The Boston Saint Patrick’s Day parade starts at 1pm! It’s the most popular celebration of Irish culture this side of Ireland! 

This Guide

You’ll see a comprehensive list of every you need to know to have a fun, but safe time! What time do the bars close? What is the parade route? Those questions and more will be answered!

Did You Know? History

According to the parade website: Bostonians were the first to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in North America. On March 17, 1737, as a gesture of solidarity among the city’s new Irish immigrants, Boston’s Irish community joined together in festivities of their homeland and to honor the memory of the Patron Saint of Ireland.

What Is Evacuation Day?

You may have heard of Evacuation Day. It is also celebrated in Boston on March 17th weekend every year.

According to Wikipedia: The 11-month siege of Boston ended when the Continental Army under the command of George Washington fortified Dorchester Heights in early March 1776 with cannons captured at Ticonderoga. British General William Howe’s garrison and navy were threatened by these positions, and they were forced to decide between attack and retreat. Howe decided to retreat in order to prevent what could have been a repeat of the Battle of Bunker Hill, withdrawing from Boston to Nova Scotia on March 17, 1776.

The British evacuation was Washington’s first victory of the war. It was also a huge morale boost for the Thirteen Colonies.

If I’m correct, experts felt that a storm, provided cover for Washington to get his men in place, causing the British retreat.

On March 17, amidst a violent storm, British General Howe evacuated his ships and 3,000 men from Boston. General Washington wrote to his brother, John Augustine Washington, March 31, 1776:

That this most remarkable Interposition of Providence is for some wise purpose, I have not a doubt.

So, here we go! Get your spot and let’s take a look at the South Boston Saint Patrick’s Day Parade! 

• Parade Route

  Boston Police: The parade will begin at approximately 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 19, 2023. The parade starts on West Broadway at Dorchester Avenue (easterly), turns left onto East Broadway, right onto P Street, right onto East 4th Street, left onto K Street, right onto East 5th Street, left onto G Street, right onto the southerly arm of Thomas Park, left onto Telegraph Street, left onto Dorchester Street into Andrew’s Square and ending at Dorchester Avenue.

• Bag Policy

  Do not bring backpacks or large purses and bags to the parade.

• Bar Times

  Pouring establishments (Sec. 12 licenses) will not admit anyone after 6:30 PM, alcohol service will end at 7:00 PM, and all patrons are to be off the premises by 7:30 PM.

• No Public Drinking Outdoors

  The Boston Police Department will strictly enforce compliance to all alcohol laws. Public drinking, providing alcohol to minors, and open containers of alcohol in public will not be tolerated.

• What Time Do Package Stores Close?

  On the day of the parade, all package stores in South Boston will close at 4:00 PM.

• What Am I Responsible For?

  If you are hosting a party along the parade route, YOU are responsible for your guests.  Please refrain from unsafe rooftop viewing.

• Spiked Drinks Alert

  While enjoying the bars with friends, the Boston Police share important safety tips:

  While the BPD encourages everyone to look out for each other when gathered in social settings by creating a ‘buddy system’ to prevent getting separated, there are steps you can take on your own to help ensure your personal safety:

  • Be sure that your drink is being served directly by the bartender or your server. Don’t allow people you don’t know or trust to order drinks and deliver them to you.

  • Watch your drink at all times. Never leave your drink unattended.

  • Take your drink with you to the restroom if need be.

  • Keep your hand covered over your drink when you’re not looking at it. Many creative inventions exist that can help you cover your drink.

  • Test your drink with test strips or nail polish that light up a certain color if they detect drugs.

  • Get help immediately if you begin to feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, or strange in any way.

• Parking Meters

  Parking Meters Are FREE today

• Parking Restrictions

  • Dorchester Avenue, Both sides, from Gillette Park to Old Colony Avenue
  • Both sides, from Dorchester Street to Damrell Street
  • Foundry Street, Both sides, from Greenbaum Street to Dorchester Avenue
  • West Second Street, Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to A Street
  • A Street, Both sides, from Binford Street to West Second Street
  • Binford Street, Both sides, from A Street heading northwesterly to end at 45 Binford Street
  • West Fourth Street, Both sides, from A Street to Dorchester Avenue
  • West Broadway, Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to Dorchester Street
  • East Broadway, Both sides, from Dorchester Street to P Street
  • P Street, Both sides, from East Broadway to East Fourth Street
  • East Fourth Street, Both sides, from P Street to K Street
  • K Street, Both sides, from East Fourth Street to East Fifth Street
  • East Fifth Street, Both sides, from K Street to G Street
  • G Street, Both sides, from East Fifth Street to #96 G Street
  • Thomas Park, Both sides of southerly arm (opposite normal traffic flow), from G Street to Telegraph Street
  • Telegraph Street, Both sides, from Thomas Park to Dorchester Street
  • Dorchester Street, Both sides, from Telegraph Street to Dorchester Avenue
  • E Street at West Broadway Street on the West Third Street side
  • L Street at East Broadway on the East Third Street side.
  • Old Colony Avenue at Dorchester Street on the inbound side (From Boston 25 News)

• Southie Road Race

  The Saint Patrick’s Day Road Race is on tap for 11 a.m. It begins on West Sixth Street Girls Club. All cars will need to be removed from area streets before 9 a.m.

  The route of the race is: West Sixth Street left onto Dorchester Street, right onto East Broadway, down and around the Farragut Statue at Day Boulevard, to East Broadway, right onto West Broadway, left onto E Street, left onto West Sixth Street ending at #230 West Sixth – Boys & Girls Club

  From Boston 25 News 

• What 2 Cities In Massachusetts Are The BEST for St Patty's Day?

  Does Massachusetts Have The BEST City For St Patty’s Day?

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