St. Patrick's Day at the Jersey Shore
From Belmar's legendary parade to boardwalk celebrations in Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore goes green every March. Discover all the parades, parties, and Irish festivities.
Welcome to the Irish Riviera
The Jersey Shore has deep Irish-American roots, especially in Monmouth County where the Belmar-Lake Como area earned its nickname "The Irish Riviera." Every March, this heritage comes alive with parades, traditional music, and celebrations that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.
2026 Parade Calendar
Belmar
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 12:30 PM
NJ's Largest St. Patrick's Day Parade
Atlantic City
Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM
38th Annual Boardwalk Parade
Seaside Heights
Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Ocean County Parade
Asbury Park
Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Passes Stone Pony & Wonder Bar
Getting There
🚂 NJ Transit
Extra trains run on the North Jersey Coast Line for the Belmar parade. The Atlantic City Rail Line serves the AC parade. Check NJ Transit for special parade schedules.
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early! Belmar Marina has the best parking for that parade. Atlantic City has casino garages. Seaside Heights has free boardwalk parking in winter.
Irish Pubs & Celebrations
The party doesn't stop when the parade ends. These shore spots offer Irish hospitality year-round but go all out for St. Patrick's Day:
Bar Anticipation
Lake Como
Week-long celebrations
D'Jais
Belmar
Live music
Stone Pony
Asbury Park
Live Irish music
Wonder Bar
Asbury Park
Parade route
Irish Pub
Atlantic City
Casino area
Hemingway's
Seaside Heights
Post-parade party
What to Expect
Parade Features
- • Pipe and drum bands
- • Irish step dancers
- • Decorated floats
- • Community organizations
- • Fire departments and police
- • Politicians (it's an election year tradition!)
Tips for Enjoying
- • Wear green (obviously!)
- • Arrive 1-2 hours early for good spots
- • Bring folding chairs for Belmar
- • Dress warm - it's still winter!
- • Plan your post-parade destination
- • Consider staying overnight
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the St. Patrick's Day parades at the Jersey Shore in 2026?
The main 2026 parades are: Belmar on March 1 (Sunday), Atlantic City on March 7 (Saturday), and both Seaside Heights and Asbury Park on March 8 (Sunday). The actual St. Patrick's Day is March 17.
Which is the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in New Jersey?
The Belmar-Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade is New Jersey's largest, featuring 6,700+ marchers, 17 pipe bands, and 12 marching bands. It draws approximately 100,000 spectators.
Are the Jersey Shore St. Patrick's Day parades free to attend?
Yes! All Jersey Shore St. Patrick's Day parades are free to watch. Arrive early for the best viewing spots, especially for the larger Belmar parade.
What is the "Irish Riviera" at the Jersey Shore?
The Belmar-Lake Como area is known as the "Irish Riviera" due to its strong Irish-American heritage and community. It hosts New Jersey's largest St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Is there public transportation to the St. Patrick's Day parades?
Yes! NJ Transit adds extra trains on the North Jersey Coast Line for the Belmar parade. For Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Rail Line provides service. Check NJ Transit schedules for parade day service.
What happens if it rains on parade day?
Policies vary by parade. The Seaside Heights parade has a rain date of April 1, 2026. Other parades typically proceed rain or shine. Check official parade websites for weather updates.
Sláinte! 🍀
Whether you're Irish or just Irish for the day, the Jersey Shore knows how to celebrate St. Patrick's Day right.