Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade: What To Know

Break out green shirts and tweed flat caps, because the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade is returning to Morristown this weekend.

On Saturday, starting at noon, the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off. With sunny skies and temperatures in the 50s expected, it should be a good day to march.

The Morris County St. Patrick's Day Parade has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to a Revolutionary War celebration in Jockey Hollow, Morristown. General George Washington recognized his Irish militiamen on March 17, 1780, granting them the day off for the first St. Patrick's Day celebration in the United States.

The modern Morris County St. Patrick's Day Parade, as we know it today, began on March 17, 1979, in Wharton. After gaining size in both marchers and crowds, it was moved to Morristown in 1991.

Nowadays, the parade attracts roughly 60,000 spectators and features 110 groups of marchers.

Leading the 2026 parade will be Roxbury’s Grand Marshal Michael G. Bannon. Bannon has been contributing to the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade since it was moved to Morristown. He’s a member and former president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County and the Irish-American Association of Northwest Jersey.

“I’m honored and somewhat overwhelmed by the response from friends and family for the selection,” Bannon said in a statement.

Cutting the green ribbon to kick off the parade is 2026 Parade Starter Peter Ecklund, of Hopatcong. Ecklund served a variety of roles for the parade between 2006 and 2020, including six years as trustee, eight as treasurer, and three as chair of the Grand Marshal Selection Committee.

“Pete’s dedication to the parade — and particularly his contributions as treasurer — made him an obvious choice to be the Starter,” said Artie Flinn, president of the parade’s Board of Trustees. “His expert bookkeeping and financial controls played a crucial part in the parade’s success for many years.”

With more than 100 groups, including dancers, bands, local nonprofits, and more expected to walk in the parade this weekend, the 2026 Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be one to remember.

Route and Parking

The parade steps off at Morristown Town Hall, heads down South Street through the center of town around the Morristown Green, and continues along Washington Street to end at Morristown High School.

Morristown police will begin closing necessary roadways at 10:30 a.m., an hour and a half before the parade begins.

There will be temporary parking garage access at the following locations:

• Ann-Bank Garage - Bank Street: Temporary garage access from 202 North (Mt. Kemble Avenue). Those heading north on Mt. Kemble will be able to make a left into the garage.

• Dalton Garage - Cattano Ave.: The right-hand turn from Prospect Street onto Cattano Ave. will be for Dalton Garage access only. Expect signage and barricades.

• DeHart Street Garage - Maple & DeHart streets: Drivers on Maple Ave. toward Market Street can continue through the road closure on DeHart and make the right turn into the DeHart Garage.

Read More:

• Morristown Pub To Host St. Patrick's Weekend Festivities

• St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In New Jersey