Asbury Park St. Patrick's Day Parade
The 12th annual parade celebrates Irish heritage through New Jersey's music capital. 2026 Grand Marshal: Kim Guadagno (former Lt. Governor). Unlike traditional parades, Asbury welcomes creative, non-traditional acts.
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St Patricks Day Weekend at a Glance
Sun, Mar 8
2026
1:00 PM
Step-off
Ocean Ave
Start
Cookman
End
While You're in Asbury Park
Make the most of your visit with these local highlights and essential info.
🎯 Don't Miss
- The Stone Pony — Legendary rock club where Springsteen got his start. 850-capacity indoor venue year-round; 4,500-capacity Summer Stage runs May-October. At 4.0 stars, visitors call it "one of the greatest music venues of all time."
- Silverball Retro Arcade — Playable pinball museum with 180+ machines spanning the 1950s to present on free play. $10-20 admission. 4.5+ stars as "the coolest place on Earth." 2025 Newsweek Readers' Choice Award winner.
- Asbury Park Boardwalk — Mile-long boardwalk featuring the Wooden Walls Mural Project with 28+ murals by international artists. Home to Convention Hall and the iconic Casino building.
🔗 Quick Links
🚗 Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Asbury Park
About the Parade
Founded in 2014, the Asbury Park St. Patrick's Day Parade has grown into a beloved celebration drawing over 10,000 visitors each year. The 2026 Grand Marshal is Kim Guadagno, former Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey and current President/CEO of the Mercy Center in Asbury Park.
The parade route passes iconic music landmarks - the legendary Stone Pony, Wonder Bar with its famous Tillie mural, and Convention Hall. Johnny Mac's House of Spirits serves as official parade headquarters, opening at 10 AM with free pizza on parade day. Also catch the Shamrock N' Roll 5K at Stone Pony on March 14!
💕 Sample Romantic Weekend
Morning
Arrive by 11 AM. Park in municipal lots or take NJ Transit. Grab brunch at a Main Street spot while you wait.
Parade (1 PM)
Watch the parade from Ocean Avenue as it passes Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, and Convention Hall, ending at Cookman & Main.
After-Party
Head to Johnny Mac's (official HQ), Wonder Bar, or Asbury Park Brewery. Live music and Irish specials all day.
Romantic Restaurants
Reserve 2-3 weeks early for st patricks day weekend. Many offer special prix-fixe menus.
Johnny Mac's House of Spirits
$$Irish Pub
Official parade HQ, iconic Asbury bar
Wonder Bar
$$Rock Bar
Shamrock N Roll fundraiser, parade route views
Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away
$$Irish Pub
Lucky Leprechaun Breakfast host
Asbury Park Brewery
$$Brewery
Pre-Game party, craft beers
Toast
$$Breakfast/Brunch
Locals' favorite for brunch
Porta
$$Pizza & Cocktails
Great for groups, lively atmosphere
Live Music Venues
Asbury Park's music legacy is legendary. Check calendars for St. Patrick's weekend shows:
Stone Pony
Legendary rock club on parade route
Wonder Bar
Beach bar with Tillie mural, live music
The Saint
Intimate indie venue
Asbury Lanes
Bowling alley with live shows
Pre-Parade Events
The parade hosts fundraisers throughout the season:
Lucky Leprechaun Breakfast
January kickoff at Kim Marie's
Shamrock N Roll Concert
February at Wonder Bar
Parade Pre-Game
Early March at Asbury Park Brewery
Johnny Mac's Parade Day
Opens 10 AM - 2 AM, FREE pizza!
Shamrock N' Roll 5K (March 14)
Charity 5K race at Stone Pony the week after the parade:
Date
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Start/Finish
Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave N
Includes
Leprechaun suit, chip-timed, after-party
After-Party
Brian Kirk & the Jirks at Stone Pony (21+)
Charity
Benefits Rodeo For Recreation youth programs
Register at runsignup.com - all runners get a free leprechaun suit!
Romantic B&Bs & Hotels
Asbury Park's accommodations offer the perfect romantic retreat. Many offer special packages.
The Asbury Hotel
Boutique rooftop
Ocean views, Reyla restaurant
Asbury Ocean Club
Luxury residences
Modern design, full kitchens
The Berkeley Oceanfront
Beach access
Classic oceanfront hotel
Ocean Grove B&Bs
Nearby Victorian
Short walk to Asbury
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st patricks day Weekend Tips
Do
- • Arrive by 11 AM for parking
- • Check pre-event calendar for fundraisers
- • Make Johnny Mac's your base camp
- • Embrace the creative, non-traditional acts
- • Take NJ Transit if possible
Skip
- • Arriving right at 1 PM start time
- • Expecting only traditional Irish acts
- • Wandering aimlessly between bars
- • Driving if you plan to drink
Other Romantic Shore Getaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Irish Meets Rock n Roll! 🎸☘️
Join 10,000+ revelers for Asbury Park's creative, inclusive St. Patrick's Day celebration.