Seasonal & Holidays
Hartford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade To Feature Hall-Of-Fame Grand Marshals
The 54th annual edition of this Connecticut tradition steps off at 11 a.m. from the State Capitol.
HARTFORD, Conn. — With St. Patrick's Day coming in March, who better to be the grand marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hartford than a hall-of-fame college basketball coach?
And he's Irish to boot.
The 54th annual Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, beginning near the State Capitol and traveling through downtown to the Memorial Arch.
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This year’s grand marshals are University of Connecticut basketball coaching legend Jim Calhoun and his wife, Pat Calhoun.
Organizers with the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee said the parade marks the 54th year of one of Connecticut’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, featuring marching bands, Irish dancers, and decorated floats.
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The parade will be broadcast live on WTNH News 8 and streamed on the station’s website.
Event details
- Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. step-off
- Route: From the Connecticut State Capitol to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in downtown Hartford
Organizers said the parade will take place rain or shine, though it could be rescheduled if public safety concerns arise.
Additional activities tied to the celebration include a “Spectacular Spectators” contest and a raffle offering trips to Ireland.
Transportation and logistics
With road closures and limited downtown parking expected, organizers recommend using public transit. Options include buses operated by CTtransit, the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system, or the Hartford Line commuter rail.
Local bars are expected to be open during parade day festivities, though hours and events vary by location.
The committee thanked parade sponsors, city partners, volunteers, and participants who help organize the event each year.
Organizers say volunteers work year-round to coordinate the celebration, which draws large crowds to downtown Hartford annually.
For more information on the 2026 Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade, click on this link.
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