Unearth The Voyage
St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey is not just a holiday, it’s basically a sport. From the Shore to the suburbs, green takes over entire towns, bagpipes echo down main streets, and everyone suddenly remembers their Irish roots.
Whether you’re a parade veteran or planning your first shamrock outing, New Jersey has more options than you can shake a shillelagh at. Here’s your complete 2026 guide to every parade, with dates, times, and all the details you need to show up ready.
Newark Kicks Off the Season Early – Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Newark doesn’t wait for the weekend to celebrate. The city fires up the St. Patrick’s Day season on Friday, March 13, 2026 at noon, making it one of the earliest parades in the state.
That means you can ditch work early, grab a spot on the curb, and feel like a local hero.
Newark’s parade runs through the heart of downtown, where the city’s Irish-American community has kept this tradition alive for generations. The route brings together marching bands, cultural groups, and plenty of green-clad locals proud to rep their city.
Parking near downtown Newark can be tricky, so the train or bus is your best friend here. Newark Penn Station puts you right in the action.
Pro tip: arrive at least 30 minutes early to grab a decent viewing spot before the floats start rolling.
North Wildwood Goes Full Shore Mode – Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Only in New Jersey can you watch a St. Patrick’s Day parade with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. North Wildwood brings serious Shore energy to March 14, 2026, kicking off at noon with one of the most beloved parades at the Jersey Shore.
The parade winds through the streets of North Wildwood, where bars and restaurants go all-in on the Irish spirit. This one draws a big crowd, so expect packed sidewalks, green beads, and at least one person in a full leprechaun suit.
It’s that kind of party.
North Wildwood is about an hour and a half south of Philadelphia, making it a solid road trip option. Hotels book up fast for this weekend, so plan ahead.
Bring layers because March on the Shore can be chilly, and nobody wants to watch a parade while shivering in a shamrock tank top.
Morristown Marches With Class – Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Morristown has serious historical street cred, and its St. Patrick’s Day parade is no exception. On March 14, 2026 at noon, the Morris County seat puts on a well-organized, community-centered parade that balances tradition with a whole lot of fun.
The parade steps off near the Morristown Green, one of the most charming parade venues in all of New Jersey. Irish dance groups, pipe bands, and local organizations fill the route with color and sound.
I went a few years back and was genuinely surprised by how big the crowd was for a Morris County town.
After the parade, Morristown’s restaurant and bar scene is absolutely buzzing. Grab a Guinness at one of the pubs on South Street and you’ve officially done St. Patrick’s Day right.
Street parking fills up early, so aim to arrive well before the noon start time to snag a good spot.
Hamilton Brings the Party to Mercer County – Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Hamilton Township doesn’t get enough parade credit, and that ends now. On March 14, 2026 at 1 p.m., Hamilton hosts a St. Patrick’s Day parade that pulls in thousands of proud Mercer County residents ready to celebrate in style.
The route rolls through Hamilton’s neighborhoods, showcasing the community pride that makes this township tick. Expect marching bands, local politicians waving from cars, and Irish dance troupes doing their thing on the pavement.
It’s a classic, no-frills parade done very, very well.
Hamilton is easy to reach from Trenton, Princeton, and points south, making it a convenient choice if you’re in that part of the state. Families love this parade because the vibe is welcoming and the crowd is enthusiastic without being overwhelming.
Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, and bring a lawn chair because you’ll want to stay for the whole thing.
Union Turns Green and Means It – Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Union Township has a St. Patrick’s Day parade that punches well above its weight. Starting at 1 p.m. on March 14, 2026, this Union County celebration draws a crowd that clearly takes their green seriously.
The parade route moves through a stretch of Union that transforms completely on parade day. Local Irish organizations, high school bands, and community groups all show up to represent.
There’s a friendly, neighborhood-block-party energy here that makes it feel personal rather than just performative.
Union is centrally located in New Jersey, making it a great option for people coming from multiple directions. It’s close to Route 22 and easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway.
If you’re planning to hit multiple parades this weekend, Union at 1 p.m. pairs well with Morristown at noon since they’re both on March 14. Just don’t try to do both unless you’re serious about your parade logistics.
West Orange Starts the Sunday Fun – Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 15 is basically the Super Bowl of New Jersey St. Patrick’s Day parades, and West Orange gets things rolling at 12:15 p.m. sharp. This Essex County town takes its Irish heritage seriously, and the parade reflects that with a well-rounded lineup of performers and community groups.
The route through West Orange passes through a mix of residential and commercial areas, giving spectators plenty of good viewing spots. Bagpipe bands, color guards, and Irish step dancers all make appearances.
The 15-minute head start over most noon parades means West Orange tends to avoid the worst of the Sunday afternoon traffic crush.
