Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Parades Across Massachusetts

From Cape Cod to Holyoke, the region offers a variety of festive St. Patrick's Day parades and events.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 1:31am

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St. Patrick's Day parades and celebrations are a beloved tradition across Massachusetts, offering residents and visitors a chance to embrace their Irish heritage. While the famous South Boston parade can be crowded, smaller towns in the region host their own lively events that provide a more laid-back atmosphere to enjoy the holiday.

Why it matters

These parades are a way for local communities to celebrate their Irish roots and come together in the spirit of the holiday. They also provide economic benefits to the towns that host them through increased tourism and spending at local businesses.

The details

The Cape Cod St. Patrick's Parade in Yarmouth kicks off on March 7, two weeks early to avoid conflicts with other events. This year's parade will feature over 80 floats, marchers, and bands, with Olympic gold medalist and world champion Irish boxer Katie Taylor serving as the Grand Marshal. The Scituate St. Patrick's Day Parade, celebrating its 30th anniversary, will take place on April 12 due to a rescheduling for snow. The parade in Holyoke, at 74 years old, is one of the longest-running in the region and includes the crowning of the 'Grand Colleen and her court'.

  • The Cape Cod St. Patrick's Parade in Yarmouth will take place on March 7, 2026.
  • The Scituate St. Patrick's Day Parade is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
  • The Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade will be held on March 22, 2026, with a road race the day prior.

The players

Katie Taylor

An Olympic gold medalist and world champion Irish boxer who will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Cape Cod St. Patrick's Parade.

Jim and Janet Campbell

The founders of the Scituate St. Patrick's Day Parade, which started as a small neighborhood event in 1994 and has grown into a regional staple.

Edward Kelly

The director of the Scituate St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

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What they’re saying

“It was a warm and beautiful day and everyone said we should always have it then. To which I said: well then it's just a parade; not a St. Patrick's Day parade.”

— Edward Kelly, Parade Director

What’s next

The Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade will be preceded by a road race on March 21, 2026.

The takeaway

These St. Patrick's Day parades across Massachusetts offer residents and visitors a chance to celebrate their Irish heritage in a more laid-back and community-focused setting compared to the larger, more crowded events in Boston. The parades have become beloved traditions that bring people together and support local businesses.