09:00 Main Street: Starting at East Ave through to Exchange/State St (Running of the Green)

10:00 Staging area: Alexander St, Sibley place, Prince St., Meigs St, Strathalllan Park & Arnold Park

11:15 East Avenue from Union to Alexander, School Alley, Fitzhugh Street S/B from Main (end of parade route)

11:45 East Ave from Union to Chestnut

12:00 East Avenue to East Main,Main Street West of State to Plymouth Ave.

After Parade route is closed the north south streets will begin to be closed

12:15 Union Street North /South

12:30 Parade Starts

Shut down North /South: Scio St & Chestnut St

When parade crosses Chestnut - Shut down Clinton North/South

When parade crosses St. Paul - Shut Down State & Exchange North /South

The staging area for the parade opens at 10:00 am on March 14.

The staging area includes:
East Ave (from Alexander St to Goodman)
Alexander St (from Charotte St to Park Ave) Prince St (from East Ave to University Ave)
Strathallan Park (from East Ave to University Ave)
Sibley Place
Meigs (from East Ave to Park Ave)
Arnold Park (from East Ave to Park Ave)

Parking in the staging area is very limited. The police will be controlling access to the staging area.

The parade has a shuttle service using school buses.

The Buses will pick up participants / spectators on West Main St near the Monroe County Office BLD (39 W. Main St) -Drop off location is the corner of East Ave and Union St

This service runs from 10:00 am with the last run at 12:00 pm

The city has waved parking fees in City owned garages until 4:00 pm.
Mortimer St Garage (83 Mortimer St)
High Falls Garage (262 State St)
Sister Cities Garage (28 Fitzhugh St N)
South Avenue Garage (39 Stone St)

From East Ave and Union St Parade participants can walk to the staging area.

Announcing the 2026 Parade Theme

As we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, we’re proud to announce the theme for the upcoming Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

250 Years of Freedom, Fueled by Irish Spirit

For two and a half centuries, the Irish spirit has helped shape the American story. From courage and community to service and sacrifice, Irish Americans have played a vital role in building, defending, and strengthening our nation.

This year’s parade will honor that legacy. Expect a celebration of freedom, heritage, and the shared values that continue to unite us all, brought to life through music, tradition, and plenty of green.

We can’t wait to see our streets filled with shamrocks, stars and stripes as Rochester comes together to celebrate history in motion.

Get ready to march, celebrate, and make history with us.