Philadelphia is going green this weekend as the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to Center City.
The beloved tradition steps off Sunday, March 15, at 11:15 a.m., drawing thousands of spectators to the streets for a celebration of Irish heritage, culture and community.
Organized by the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association, the parade is one of the city’s longest-running traditions. Philadelphia held its first documented St. Patrick’s Day celebration parade in 1771 — a legacy that now spans more than 250 years.
This year’s event highlights 250 years of Irish contributions to America, honoring the impact Irish Americans have had on the nation’s culture, history and civic life.
The procession will begin at 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, travel east along Market Street through the historic Independence Mall area and conclude at Front Street. The main performance area and grandstands will be located at 5th and Market streets. The parade will take place rain or shine
For those watching from home, the parade will be broadcast live from noon to 3 p.m. on CBS News Philadelphia and Philly 57, with an encore airing March 17 from 9 a.m. to noon on CBS Philadelphia.
For those planning to join the celebrations in person, here is everything you need to know before you go.
Parade participants will assemble beginning at 9 a.m. along John F. Kennedy Boulevard between 20th and 16th streets. All participants will enter at Schuylkill Avenue and John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
The parade will begin at 11:15 a.m. at 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard and continue east on Market Street toward Penn’s Landing. The parade is scheduled to conclude around 3 p.m.
Officials said numerous streets surrounding the route will be closed during the parade, and temporary “No Parking” restrictions will be in effect Sunday. Vehicles parked in posted areas during restricted hours will be relocated. (If you believe your car has been relocated, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.)
Officials encourage attendees to use public transportation to the parade on Sunday.
Riders can take the SEPTA Broad Street Line or the Market-Frankford Line and exit at City Hall or nearby stations.
Those traveling from New Jersey on PATCO Speedline can exit at 8th and Market streets and transfer to the Market-Frankford Line.
Several SEPTA bus routes — including 17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 44, 47, 48, 61, 124 and 125 — will be detoured beginning at 5 a.m. Sunday through approximately 5 p.m.
City officials said several items are prohibited along the parade route, including weapons, fireworks, illegal substances, alcohol, laser pointers, drones and motorized scooters or vehicles not used for mobility assistance.
Attendees are urged not to leave bags unattended and to immediately notify police or call 911 if they see suspicious activity or items.
City officials also encouraged visitors to plan ahead for transportation, parking and supervising children due to expected crowding in the area.
More information about the parade is available at phillyparade.com. Residents can also sign up for emergency alerts by texting “ReadyPhila” to 888-777.
