Who doesn’t love a parade — especially a St. Patrick’s Day parade?
From shamrock headbands to festive tees, everyone’s making sure they’ve got a wee bit of green in time for America’s biggest celebration of Irish heritage on March 17th. (And yes, that pint of green beer counts!)
But what better way to enjoy the party mentality of the emerald isle than by attending one of the many St. Patrick’s Day parades held throughout the nation?
Largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades
So, where should you set your RV GPS for to get the best and biggest party? Here are the top five St. Patrick’s Day parades in America.
1. New York City, New York
New York City hosts one of the world’s largest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day parades, attracting over two million spectators. The parade traditionally takes place on March 17th, featuring over 150,000 marchers along Fifth Avenue. In 2025, the parade is expected to continue this tradition, with festivities commencing in the morning and proceeding throughout the day. Notably, the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade will, for the first time, include LGBTQ groups, with the inclusive parade scheduled for March 2, 2025.
Where to camp: Liberty Harbor RV Park or Camp Gateway: Staten Island
2. Chicago, Illinois
Well-known for turning its river green each year, Chicago is home to one of the rowdiest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world… thrown by some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, of course.
Chicago is renowned for its vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, particularly the dyeing of the Chicago River, which transforms into a vivid green. The main parade typically occurs on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. In 2025, since St. Patrick’s Day is on a Monday, the parade is expected to take place on Saturday, March 15th. The procession features colorful floats, bagpipers, and a display of Irish pride, making its way through downtown Chicago.
Where to camp: There are a number of campgrounds in nearby suburbs, or you can try wild camping in downtown like Gone with the Wynns!
3. Savannah, Georgia
Surprised to see this southern charmer this high on the list?
Savannah actually has one of the highest population of Irish-American denizens for a city of its size — 8% of its residents! It’s no surprise that every year they pull out the stops for St. Patty’s, with a huge parade and festival on the day itself and several smaller ones leading up to it starting in mid-February.
Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is among the largest in the United States. In 2025, the parade is scheduled for Monday, March 17th, starting at 10:15 AM from the intersection of Gwinnett and Abercorn Streets, immediately following the Celebration of Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The parade features over 350 marching units and up to 15,000 participants, winding through Savannah’s historic district and concluding at Madison Square around noon.
Where to camp: Red Gate Campground or Skidaway Island State Park
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Considering the greater Boston metro area is the home of the famous Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys, it’s no surprise the town puts on one heck of a show for the big March celebration. Plus, the band itself will be playing at the House of Blues, an annual Boston St. Patrick’s Day tradition.
Boston’s South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a historic event, dating back to 1737. In 2025, the parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 16th, beginning at 11:30 AM. The procession starts at the Broadway ‘T’ Station and continues through the streets of South Boston, featuring military divisions, bands, and cultural organizations.
Where to camp: Normandy Farms Campground or Wompatuck State Park
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
The big easy does way better than just one St. Patrick’s Day parade. It actually hosts several, as well as a variety of other events including two block parties and tons of live music. And don’t forget, it’s one of the only cities in America where open container laws allow you to legally imbibe while you wander through the party — just make sure you stay on foot!
New Orleans celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a series of parades and festivities, reflecting the city’s rich Irish heritage. The parades are known for their unique tradition of throwing ingredients for Irish stew, such as cabbages, carrots, and potatoes, to the crowd. Major parades include the Irish Channel Parade and the Downtown Irish Parade, with events typically spanning the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Specific dates for 2025 events are usually announced closer to the time, so it’s advisable to check local listings for the most up-to-date information.
Where to camp: The French Quarter RV Resort or Bayou Segnette State Park
Can’t get on the road this year? Be sure to check and see what’s going on in your local area. St. Patrick’s Day is the most widely celebrated national festival in the world, so chances are there’s some mischief to get into right at home. If you’re in Arizona, check out St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire! Enjoy!
Random St. Patrick’s Day Parade Facts
Want to know something funny? St. Patrick’s Day parades are actually an American tradition, not an Irish one. According to The Wearing of the Green: A History of St Patrick’s Day by Mike Cronin and Daryl Adair, the parades began in North America in the 18th century but didn’t spread to Ireland until the 1900s. Pretty wild, right?
When is the St. Patrick’s Day parade, you ask? Well, it depends on which one you’re attending. So without further ado, let’s get to the list!
Erin go Bragh!
