First held on March 17, 1869, the annual Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade is the largest parade on Pittsburgh's crowded parade calendar, with over 23,000 participants and an audience of as much as 250,000. According to parade officials, the St. Patrick's Day parade in Pittsburgh is actually the second largest in the country, following New York. Even the blizzard of 1993 didn't stop the parade, although the blinding snow made it hard for the attendees to actually see anything.
The Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off an entire week of Irish-heritage events in and around Pittsburgh, featuring artists, musicians and community groups. Join in celebrating the heritage of the nearly 15% of Pittsburgh residents with Irish roots.
When:
March 17, 2012
Held each year on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. In years when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday, then the parade is held on St. Patrick's Day. The parade begins downtown at 10am.
Held each year on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. In years when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday, then the parade is held on St. Patrick's Day. The parade begins downtown at 10am.
St. Patrick's Day Parade Route:
The Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day parade forms at the bus station at Liberty Avenue and 11th, before proceeding down Grant St. to the Boulevard of the Allies and turns right onto the Blvd. of the Allies, past the Reviewing Stand in front of the Diocese of Pittsburgh building at the Blvd. and Stanwix Street, and ends at Commonwealth Place.
St. Patrick's Day Parade Participants:
The Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade features over 200 marching units, including bands, floats, emergency service agencies, and many groups from Pittsburgh's Irish and other ethnic communities. The parade culminates with special appearances by Pittsburgh's Miss Irish Smiling Eyes 2012 and St. Patrick himself. Vice President Joe Biden also plans an appearance at the 2012 Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade.
St. Patrick's Day Parade - Drinking and Partying:
Expect Pittsburgh police to be out in force to keep the boisterous St. Patrick's Day parade family-friendly. There is no alcohol allowed for bystanders along the parade route; open container laws will be enforced. The Market Square post-parade party is back for 2012, but again expect it to be alcohol-free outdoors. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by an adult celebration from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with live music. Market Square restaurants will be open with beer and food specials.
