Officials Warn Southie Parade Not a 'Drink Fest'

Boston first responders urge parade-goers to celebrate responsibly and avoid disruptions.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ahead of Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Southie, public safety officials are reminding attendees that the celebration is meant to be family-friendly, not a drunken spectacle. Police Commissioner Michael Cox warned against public intoxication, underage drinking, and any kind of violence or disruptive behavior. Fire Commissioner Paul Burke also cautioned people against accessing rooftops not meant for gatherings, as the city will be deploying drones to monitor the parade route. Despite no specific credible threats, officials are also on alert for potential extremist activity.

Why it matters

The Southie St. Patrick's Day Parade has a history of getting out of control, with past incidents involving drunkenness, fights, and even the unexpected arrival of neo-Nazis. Public safety is a major concern, as large crowds and excessive drinking can lead to injuries, property damage, and broader disruptions to the community. Officials want to strike a balance between allowing people to celebrate the holiday while maintaining order and security.

The details

Boston's first responders are reminding attendees that Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Parade, which also celebrates Evacuation Day, is not meant to be a 'drink fest.' Police Commissioner Michael Cox warned against public intoxication, underage drinking, and any kind of violence or disruptive behavior. Fire Commissioner Paul Burke cautioned people against accessing rooftops not meant for gatherings, as the city will be deploying drones to monitor the parade route for illegal parties. While there are no specific credible threats, officials are also on alert for potential extremist activity given the ongoing war in Iran and concerns raised by President Trump.

  • The parade will begin around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2026.
  • In 2019, a last-minute visit from Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor riled up the crowd.
  • In 2021, a small group of neo-Nazis arrived uninvited to the celebration.

The players

Michael Cox

Boston Police Commissioner.

Paul Burke

Boston Fire Commissioner.

Ted Docks

Special Agent in charge of FBI Boston.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's meant to be a family-friendly event, not a drink fest.”

— Michael Cox, Boston Police Commissioner (Boston Herald)

“Certainly, no violence of any kind. It won't be tolerated.”

— Michael Cox, Boston Police Commissioner (Boston Herald)

“I'm afraid they're going to slide off or the roof is going to collapse. If that happens, it's going to be difficult to get there with fire trucks and everything else because of the hundreds of thousands of people we are prepared for.”

— Paul Burke, Boston Fire Commissioner (Boston Herald)

What’s next

The city will be deploying drones to watch for illegal roof parties and other incidents, which will dispatch Boston Police and lead to citations for property owners.

The takeaway

The Southie St. Patrick's Day Parade is a long-standing tradition in Boston, but public safety remains a top concern due to the parade's history of drunkenness and disruptions. Officials are taking a firm stance this year, warning attendees to celebrate responsibly and avoid any behavior that could jeopardize the safety and enjoyment of the event for families and the broader community.