South Bend Celebrates 26th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Thousands gather for festive event featuring floats, businesses, music, and Irish dancers.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:04am

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The City of South Bend hosted its 26th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, drawing thousands of residents to the downtown area to celebrate Irish heritage. The parade featured floats, local businesses, marching bands, and Irish dancers. Following the parade, attendees were able to watch the East Race waterway be dyed green.

Why it matters

The St. Patrick's Day parade is a long-standing tradition in South Bend, allowing the community to come together and celebrate its Irish roots. The event draws large crowds and showcases the city's vibrant downtown, supporting local businesses and organizations.

The details

The 26th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown South Bend featured a variety of elements, including floats, local businesses, marching bands, and Irish dancers. After the parade, spectators were able to witness the East Race waterway being transformed into a bright shade of green.

  • The parade took place earlier today, March 15, 2026.
  • The East Race waterway was dyed green following the parade.

The players

Willow Wetherall

The executive director of Downtown South Bend (DTSB).

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What they’re saying

“It's such a great tradition, you know, there's so many families that have, you know, Irish heritage as part of their genealogy, but really, today is you know it's a day that everybody gets to be Irish.”

— Willow Wetherall, DTSB Executive Director (WSBT)

The takeaway

The St. Patrick's Day parade in South Bend is a beloved community event that celebrates the city's Irish heritage and brings residents together to enjoy the festive atmosphere, supporting local businesses and organizations in the process.