How to Get the Most Out of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

What You Can See at Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade is simply impressive. There really is no other way to describe it. It won't take long after the parade starts for you to really understand why this is one of the largest holiday parades in the country.

The parade typically begins at 10 am, independent of weather. The staging area tends to be along Liberty Avenue through the Strip District, and the parade officially begins at the Greyhound Bus Station (Liberty and 11th) before heading down Grant Street and turning right onto the Boulevard of the Allies to end at Commonwealth Place. A small stage is often set up around the corner at Grant and Boulevard of the Allies as well.

All groups with Irish history (and many others we would argue are just showing up for the fun of it) join in the parade. In 2024, for example, there were 170 official participating organizations in the parade ranging from the City of Pittsburgh Motorcylce Division and EMS, to the Allegheny County Police Department, the mayor, the Irish Setters club, the Pittsburgh Penguins with IceBurgh decked out in Irish gear, many local unions, Miss Smiling Irish Eyes and Her Court, the Bell School of Irish Dance, ScareHouse, and so much more.

Some of the participating entities are full-on Irish in every respect- with dress, music, and decor that celebrate all things Irish culture. Others are just Irish for the day and join in on the fun because the parade is an inclusive place for all.

Does it make sense for a brewery or the zoo to be in the St. Patrick's Day Parade? Not really. But it is still a ton of fun to see the long parade all the same- and it is long. The parade is estimated to take 3 1/2 hours in total, and this presents a chance to hang out downtown to see the parade in one spot, walk around to catch it from different vantage points, or, if you're like us, do a bit of everything (you can even leave, go get a snack at a business that is open, and come back for more later- it really is long).

How Are The Crowds?

Naturally, in being one of the largest St. Patrick's Day Parades in the country, calling this one popular is an understatement. The entire parade route is regularly lined with people, often many people deep, everywhere you look.

As such, if snagging a good spot is important to you, we'd recommend getting in sufficiently early as once the parade starts, open spacing fills up fast. Personally, we started towards the beginning area of the parade to catch it all right at the start, as the slow progression does take quite a while to make it across the city to the finish. Still, if you get in late and spots are full, simply walk further and further down until you get a vantage point you like.

Likewise, it is important to note that downtown parking garages fill up quickly due to the crowds as well. If you are able, parking further away and walking in may be recommended over trying to get to a garage close to the parade route- it'll just be a bit chaotic before, during, and after the parade. (If you're planning on partying after, consider Ubering, too!)

What Are You Doing After the Parade?

While you normally expect St. Patrick's Day to get a little rowdy, we have to admit that during the parade everyone was pretty relaxed and respectful. The drinking and partying that often comes with this holiday, while present at times, typically comes later when the parade ends. So if you want to avoid that, make a quick exit from downtown.

But if you are looking to keep the party going, there will be no shortage of bars, restaurants, and more offering specials for the event, and it is truly one of the busiesst days downtown Pittsburgh sees every year outside of Light Up Night, First Night, and the like. So be sure to check your favorite bar or restaurant to see if they're opening early and/or having any specials to take advantage of after the parade!

So whether you're looking to head downtown to check out the parade or make a day of it, there really is a lot to enjoy during Pittsburgh's St. Patrick Day celebrations!

To learn more about this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade, schedule, participants, and more, click here.