Parking along the route fills up fast on Sundays, especially when multiple towns are parading simultaneously. Arrive early, dress warm, and consider bringing snacks for the kids.
West Orange is a short drive from Newark, Bloomfield, and South Orange, so carpooling is a smart move for this one.
Freehold Rocks the Monmouth County Scene – Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
Freehold Borough is famous for being the hometown of a certain rock legend, but on March 15, 2026 at 12:30 p.m., the real stars are the bagpipers. The Freehold St. Patrick’s Day parade is a Monmouth County staple that draws a loyal and enthusiastic crowd every single year.
The parade steps off through Freehold’s charming downtown, which provides a great backdrop for the festivities. Irish organizations from across Monmouth County participate, and the local community turns out in full green regalia.
The downtown bars and restaurants are packed post-parade, so plan your lunch reservation ahead of time.
Freehold Borough is centrally located in Monmouth County, making it accessible from the Parkway and Route 9. Free parking is available in municipal lots near the parade route.
If you’re a Monmouth County resident looking for a home-turf parade, Freehold delivers exactly what you’d want from a classic New Jersey St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Harrison, East Newark, and Kearny Triple the Fun – Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Three towns, one parade, zero reasons to stay home. The Harrison, East Newark, and Kearny St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 15, 2026 at 1 p.m. is one of the most uniquely New Jersey events you’ll ever attend.
Kearny, in particular, has a famously strong Scottish-Irish heritage that gives this parade a distinct cultural flavor.
Kearny is sometimes called the most Irish town in New Jersey, and the parade route through these three connected communities reflects that identity with pride. The crowds here are loud, passionate, and absolutely thrilled to be there.
It’s the kind of parade where strangers high-five each other and nobody thinks that’s weird.
Getting there via NJ Transit’s rail or bus lines is highly recommended since street parking becomes a puzzle once the crowds arrive. The PATH train to Harrison Station drops you close to the action.
Bring cash for the food vendors who line the route with snacks, drinks, and all the green merchandise you didn’t know you needed.
Bergenfield Brings Bergen County to Life – Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Bergen County gets its moment in the green spotlight when Bergenfield hosts its St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. This borough may be small in size, but its parade enthusiasm is absolutely enormous.
Bergenfield’s parade route runs through its main commercial corridor, turning an ordinary Sunday afternoon into a full-on community celebration. Local schools, fire departments, and Irish cultural organizations all march together in a display of neighborhood solidarity.
The later 2 p.m. start time means you can sleep in, have a leisurely brunch, and still make it on time.
Bergenfield is easy to reach from anywhere in Bergen County and is accessible via NJ Transit bus routes from Hackensack, Englewood, and Teaneck. Nearby Washington Avenue has plenty of spots to grab food and drinks after the parade.
For Bergen County residents who want a local celebration without driving far, this is your parade.
Somerville Serves Up Somerset County Shamrocks – Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
Somerville’s Main Street is already one of the prettiest parade routes in New Jersey on a regular day. Add green bunting, Irish step dancers, and a crowd of Somerset County residents going absolutely wild, and you’ve got the March 15, 2026 St. Patrick’s Day parade at 1:30 p.m.
The borough’s compact downtown layout means nearly every spectator gets a front-row feel. Pipe bands echo between the storefronts, and the energy builds quickly as the parade moves through.
Somerville has a strong tradition of community events, and this parade reflects that organized, welcoming spirit perfectly.
After the parade, Somerville’s restaurant row on Main Street is the place to be. Reservations fill up fast on parade Sunday, so book ahead if you want a table.
Somerville is accessible via NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line, which makes it a convenient choice for riders coming from Newark, New Brunswick, or points west along that corridor.
South Amboy Keeps Middlesex County Green – Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2 p.m.
South Amboy is a small city with a big parade personality. On March 15, 2026 at 2 p.m., this Middlesex County waterfront community celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a parade that has real neighborhood heart.
The route winds through South Amboy’s streets near the Raritan Bay waterfront, giving the event a uniquely scenic quality that most inland parades simply can’t match. Local fire companies, veterans groups, and school bands all participate, making it a genuinely community-driven celebration rather than a commercialized event.
South Amboy is accessible via NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line, with a station right in town. That makes it one of the easier parades to reach without a car.
The post-parade bar scene on Main Street is lively without being chaotic, which is exactly the kind of low-key fun that makes South Amboy a hidden gem on the New Jersey St. Patrick’s Day parade circuit.
Clinton Closes Out the Day With Charm – Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Clinton is the kind of town that looks like it was designed specifically for parades. With its historic Red Mill, stone bridge, and quaint downtown, it’s basically a postcard come to life.
The St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 15, 2026 at 3 p.m. is the latest start time of the Sunday parades, making it the perfect finale to a full day of celebrating.
