Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade 2025

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at one of the largest St. Patrick's Day Parades in the United States.

With approximately 1/5th of the Pittsburgh metropolitan community claiming Irish heritage it is no wonder the Steel City boasts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country. Irish step dancers marching bands military members community organizations and even Punxsutawney Phil are just a few of the participants who march down Grant Street every year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. Rain hail or even blizzard conditions cannot stop us from celebrating our Irish pride especially when “everyone is Irish for the day”. 

What began more than 150 years ago as a way to honor the patron saint of Ireland has evolved into a city-wide celebration of the pride that comes from being Irish. We welcome you to join us first for mass at Old St. Patrick’s in the Strip and then along the parade route. Wear your green (or black and gold) and help us celebrate!

This year's St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 15 2025 beginning at 10 a.m. in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Parade Route:

The St. Patrick's Parade begins at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Streets then continues on to Grant Street where it turns right onto the Boulevard of the Allies. From there the parade proceeds to the Reviewing Stand at Stanwix Street. It will then be disbursed at Commonwealth Place.

Parade Rules:

The parade happens rain or shine so be prepared and dress appropriately. Open containers are not allowed on the parade route and officers will be out and about so plan your celebrations for before and after the parade.

How to get there:

Downtown Parking Options: Street parking will be heavily restricted. Visit the Parking Authority website for a list of downtown lots and garages and their rates.

Public Transit: Check the Pittsburgh Regional Transit schedules for bus and T service. More than 40 bus routes serving Downtown and the Strip District will have detours and/or temporary stop changes on the morning of the parade.

Street Closures: Pittsburgh police will announce a list of downtown street closures in the days leading up to the parade. Make sure to check them before you head out!

FAQs:

1) When is the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade?

The Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day unless St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday in which case the parade is on St. Patrick’s Day. It begins at 10 a.m. and takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete. This year the 2024 Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for March 15, 2025.

2) Who can participate in the parade?

The Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade is always looking for more groups to join! Marching bands talent groups specialty acts personalities and Irish groups among others are encouraged to participate.

3) What happens on parade day?

Parade Day involves more than just watching the groups march by on Grant! Join as they start the day off the way St. Patrick would – with Catholic mass at Old St. Patrick’s in the Strip. Head over to Market Square for family-friendly activities during and after the parade.

4) Who is the Grand Marshal?

The Grand Marshal of the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a dedicated member of the Pittsburgh Irish community selected by the parade committee to lead the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

5) Who is Miss Smiling Irish Eyes?

The title of Miss Smiling Irish Eyes goes to a young woman between the ages of 17 and 22 who is of Irish descent and an active member of the Pittsburgh Irish community.

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