Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the United States, second only to celebrations in cities like New York and Chicago. Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors join locals downtown for a full day of Irish heritage, marching bands, traditional dancers, elaborate floats, and a sea of green stretching across the Historic District. For many in Savannah, the parade is the biggest event of the year, and longtime attendees often claim their viewing spots along the route hours in advance.
The 2026 Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on Tuesday, March 17, beginning at 10:15 a.m. The parade starts at the intersection of Gwinnett Street and Abercorn Street, immediately following the traditional Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. From there, the parade makes its way north through downtown before eventually finishing along Bay Street. The event typically lasts around four hours and features a long lineup of marching bands, Irish organizations, military groups, and community participants.
If you’re planning to attend, arriving early is key. Road closures begin as early as 6 a.m. on parade morning, and large portions of downtown quickly become difficult to navigate by car. Bay Street will close at 9 a.m., with the full parade route shutting down by about 9:45 a.m. By that point, thousands of people will already be lining the streets. Some dedicated attendees even set up the night before in order to secure a prime viewing location once the squares reopen to the public early that morning.
Unlike some years where the weather can feel more like summer, this year’s parade is expected to be on the cooler side. Forecasts are calling for a high of around 52 degrees with morning temperatures dipping to around 39 or 40 degrees. That means the usual Savannah concerns about heat and gnats likely won’t be an issue, but it’s still a good idea to bring a jacket or hoodie, especially if you plan to arrive early and spend several hours outside waiting for the parade to begin.
Preparation can make a big difference in how enjoyable the day is. Many locals bring folding chairs, blankets, snacks, and water so they can comfortably settle in along the route. Comfortable walking shoes are also a good idea since much of the day often involves moving through crowded streets and walking several blocks. Bleacher seating is also available at several locations along the parade route for those who want a guaranteed seat, including areas near Colonial Park Cemetery, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and along Bay Street.
Parking downtown can be challenging, but several options will be available. All city parking garages will open to the public early on parade morning with a flat rate of $25. Garages include Bryan Street, Liberty Street, Robinson, Whitaker Street, State Street, and the Civic Center lot, along with the Visitor Center lot on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. One important detail to keep in mind is that some garages may not allow vehicles to exit until after the parade ends, so drivers should plan accordingly before parking.
For those who would rather avoid driving directly into the Historic District, there are also several shuttle services operating throughout the day. Shuttle routes will run from locations such as Richmond Hill, Pooler, Berwick, Tybee Island, and Tanger Outlets, bringing visitors closer to downtown and helping reduce congestion around the parade route.
As large as the celebration is, city officials emphasize that keeping the event safe and enjoyable for everyone is a shared responsibility. Glass containers and styrofoam are not allowed in the squares, and attendees are encouraged to use trash and recycling bins throughout the area. Visitors should also respect the parade route fencing, avoid climbing monuments, and keep celebrations family friendly. Savannah police also remind attendees to plan transportation ahead of time, expect to walk, and remain aware of road closures and parking restrictions throughout the day.
For many people, Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is more than just a single event, it’s a tradition that has been part of the city’s culture for generations. With its mix of Irish heritage, community pride, and one of the most energetic crowds you’ll find anywhere in the country, the celebration continues to draw visitors from across the United States and around the world. Whether you’re attending for the first time or have been going for years, a little planning ahead of time can help ensure you make the most of one of Savannah’s most iconic days.
