New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Sunday: What You Need To Know Now

NEW HAVEN, CT — The good news is that if the forecast holds (breezy and partly cloudy, or partly sunny depending on your point of view), and with a little Irish luck, this parade won't be rained on.

Fingers-crossed.

The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade is the largest, single-day spectator event in the state. And is the sixth-oldest parade in the nation, as recognized by the Library of Congress. It kicks off Sunday in the city at 1:30 p.m. Click here an interactive program including the full Parade lineup.

Here's what you need to know, per the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee:

• When is the Parade? – Sunday, March 10, 2024. Step-off is 1:30 PM.
• Where do I park? Click here for all parking info.
• Where does the Parade start? – Chapel Street at Sherman Avenue.
• What is the Parade Route? – The Parade begins on Chapel Street at Sherman Avenue and continues on Chapel Street toward the Green. The route turns left onto Church Street, down to Elm Street, and disburses by Orange Street
• How long is the Parade? – Approximately 3 hours and 1.3 miles
• What streets are closed? – The above-named parade route, as well as the Muster area (one block either side of Chapel Street between Sherman Avenue and Norton Street, and Chapel back to Ella T. Grasso Blvd.) will be closed to non-parade traffic prior to and during the parade.
• What time do the streets close? – Most are closed at 11:00 AM. Church Street from Chapel to Grove St. is generally closed by 6:00 AM.
• What time do the streets re-open? – Generally, right after the parade passes each street becomes open
• Where is the best place to see the parade? – Anywhere along the Parade route. New Haven offers many great locations!
• What if I can’t make it? – If you can’t be on the streets of New Haven, tune in live to WTNH News 8 for the live broadcast of the Parade at 2:00 PM.
• Who puts the Parade together? – An all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit organization called the Associated Irish Societies d.b.a the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. The committee members consist of local men and women who are members of one of the four Associated Irish Societies who volunteer their time and talents for this tradition. The four Irish Societies are the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Knights of St. Patrick, the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club/Irish American Community Center, and the West Haven Irish American Club.
• How much does it cost to attend the Parade? – Thanks to the volunteer efforts of the Parade Committee members working tirelessly all year round to raise the significant amount of funds necessary to present the parade, the spectators are not required to pay an entry fee for this wonderful, community, family-friendly event.
• Is it safe to bring my family? – Of course! Parade day is a family-friendly event where a number of us on the Parade Committee have made wonderful memories. There is a special area designated for our families at the Family Fun Zone (See below)
• Is alcohol allowed at the parade? – No. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed or carried along the parade route, or in the staging/assembly area, by spectators or participants in the parade. The City of New Haven Police Department will enforce penalties for disorderly conduct and alcohol violations.

Family Fun Zone

A family pre-parade celebration, the fun begins at noon and continues to 2 p.m. on Elm Street between Church and Temple streets, right in front of the New Haven Free Public Library. The Family Fun Zone is presented in partnership with the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Town Green District and their ambassadors, and those ambassadors will monitor the FFZ area. Free family friendly entertainment is offered along with activities that will involve children of all ages as well as food trucks, family-friendly bathrooms with a changing table, tables and chairs, and a Stroller Viewing Zone at Church Street.