Boston Prepares for Massive St. Patrick's Day Parade

Officials expect over 1 million attendees, with increased security and restrictions for businesses

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:07pm

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The City of Boston is gearing up for its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, which is expected to draw over 1 million people on Sunday. Local businesses, public safety officials, and city leaders have been planning for months to manage the large crowds. Police will deploy more officers than ever, both in uniform and plain clothes, along the parade route, and fire officials will use drones to monitor rooftops. Businesses along the route must close earlier than usual, at 7:30 pm, and not allow new patrons after 6:30 pm. Attendees are urged to report any suspicious activity and avoid bringing backpacks or large bags.

Why it matters

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of Boston's largest annual events, drawing massive crowds to the South Boston neighborhood. Careful planning and increased security measures are crucial to ensuring public safety and minimizing disruptions to the local community during the celebration.

The details

The parade will follow a reverse route this year, beginning at Andrew Square and ending at A Street after West Broadway. Bars and restaurants along the route have been preparing for weeks for the surge of customers, while also adjusting to the city's requirement that establishments close earlier, not let anyone in after 6:30 p.m. and close by 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Boston police say they will deploy more officers than ever, both in uniform and plain clothes, along the parade route, and Boston Fire officials will send up drones to monitor rooftops and shut down any unsafe parties.

  • The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2026.
  • Bars and restaurants along the parade route must close by 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2026 and not let in any new patrons after 6:30 p.m.

The players

Jamie Murphy

A South Boston resident who is excited for the new parade route.

Greg Cedrone

The general manager of Layla's American Tavern, a business located along the parade route.

Michael Cox

The Boston Police Commissioner, who says the department will deploy more officers than ever for the event.

Ted Docks

The Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston office, who says federal agents remain on alert for the event.

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What they’re saying

“I guess it will be down here later this year, so we'll have to do things a little bit differently, but I think everyone is excited for a new route. It's one of the best days of the year. I look forward to it.”

— Jamie Murphy (cbsnews.com)

“Be safe, be respectful, as I always say, this is where some of us live and work every day, it is our neighborhood and we like to take care of it.”

— Greg Cedrone, General Manager, Layla's American Tavern (cbsnews.com)

“We have more folks out there this year and are a little more agile, so we're prepared to be in more places quicker and faster and that's important.”

— Michael Cox, Boston Police Commissioner (cbsnews.com)

“We're ready, you know, for any event that will take place or that may take place in our AOR as well as we're staying vigilant with our other partners and getting that information real time to make sure that if anything were to change or pivot, we will make that same pivot as law enforcement as well.”

— Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Boston police say they will be on high alert throughout the parade and will have a zero-tolerance policy for any public drinking or other disorderly behavior. Attendees are urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

The takeaway

The St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston is a beloved annual tradition, but the massive crowds and festivities require extensive planning and coordination between local businesses, public safety officials, and the community. By working together to ensure a safe and respectful celebration, Boston can continue to host this iconic event for years to come.