Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade 2025: What You Need To Know

PITTSBURGH, PA — Saturday will bring Irish step dancers, marching bands, community organizations and military members to the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh for one of the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day parades.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and take more than three hours to complete.

The parade will proceed through Downtown from Liberty Avenue and 11th Street, going to Grant Street and the Boulevard of the Allies before ending at Stanwix Street near Point State Park. The parade route is 1.4 miles from start to finish.

According to VisitPittsburgh.Com, the parade typically attracts between 200,000 and 350,000 people. There will be more than 200 marching units, bands, and floats.

According to city officials, here is what you need to know about parade day:

Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash

This new event includes both a 5K race and a 1-mile family fun run/walk, taking place along the parade route. For additional race information, click here.

Market Square Celebration

The Irish Society for Education & Charity Inc., which organizes the parade, will host a family-friendly celebration in Market Square from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will feature entertainment, food, and activities suitable for all ages. Market Square will be closed to vehicular traffic during this time.

Parade Road Closures & Parking Restrictions

Parking is prohibited along the parade route and Market Square beginning at 4 a.m. on Saturday and tagging and towing will begin shortly thereafter. No Parking signs will be posted in advance to warn drivers parked along the parade route.

Full road closures will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Downtown and South Side Portable Restrooms

Portable restrooms will be available throughout the duration of the parade Downtown. Each location will feature one handicap-accessible unit. Additionally, three locations are available in the South Side.

Public Transit and Rideshare Information

Due to the anticipated crowds, residents and visitors are encouraged to use public transportation when possible. However, detours and delays should be expected.

Due to the race, parade, and festivities, Pittsburgh Regional Transit will implement detours beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday. For the most detailed detour information, visit the PRT website.

To alleviate congestion, two designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones will be located in the South Side: On South 18th Street, from East Carson to Wrights Way, and 20 Bedford Square, off South 12th Street.

Public Parking

Free parking will be available at the Second Avenue Parking Plaza, which is just a short walk from both Downtown Pittsburgh and the South Side via the 10th Street Bridge. The parking lot will not be staffed by Pittsburgh Parking Authority.

North Shore Road Closure

On Saturday night, North Shore visitors should prepare for a road closure on North Shore Drive between Chuck Noll Way and Tony Dorsett Drive to allow for ease of pedestrian traffic. Visitors to this area are encouraged toconnect with rideshare drivers off West General Robinson Street.

Safety and Emergency Resources

Pittsburgh Police will be fully staffed to ensure safety throughout the Downtown area, the South Side, and on the North Shore. Officers will be actively enforcing DUI laws.

Pittsburgh EMS, Fire, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and dozens of crossing guards will also support both the parade and entertainment areas throughout the city. Pittsburgh Public Safety will be assisted by the Allegheny County Police, Pennsylvania State Police and Port Authority Police.

Remember, if you see something, say something. Please call 911 to report any concerns. Also, video and picture tips can be submitted through this link or by scanning the QR code below.