Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026: Time, Parade Route, Transit And Parking Info

PHILADELPHIA — Marching bands, Irish dancers and cultural organizations will take part in Philadelphia's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

The city's first-documented St. Patrick's Day Parade was in 1771, marking more than 250 years of celebration. So Sunday's festivities will commemorate 250 years of Irish contributions to the United States.

Here's what to know about the parade.

Schedule Of Events For Sunday, March 15

• 9 a.m. - Parade Mass: at St. Patrick's Church (20th and Locust streets)
• 11:15 a.m. - Parade begins: at 16th and JFK.
• 3 p.m. - Parade concludes: on Market Street, between 5th and 6th

Parade Route

The procession starts at 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. It will proceed eastbound on Market Street to Penn’s Landing.

The main performance area and grandstands will be located at 5th and Market.

Below is a map:

Here's a larger map with greater detail.

Parking Restrictions

Several streets will have "Temporary No Parking" signs:

• 1400-2000 block of JFK Boulevard (6 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• 5th Street between Chestnut Street and Market Street (5 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Race Street (5 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Race Street between 5th Street and 6th Street (5 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Market Street from Juniper Street to 2nd Street (5 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Vehicles parked in these locations will be relocated. If you believe your car has been moved, the city advises you to call the police district of the area where your car was parked.

Road Closures

Closed from 9 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m.:

• JFK 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

Closed from 10:30 a.m. (or earlier, depending on traffic) to about 3:30 p.m.:

• JFK Boulevard between 15th Street and Juniper Street
• Juniper Street between JFK 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

Public Transportation

Attendees are encouraged to use public transit. Here's what to know.

SEPTA

The parade takes place on Market Street, primarily in Center City. You can reach Market Street using any trolley (T) or by exiting at City Hall Station, served by both the Broad Street Line (B) and Market-Frankford Line (L).

The following SEPTA bus routes will be detoured from their normal routes through the Center City area and Old City from 5 a.m. to about 5 p.m.: 17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 44, 47, 48, 61, 124 and 125.

Detours will be posted, and detour information is subject to change.

Visit plan.septa.org to see what works best for you.

PATCO

If you're taking PATCO from South Jersey to Philadelphia, exit at 8th/Market Street Station. Then, take the escalator or stairs to the concourse level and exit PATCO's fare gates.

Follow the blue signs about a block through the concourse to the (L) Market-Frankford Line.

Regional Rail

Regional Rail travelers will be strongly discouraged from carrying bags, backpacks or satchels of any kind. All bags are subject to search, so bringing bags could create delays.

You won't be allowed onto the Regional Rail with cups or liquid of any kind.

Rules And Public Safety

Items prohibited along the parade route include:

• weapons and contraband of any kind
• fireworks or explosives
• illegal or illicit substances of any kind
• alcohol (the city says it's open-container law will be strictly enforced)
• skateboards, motorized vehicles or scooters (excluding motorized wheelchairs or similar equipment)
• laser pointers
• unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and drones of any kind

Don't leave bags or items unattended.

What Else To Know

Drivers should expect delays in the area.

The event is rain or shine, so attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.

CBS3 Philadelphia affiliate Philly 57 will broadcast the parade live from 12-3 p.m. The rebroadcast will run from 9 a.m. to noon March 17 on CBS3.

For free texts alerts from the city on weather, transit and event details, text ReadyPhila (one word, no space) to 888-777.

Visit the parade website for more info.