Your Guide To Worcester's 2023 St. Patrick's Day Parade

WORCESTER, MA — One of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in New England will return for its second post-pandemic year on Sunday.

The 41st Worcester County St. Patrick's Day Parade officially begins around noon, but will take over the center of the city for most of the day for events ranging from the Celtic 5K to the many events planned at nearby bars and restaurants.

The parade will step off near the corner of Mill Street and Park Avenue, heading north past throngs of green-and-orange revelers. Here's everything you need to know about the parade, whether you're attending, want to watch from home, or avoid traffic issues.

Parking

You're on your own to find parking for the parade. A good strategy might be to park far from the route and either walk or take a WRTA bus (all buses are free) closer to Park Avenue. Keep in mind you might be parade fighting traffic on your way home.

The parade committee recommends trying the Doherty High School parking lot along Highland Street, which is at the north end of the parade route.

Parade Route

The parade begins near Mill Street and Park Avenue, just east of Coes Reservoir. The parade will then head north up Park Avenue and end near Highland Street at Elm Park. The event officially starts at noon, but the actual parade may not begin until after that.

Weather

Sunny all day with pleasant temperatures: a high of 45 midday, just in time for the peak of celebrations, according to the National Weather Service.

Detours

If you're driving in Worcester on Sunday — whether to the parade or just to get around — police are asking drivers to use Mill Street to go southbound and Main Street to go northbound. Both streets are approximately east (Main) and west (Mill) of Park Avenue. The entire parade route will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, according to police.

"There will be intermittent traffic flow east to west across Park Avenue when possible (Pleasant Street, Chandler Street, etc.). However, it is highly recommended that motorists seek alternative routes during the parade," Worcester police advised.

To cross the parade route, your best bet on the south end will likely be through Webster Square via Main Street and Airport Drive. Salisbury Street on the north end of the route will also get you across. I-290 could also be a good north-south corridor in a pinch.

Grand Marshal

Friendly House Executive Director Gordon Hargrove will be this year's parade leader. The 2022 grand marshals were former city manager Ed Augustus Jr. and Worcester Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh.

Parade Lineup

The parade will be split into two main divisions. Here are the first 10, but you can see a full list here:

• Vernon Hill American Legion Riders Chapter #435 and additional American Legion Rider Chapters and Veterans Rider Groups
• St. Patrick's Banner
• Worcester Police mounted unit and motorcycles
• Worcester Police Pipes & Drums of Worcester
• Worcester Police Department
• Worcester County Sheriff's Office
• Grand Marshal Gordon Hargrove
• Float - Friendly House
• Worcester County St. Patrick's Parade Chairperson Erin Zamarro
• Parade Community Award Winners
• Bishop
• Past Grand Marshals

Food, Drinks

Just about every restuarant, bar and business along the parade route from Webster Square to Highland Street (and beyond) will have special St. Patrick's Day festivities going on. There will also be a food and beer garden set up at Elm Park for 2023.

Guinness Celtic 5K

The usual Irish-themed road race will take place immediately before the parade beginning at 11 a.m. The race starts and ends at Elm Park.

Watch

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can watch the parade live on Spectrum News 1. Coverage begins at 12:30 p.m.