Get ready to don your green and celebrate, as the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade gears up to bring Irish cheer to the streets of Philadelphia. Set for Sunday, March 10th, the parade kicks off at 11:15 a.m. and will showcase a vibrant mix of marching bands, Irish dancers, and cultural groups. The procession starts at 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, winding its way through the Independence Mall area, and culminating at Penn's Landing, the City of Philadelphia announced.
The focal point of the festivities, the performance area and main grandstands, will be pitched at 5th and Market Streets. Broadcasting live, CW Philly 57 has the three-hour parade covered from noon until 3 p.m., which is also available for live streaming on CBS News Philadelphia. For those who miss the live event, encore broadcasts are slated for March 15 on CBS Philadelphia, both over the air and on the streaming platform. Parade enthusiasts can also catch a replay on St. Patrick's Day itself, starting at noon on Philly57 and the CBS Philadelphia stream.
Parade-goers should note that Daylight Saving Time starts on the same day, so remember to spring forward one hour. Traffic disruptions are a given with any major event, and this "rain or shine" affair is no exception; the city advises motorists to seek alternative routes around the festivities. Beginning at 5:30 a.m. on parade day, expect road closures, including Market Street between 6th and 5th streets, early enough to inconvenience even the earliest birds.
"Temporary No Parking" zones will be strictly enforced from early morning hours, with signs posted along various blocks like John F. Kennedy Boulevard and surrounding streets, according to the City of Philadelphia announcement. Motorists who disregard these warnings might find their vehicles relocated. If your car goes missing, the city recommends calling the police district where you were parked.
On the public transit front, expect detours affecting SEPTA Bus Routes beginning at 8:30 a.m. through approximately 5 p.m. Details on the rerouted lines can be found on SEPTA's System Status Page. Regional Rail attendees are urged to pack light to avoid bag searches and are reminded that no cups or liquids are permitted onboard.
The city's public safety info warns of several banned items along the parade route, from weapons to alcohol, emphasizing the importance of reporting any suspicious activities or items to the police or by calling 9-1-1. Additionally, parade attendees should plan their travel and child supervision strategies beforehand, and arm themselves with comfortable, weather-appropriate attire to enjoy the festivities hassle-free.
