Mt. Adams kicks off Cincinnati's St. Patrick's Day season Sunday

The annual tradition of 'stealing the statue' leads into the city's 58th St. Patrick's Day parade

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Cincinnati's St. Patrick's Day celebrations start this Sunday in the Mt. Adams neighborhood with a memorial Mass at Holy Cross-Immaculata and the playful 'stealing' and parade of the St. Patrick statue through the area. This tradition kicks off the city's official St. Patrick's Day parade at The Banks on March 14, now in its 58th year.

Why it matters

The Mt. Adams festivities mark the start of Cincinnati's St. Patrick's Day season, which culminates in the city's long-running parade. These annual celebrations bring the community together and showcase the city's Irish heritage.

The details

The Mt. Adams tradition involves a memorial Mass at Holy Cross-Immaculata Church, followed by the 'stealing' and parading of the St. Patrick statue through the neighborhood. This playful ritual leads into the official Cincinnati St. Patrick's Day parade, which takes place at The Banks on March 14 and is now in its 58th year.

  • The Mt. Adams festivities take place this Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The official Cincinnati St. Patrick's Day parade is scheduled for March 14, 2026.

The players

Holy Cross-Immaculata Church

A Catholic church in the Mt. Adams neighborhood of Cincinnati that hosts the memorial Mass to kick off the city's St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

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The takeaway

Cincinnati's St. Patrick's Day season is a long-standing tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the city's Irish heritage. The Mt. Adams festivities mark the start of the celebrations, leading up to the official parade at The Banks.