What to Expect at the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Everything you need to know if you are participating in or watching the parade 

PARTICIPANTS

If you are participating in the parade as a marcher, you must abide by a clear set of rules and regulations…read all of the guidelines from the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day parade website here.

There are 13 points outlined on the website, I will review a few here.  

1. If you will be marching with flags, you must have the American flag on the right and flag of Ireland on the left, or no flag at all
2. No animals or mascots marching with the group (service dogs are allowed, pets are not)
3. No eating, drinking, or smoking after joining the line of march
4. No children’s pull or push wagons (strollers are okay)
5. No “green hats, sneakers, or other ‘odd ball dress’” 
6. No shirts with advertising 

Be aware that business dress is required and they have strict rules for what can and cannot be worn while in the line of march.

SPECTATORS

There are no real rules or regulations for the spectators along 5th Avenue but there is information that would be good for you to know prior to the day of.

Parade starts at 11AM and ends at approximately 4:30PM.  

Route: Along 5th Avenue starting at East 44th Street and ending at East 79th Street.

If you want to be as close to 5th Avenue as possible, it is encouraged that you get there as early as you can.  Be advised that the parade has never been canceled due to inclement weather so the parade will move forward regardless of the weather.  

Expect anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 spectators and over 200 groups marching.