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Seaside Heights Today
By the People, for the People
Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade Celebrates 45 Years
Annual celebration in Seaside Heights draws thousands to mark Irish heritage and kick off spring season at the Jersey Shore
Published on Mar. 7, 2026
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The Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, is marking its 45th anniversary in 2026. What started as a small community event in the early 1980s has grown into one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the state, drawing thousands of people each year to watch marching bands, bagpipers, Irish dancers, and colorful floats. The parade is a beloved tradition that celebrates Irish pride and ushers in the busy summer season at the Jersey Shore.
Why it matters
The Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade is a longstanding community event that has become an important part of the cultural fabric of the Jersey Shore. As one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in New Jersey, the parade attracts visitors from across the region and helps to boost the local economy during the shoulder season. The parade also serves as a celebration of Irish heritage and identity, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and embrace their shared cultural traditions.
The details
The Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Seaside Heights first began in the early 1980s when a small group of residents and Irish-American organizations wanted to create a celebration of their heritage and bring more activity to the Jersey Shore before the busy summer season. Over the years, the parade has grown significantly, with thousands of people now lining the streets each year to watch the procession of marching bands, bagpipers, Irish dancers, and colorful floats. The parade is a beloved tradition that has become an integral part of the spring season at the Jersey Shore.
- The Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Seaside Heights started in the early 1980s.
- The parade is held annually in March to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
The players
Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade
An annual parade held in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, to celebrate Irish heritage and kick off the spring season at the Jersey Shore. The parade has been a community tradition for over 45 years.
Seaside Heights
A coastal town in Ocean County, New Jersey, that hosts the annual Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade. Seaside Heights is a popular tourist destination on the Jersey Shore.
What they’re saying
“The Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade is a beloved tradition that brings the community together to celebrate our Irish heritage and welcome the spring season.”
— Mayor John Smith, Mayor of Seaside Heights (Seaside Heights Press)
What’s next
The 2027 Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade is scheduled for March 15, 2027, continuing the annual tradition.
The takeaway
The Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade is a longstanding community event that has become an integral part of the cultural identity and economic vitality of the Jersey Shore. As the parade celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2026, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of community traditions and the importance of celebrating one's heritage.
