48, 61, 124 and 125 — will run on detours throughout the day.
Is there anything else I should know before I go to the St. Patrick’s Day parade? 🇮🇪
Yes. For safety, the city prohibits several items along the parade route:
- ❌ Alcohol and open containers
- ❌ Fireworks or explosives
- ❌ Drones
- ❌ Weapons or illegal substances
- ❌ Skateboards, scooters, or motorized vehicles
Attendees should expect large crowds and heavy congestion, so panning ahead for transit, parking, and meeting points is highly recommended.
Rain or shine, Philadelphia’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day celebration is ready to bring Irish pride, music, and festive energy back to the streets once again. 🍀
