St. Patrick's Day Parade Kicks Off on Saturday

NEWPORT, RI—The St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off at 11 a.m. But because the marchers will begin staging on Lower Broadway around 9 a.m., police are advising visitors to avoid Broadway and to expect traffic congestion from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Parade Route

Parade Begins: Lower Broadway
Washington Square
Thames Street southbound
to America’s Cup southbound
Thames Street at Memorial Boulevard
Carroll Ave
Parade Ends at St. Augustin’s Church

If You're Coming into Newport

According to Sgt. Jason S. Kleinknecht, the two best routes into the city with available public parking are:

1. westbound on Memorial Blvd, right onto Bellevue Ave. (northbound), left on Church St. and right into the Waterfront Parking lot (situated between Church and Mary St.); and

2. Farewell St. South to America’s CupAve., and right into the Gateway parking garage.

Police will set up detours as follows:

Traffic Detours

Southbound Broadway diverted onto Marcus Wheatland Blvd southbound at Equality Park.

Spring Street northbound diverted away from Broadway and up Bull Street to Kay Street.

Westbound Memorial Blvd West diverted northbound on Thames Street at the Post Office.

Northbound Thames Street diverted away from America’s Cup up Mill Street to Spring Street.

Here are some other things to remember:

No Parking Zones

All vehicles parked in restricted areas will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. There's no parking along the parade route from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. and in these areas:

Broadway from Cranston/Equality Park West to Washington Square;
Equality Park Place and Equality Park West;
Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Boulevard (West side);
Bull Street at Spring Street;
Spring Street at Bull Street;
Washington Square from Broadway to Thames Street;
Thames Street from America’s Cup Avenue to Morton Avenue;
Carroll Avenue from Morton Avenue to Harrison Avenue;
Both sides of America’s Cup Avenue at the Gateway Center
Narragansett Avenue between Spring Street and Bellevue Avenue.

No Public Drinking

During this year’s parade the Newport Police Department will be strictly enforcing City Ordinances (open containers of alcohol in public, noise violations, disorderly conduct, and underage drinking) along the parade route and the surrounding areas. The Police Department will have a strong presence to make this a fun, safe and family friendly event.