Welcome to Pittsburgh! What do you want to do first? Not sure yet? Well what about plans for tomorrow?
…Well you still have time to decide… Where are you staying? You haven't booked a hotel yet?!?!
Pittsburgh is a passionate city. We take everything to the extreme — sports, food, and especially holiday celebrations.
PLEASE NOTE, THE 2021 PITTSBURGH ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER. READ ON FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE 2021 PARADE.
The timing of Pittsburgh's 2021 St. Patrick's Day celebration is going to look and feel a bit different. This year's parade will take place on Saturday, Sept. 18 in downtown Pittsburgh. Even though it's not March, get ready to pull out your green and celebrate Ireland's patron saint in the 'Burgh!
According to Travel + Leisure and Niche, "St. Patrick’s Day is best celebrated in Pittsburgh given that 14% of the population is Irish." In fact, WalletHub ranked Pittsburgh among the Best Places to Go for St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you're Irish or not, you'll want to join in the fun!
The 2021 St. Patrick's Parade
Date: Sept. 18, 2021
Time: Begins at 10 am
Location: Downtown
Description: One of the largest St. Patrick's Day Parades in the USA. 20,000 participants expected. 200 marching units including many marching bands. Floats and many other groups representing several Irish heritage and other ethnic heritage organizations. Participants will include the winner of the Miss Smiling Irish Eyes competition.
Photo Credit: KDKA
The Parade
Did you know that Pittsburgh hosts one of the largest St. Patrick's Day Parades in the United States? Well, we do! Like I said - we're passionate. Pittsburghers line up hours before the start of the parade to get a piece of the action. The parade features 200+ groups!
The St. Patrick's Parade begins at 10 am on Sept. 18 and will begin in the Strip District and run through Downtown Pittsburgh. The parade happens rain or shine, so be prepared and dress appropriately. Open containers are not allowed on the parade route and officers will be out and about, so plan your celebrations for before and after the parade.
The parade will proceed from the intersection of Liberty and 11th Streets to Grant Street to the Boulevard of the Allies, where it will turn right and continue onto the Boulevard of the Allies to the Reviewing Stand at Stanwix Street. It will then disburse at Commonwealth Place.
Transportation Logistics
Downtown Parking Options: Street parking will be heavily restricted. Visit the Parking Authority website for a list of downtown lots and garages and their rates.
Public Transit:Check the Port Authority schedules for bus and T service. More than 40 bus routes serving Downtown and the Strip District will have detours and/or temporary stop changes on the morning of the parade.
Street Closures: Pittsburgh police will announce a list of downtown street closures in the days leading up to the parade. Make sure to check them before you head out!
Fun Facts About the St. Patrick's Day Parade
The parade route is 1.4 miles from start to end
The parade typically attracts from 200,000-350,000 spectators
There will be more than 200 marching units, bands, and floats
The Pittsburgh parade is one of the largest parades in the nation
Western Pennsylvanians who claim Irish-American heritage are one of the largest segments of the population
