South Boston St. Patrick's Day/Evacuation Day Parade 2026

The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day / Evacuation Day Parade is one of the most storied traditions in New England, uniquely celebrating both Irish heritage and the 1776 departure of British troops from Boston.

In 2026, the parade will take place on Sunday, March 15th, following a traditional route through the heart of "Southie."

☘️ 2026 South Boston Parade:

🕒 Event Schedule & Key Dates

• Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026.
• Step-off Time: 11:30 AM.
• St. Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race: 9:30 AM (starts at the South Boston Boys & Girls Club).
• Traditional Breakfast: The annual St. Patrick's Day Breakfast hosted by Senator Nick Collins typically begins early Sunday morning at the Ironworkers Local 7 Hall.

📍 The 2026 Route (Traditional)

The parade covers approximately 3.5 miles, starting at the Broadway MBTA Station and ending at Andrew Square.

1. Start: Broadway Station (West Broadway).
2. Follows West Broadway to East Broadway.
3. Turns right onto P Street, then right onto East 4th Street.
4. Turns left onto K Street, then right onto East 6th Street.
5. Proceeds to G Street (by South Boston High School and Thomas Park/Dorchester Heights).
6. Finishes at Andrew Square (Dorchester Avenue).

🎖️ 2026 Leadership

• Chief Marshal: Colonel Tim Murphy has been officially named the Chief Marshal for 2026. A South Boston native and West Point graduate, Col. Murphy currently serves as the Chief of Staff for the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
• Chief Marshal Banquet: Scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026.

🚉 Transportation & Parking (Crucial Info)

Driving to South Boston on parade day is not recommended due to extreme congestion and strict parking enforcement.

• MBTA (The "T"): Use the Red Line. Note that Broadway and Andrew Stations may occasionally close or bypass trains if platforms become over-crowded.
• Shuttle Service: The MBTA typically provides a free shuttle from South Station to City Point (East 1st Street) from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Parking Bans: Towing begins as early as 3:00 AM on Sunday. Residents with permits can often use the Marine Park Garage at 12 Drydock Ave for a reduced rate from Saturday night through Sunday evening.

🎒 Spectator Pro-Tips

• Arrival Time: To secure a spot on the "front line" of West Broadway, plan to arrive by 10:00 AM.
• Viewing Strategy: The area near Broadway Station is the most crowded. For a more relaxed experience, head toward Thomas Park or East 6th Street.
• Strict Enforcement: The Boston Police Department maintains a zero-tolerance policy for public drinking and open containers. All package stores in South Boston are required to close early (usually by 4:00 PM).

Did you know? The parade is officially known as the "St. Patrick's Day / Evacuation Day Parade" because March 17th marks the day George Washington's troops successfully forced the British to evacuate Boston in 1776.

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