St. Patrick’s Day is approaching and the city of Philadelphia is set to celebrate with its annual parade on Sunday, March 15.
The 2026 parade – which is celebrating its 255th year – will feature marching bands, Irish dancers and cultural organizations from across the Philadelphia region. This year’s parade will also commemorate 250 years of Irish contributions to America, honoring the community’s legacy, culture and achievements.
Parade route
The parade participants will enter at Schuylkill Avenue and JFK Boulevard and assemble from 20th Street to 16th Street along JFK Boulevard starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 15.
The procession will begin at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard at 11:15 am., continue eastbound on Market Street, proceed through Philadelphia’s Independence Mall area towards Penn’s Landing and end at Front Street around 3 p.m.. The main performances will take place at 5th and Market streets.
Road closures
The following streets will be closed on Sunday, March 15, between 5:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.:
Market Street between 6th Street and 5th Street
The following streets will be closed on Sunday, March 15, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.:
John F. Kennedy Boulevard between 20th Street and 15th Street
20th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
19th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
18th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
17th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
16th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
15th Street between Market Street and Arch Street
The following streets will be closed on Sunday, March 15, between 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
John F. Kennedy Boulevard between 15th Street and Juniper Street
Juniper Street between John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Market Street
Market Street between Juniper Street and 2nd Street
All cross streets on Market Street from 13th Street to 5th Street, between Chestnut Street and Arch Street
Parking restrictions
The following streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones on Sunday, March 15, between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.:
1400-2000 block of John F. Kennedy Boulevard
The following streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones on Sunday, March 15, between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m.:
5th Street between Chestnut Street and Market Street
6th Street between Chestnut Street and Race Street
Race Street between 5th Street and 6th Street
Market Street from Juniper Street to 2nd Street
Vehicles parked in any of those locations during the posted hours will be relocated. If you believe your vehicle was moved, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.
Public transportation
Those attending he parade are encouraged to get there by using public transportation. Attendees can get to Market Street by using any trolley or by exiting at the City Hall Station which is served by the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line. You can use SEPTA’s website to see which option works best for you.
For those taking PATCO into Philadelphia from New Jersey, riders can exit the PATCO station at the 8th and Market Street Station, take the escalator or stairs to the concourse level and exit PATCO’s fare gates, and follow the blue signs approximately one block through the concourse to the Market-Frankford Line.
SEPTA will also detour the following bus routes in Center City and Old City on Sunday, March 15, from 5 a.m. through 5 p.m.:
17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 44, 47, 48, 61, 124 and 125
Parade attendees using Regional Rail are urged to not carry bags, backpacks or satchels of any kind. All bags are subject to search and could create delays in allowing attendees to enter. Attendees are also not allowed onto Regional Rail with cups or liquids of any kind.
You can get more information on trip planning and detours on SEPTA’s website.
Prohibited items
Parade attendees or not allowed to take the following items:
Weapons and contraband of any kind
Fireworks or explosives
Illegal or illicit substances of any kind
Alcohol beverages (Open Container Law will be strictly enforced)
Skateboards, motorized vehicles, or scooters (excluding motorized wheelchairs or similar equipment)
Laser pointers
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & drones of any kind
If you’re attending the parade while carrying a bag or other items, never leave them unattended. In case of an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity or item, notify by police immediately or call 911. Never try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.
People attending the parade, who are traveling near it or who live in the area should expect congestion. Be sure to make a plan regarding driving, public transit, parking and supervising children if you’re attending the parade.