Ocean View Gears Up for 59th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Road closures and parking information for the popular community event along Granby Street

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:52pm

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The Ocean View neighborhood in Norfolk, Virginia is preparing for its 59th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday. The parade will travel along Granby Street, requiring road closures and parking restrictions throughout the morning and afternoon. Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for the festivities, which draw large crowds to the community each year.

Why it matters

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is a longstanding tradition in the Ocean View area, bringing the community together for a day of celebration. As one of the neighborhood's biggest annual events, the parade highlights the vibrant culture and close-knit spirit of the local residents.

The details

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Northside Middle School and travel north along Granby Street, turning left onto A View Avenue, continuing left onto First View Street, and finishing at the intersection of First View Street and Government Avenue. Granby Street will be closed between Bay Avenue and Bayview Boulevard starting at 7:30 a.m., with the rest of the parade route closing at 9 a.m. Most streets are expected to reopen by noon, but First View Street will remain closed until 1:30 p.m. and Government Avenue will stay closed until 4:30 p.m.

  • The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Granby Street will be closed between Bay Avenue and Bayview Boulevard starting at 7:30 a.m.
  • The rest of the parade route will close at 9 a.m.
  • Most streets are expected to reopen by noon, but First View Street will remain closed until 1:30 p.m. and Government Avenue will stay closed until 4:30 p.m.

The players

John Herr

An Ocean View resident who first experienced the parade by accident when he moved into the neighborhood decades ago.

Alana Smith

A representative from Norfolk's Public Works Department who is advising visitors to park responsibly and not block sidewalks, driveways, or no-parking areas.

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What they’re saying

“The first day I came I was moving into my house and the parade was going on. My brother and sister-in-law were with me helping me move, and we were thinking, 'Wow, what is this?'”

— John Herr, Ocean View resident

“This year I've got friends coming from Pennsylvania. My brother and sister-in-law from Ohio are here, the same ones who helped me move in that day. And I can tell you, this is the biggest event they do in the Ocean View area.”

— John Herr, Ocean View resident

“Don't block sidewalks, don't block people's addresses and their driveways. You can park in the neighborhoods, but always be mindful. If it says no parking, do not park they will get towed.”

— Alana Smith, Norfolk Public Works Department

What’s next

Following the parade, the city's Department of Public Works will have street sweepers in the area to assist with cleanup. Officials are encouraging residents and visitors to bag their trash so it can be easily collected at designated sites along the route.

The takeaway

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is a beloved tradition that brings the Ocean View community together each year, showcasing the neighborhood's vibrant culture and close-knit spirit. As one of the area's biggest annual events, the parade highlights the importance of community celebrations and the value of planning ahead for large-scale public gatherings.