20th Annual Hampton Bays St. Patrick's Day Parade Kicks Off Saturday

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HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Irish eyes will be smiling as the beloved Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns on Saturday, March 21.

The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., bringing the community together once again for a festive celebration of Irish heritage and local pride.

The parade will step off near the Hampton Bays American Legion Post 924, located at 55 Ponquogue Avenue, and proceed west along Montauk Highway through the heart of Hampton Bays.

The parade will feature pipe bands, school marching bands, community organizations, local businesses, fire departments, and creative floats.

Leading this year’s celebration as Grand Marshal is Brendan O’Dwyer, a longtime community volunteer and native of County Limerick, Ireland, who is being honored for his contributions to the Hampton Bays community.

O’Dwyer has been actively involved with the parade committee and the local Irish community for many years.

Organizers say this year’s event will be "bigger and better than ever," continuing a tradition that has become a staple of the community each March.

This year’s parade also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade, first established in 2006 by members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Michael Collins Division 11, who envisioned a hometown celebration that would honor Irish heritage while bringing neighbors together, organizers said.

Since then, the event has grown into a cherished local tradition supported by volunteers, businesses, and community groups.

Last year’s parade featured nearly 100 floats and marching units, making it one of the largest in the event’s history and highlighting the strong community support behind the celebration, organizers said.

Adding to this year’s international spirit, the parade will welcome Katie Daughen, who will attend and march in the parade on behalf of the Consulate General of Ireland in New York. Her presence highlights the strong cultural connections between Ireland and Irish communities across the United States, organizers said.

The parade will also feature a special visiting group from Ireland, Ballinspittle Comhaltas, a traditional Irish music group from West Cork. Comhaltas — the Irish word for "association"— refers to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the international organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Irish music, song, dance, and culture.

Members of the Ballinspittle branch will travel from Ireland to perform during parade weekend, bringing authentic traditional Irish music to Hampton Bays and strengthening cultural ties between the local community and Ireland.

"Our committee is hard at work planning an unforgettable day that celebrates Irish heritage and the incredible spirit of our community," said the Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. "We invite everyone to mark their calendars and join us for this special tradition."

The committee is also encouraging community members to get involved and help make this year’s parade the best one yet. Community participation plays an important role in ensuring the event continues for future generations, organizers said.

"It’s a great family day out," said O’Dwyer. "Getting the spectators out there, getting all the kids out — that’s what makes it."

The parade is made possible, parade organizers said, through the generous support of local sponsors, businesses, and volunteers who help keep the community tradition alive, including Buchner Engineering, the 2026 Parade Champion Sponsor.

The committee also extends its gratitude to the organizations that help make the parade possible each year, including the Southampton Town Police Department, Southampton Town Highway Department, Southampton Town Parks and Recreation Department, the Southampton Town Board, and the Hampton Bays School District.

"The Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade remains a celebration of Irish heritage, local pride, and the enduring spirit of community," organizers said.

To learn more about the parade or to become a sponsor, click here.