Baltimore Kicks Off St. Patrick's Day Early with Parade

Marching bands, bagpipes, and Irish dancing fill Mount Vernon two days before the holiday.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:35am

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Baltimore celebrated St. Patrick's Day early with a parade at the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon, featuring marching bands, bagpipes, Irish dancing, and a special appearance by the Oriole Bird.

Why it matters

The annual St. Patrick's Day parade is a beloved tradition in Baltimore, bringing the community together to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. Holding the parade early allows the city to kick off the festivities ahead of the actual holiday.

The details

The parade featured a variety of traditional Irish entertainment, including marching bands, bagpipe music, and Irish dancing. Spectators lined the streets of Mount Vernon to watch the colorful procession.

  • The parade took place on March 16, 2026, two days before St. Patrick's Day.

The players

Oriole Bird

The mascot of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, who made a special appearance at the parade.

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The takeaway

The early St. Patrick's Day parade in Baltimore is a testament to the city's vibrant Irish-American community and its commitment to celebrating its cultural heritage. The event brings the community together and helps kick off the holiday festivities in style.