The route through downtown Clinton is compact and charming, with the South Branch of the Raritan River adding a scenic backdrop. Because it starts at 3 p.m., you can easily attend an earlier parade and still make it to Clinton for the closing act of the day.
Talk about scheduling goals.
Clinton is in Hunterdon County, about 45 minutes west of New Brunswick. Parking is manageable in the borough’s lots and side streets.
Bring the family, because Clinton’s parade has a warm, small-town atmosphere that feels genuinely special without trying too hard.
Ringwood Heads Into the Hills – Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Most people don’t associate Ringwood with big St. Patrick’s Day energy, but that’s exactly why it’s worth the trip. On March 21, 2026 at 1 p.m., this Passaic County borough tucked near the Ramapo Mountains hosts a parade that feels like a well-kept secret among North Jersey locals.
Ringwood’s parade has a cozy, community-first atmosphere that you won’t find at the larger urban celebrations. Neighbors line the streets, kids wave flags, and local organizations march with obvious pride.
It’s the kind of event where everyone seems to know everyone else, and that warmth is genuinely contagious.
The third weekend of March means the weather might actually cooperate a little better than the earlier parades. Ringwood is accessible via Route 511 and is a reasonable drive from Wayne, Pompton Lakes, and Wanaque.
If you’re looking for a low-key but heartfelt St. Patrick’s Day parade experience, Ringwood absolutely delivers on that promise.
Highlands Raises a Glass by the Bay – Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Highlands sits on a bluff above Sandy Hook Bay, and on March 21, 2026 at 2 p.m., the whole town turns green for one of the most scenically situated parades in New Jersey. The combination of waterfront views and Irish pride makes this one genuinely hard to beat.
The parade route runs through the heart of Highlands’ compact downtown, where the bar and restaurant scene is famously lively. This is a town that knows how to throw a party, and the St. Patrick’s Day parade is proof of that.
The 2 p.m. start on a Saturday gives you plenty of time to drive down, find parking, and explore before the festivities begin.
Highlands is at the end of Route 36 in Monmouth County, right next to the entrance to Gateway National Recreation Area. It’s a great spot to combine a parade visit with a walk along the shore afterward.
Come hungry because the local seafood joints are excellent and very much open for business.
Bayonne Brings Hudson County Heat – Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Bayonne has Hudson County pride running through its veins, and the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 22, 2026 at 1 p.m. is one of the city’s biggest annual events. This parade is loud, colorful, and packed with the kind of blue-collar New Jersey spirit that makes the state what it is.
The route rolls down Broadway, Bayonne’s main commercial artery, where spectators pack the sidewalks several rows deep. Irish-American organizations, pipe bands, and local firehouses all march with serious enthusiasm.
The crowd here is passionate in the best possible way, and the energy feeds on itself as the parade moves along.
Bayonne is easily accessible via the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, which stops right in the heart of the city. That makes parking stress completely optional.
The weekend after St. Patrick’s Day itself means the city has had a week to build up anticipation, and it shows. Bayonne does not do anything halfway.
Belmar and Lake Como Go Big on the Shore – Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
The Belmar and Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day parade is legendary. On March 28, 2026 at 12:30 p.m., this combined Shore celebration is one of the biggest and most spirited parades in all of New Jersey, drawing tens of thousands of people from across the state every year.
Belmar’s parade is famous for its raucous energy, with bars along Main Street opening early and the crowd starting the celebration well before the first float appears. It’s the kind of parade where the party starts on the sidewalk and never really stops.
Lake Como, which borders Belmar, adds to the festive footprint significantly.
A word of practical advice: book accommodations months in advance because everything within 10 miles fills up fast. NJ Transit runs extra Shore line trains on parade day, which is strongly recommended over driving.
This parade runs late into the evening for many attendees, so plan accordingly and pace yourself starting at 12:30 p.m.
Keansburg Wraps Up the Season With Style – Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Keansburg closes out the 2026 New Jersey St. Patrick’s Day parade season on March 28 at 1 p.m., and it does so with the kind of unpretentious Shore town charm that makes Monmouth County special. This is not a flashy parade, and that’s exactly the point.
Keansburg’s parade winds through a community that has weathered a lot over the years, including significant damage from Superstorm Sandy. The parade is a celebration of resilience as much as Irish heritage, and the crowd reflects that spirit with genuine warmth and local pride.
The town sits along Raritan Bay in northern Monmouth County, just a short drive from Hazlet and Keyport. Parking is generally easier here than at the bigger Shore parades.
If you’re in the area for the Belmar parade earlier in the day, Keansburg makes a solid second stop to round out an excellent St. Patrick’s Day weekend finale on the Jersey Shore.
