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Every March 17, Fifth Avenue transforms into a sea of green as one of New York City’s most iconic traditions takes over Midtown! 🍀
The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is officially returning for its 265th year in 2026, bringing bagpipes, marching bands, and thousands of proud Irish New Yorkers to the streets for a celebration that dates all the way back to 1762.
That’s more than a decade before the Declaration of Independence was even signed.
While other cities might dye their rivers green or throw a weekend festival, New York keeps it classic.
The parade remains the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, drawing roughly 150,000 marchers and millions of spectators along Fifth Avenue each year.
If you’re planning to attend this year, here’s everything to know about the 2026 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
When is the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026?
The parade sticks to tradition and marches on the holiday itself.
The 2026 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place Tuesday, March 17.
Festivities begin at 11 am sharp and typically run for about five to six hours, wrapping up around 4:30 – 5 pm as the final marching groups reach the end of the route.
NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade route
The parade follows a classic straight shot up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, passing some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks along the way.
- Start: Fifth Avenue and 44th Street
- Key landmark: St. Patrick’s Cathedral (50th and 51st Streets)
- Finish: Fifth Avenue and 79th Street near the American Irish Historical Society
If you want the best view, plan to arrive early!
The area around St. Patrick’s Cathedral tends to be the most popular viewing spot and fills up quickly.
For a little more breathing room, head further uptown into the 60s or 70s, where crowds are usually slightly lighter.
Who is the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal?
Leading the parade this year is Robert J. McCann, the Board Chair of the Irish Arts Center and a longtime leader within the Irish American community.
McCann has spent decades strengthening cultural ties between the United States and Ireland, making him a fitting choice to lead one of the city’s most historic celebrations!
Behind him will be thousands of marchers including pipe bands, cultural organizations, local groups, and the legendary “Fighting 69th” Infantry Regiment, which traditionally kicks off the procession.
Will there be public bathrooms along the parade route?
No, there will be no portable bathrooms specific to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Be sure to bookmark this map of public bathrooms to have in case you need it.
How to watch the parade live
Can’t make it to Midtown in person? You can still catch the bagpipes without leaving your couch.
The parade will air live on NBC 4 New York starting at 11 am.
Viewers can also stream the parade through the NBC New York app, the official NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade website, or streaming platforms like Roku and Samsung TV Plus.
And if you’re planning to celebrate all day, don’t forget to check out our roundup of the best St. Patrick’s Day events and Irish pubs across NYC.