Asbury Park St. Patrick's Day Parade
The 11th annual parade celebrates Irish heritage in the heart of New Jersey's music scene. Unlike traditional parades, Asbury welcomes mummers, roller girls, zombies, and live bands on floats - reflecting the city's creative spirit.
Quick Facts
Sun, March 8
2026
1:00 PM
Step-off
Ocean Ave
Start
Cookman
End
About the Parade
Founded in 2014 by Garrett Giberson, the Asbury Park St. Patrick's Day Parade has grown into a beloved celebration that draws over 10,000 visitors each year. Now in its 11th year, the parade reflects Asbury Park's creative spirit by welcoming both traditional and non-traditional acts.
The parade route passes iconic music landmarks that have defined the Jersey Shore sound - the legendary Stone Pony (where Springsteen and Bon Jovi played), the Wonder Bar with its famous Tillie mural, the historic Empress Hotel, and the Casino. The procession ends in downtown Asbury Park at Cookman Avenue & Main Street.
What makes this parade unique is its inclusive nature. Mummers, clowns, roller girls, zombies, and live bands on floats march alongside traditional pipe bands and Irish dancers. Johnny Mac's House of Spirits on Main Street serves as the official parade headquarters and presenting sponsor.
By the Numbers
11th
Annual
2014
Founded
10K+
Visitors
1 PM
Start Time
Parade Route
The parade starts at Ocean Avenue & 4th Avenue, proceeds southwest past the Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, Carousel House, and Empress Hotel, then ends at Cookman Avenue & Main Street.
Stone Pony
Legendary music venue on parade route
Wonder Bar
Dog-friendly bar with parade views
Empress Hotel
Historic hotel on Ocean Avenue
Convention Hall
Iconic boardwalk landmark
Music Scene Tie-In
Asbury Park is famous for its music scene - from Springsteen to the Bouncing Souls. On St. Patrick's Day weekend, venues host special Irish music events, combining Celtic traditions with the Jersey Shore sound.
Pre-Parade Event Series
The parade hosts fundraiser events throughout the season to support the celebration:
Lucky Leprechaun Breakfast
January (pre-parade kickoff) • Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away
All-you-can-eat Irish breakfast buffet, 10 AM-2 PM. $25 adults, $10 kids. Includes one Bloody Mary or mimosa.
Shamrock N Roll
February (parade fundraiser) • The Wonder Bar
11th annual live music fundraiser, 2-8 PM. $20 tickets. All proceeds support the parade.
Parade Pre-Game Party
Late February / Early March • Asbury Park Brewery
Warm up for the big day with craft beers and good company at the brewery.
Where to Celebrate
Asbury Park's bars and music venues go all out for St. Patrick's Day:
Johnny Mac's House of Spirits
208 Main St
Official parade headquarters and presenting sponsor. Walls covered with photos and memorabilia, chalk graffiti, skeeball lanes, and a huge outdoor area.
☘️ The official after-party spot - Asbury's most iconic Irish bar, voted one of NJ's best.
The Wonder Bar
1213 Ocean Ave
Iconic rock bar with musical history spanning Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Clarence Clemons. Famous Tillie mural is an Asbury landmark.
☘️ Hosts "Shamrock N Roll" fundraiser concert series. Parade route passes directly by.
Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away
Near the boardwalk
Beloved neighborhood hideaway since 2013 - "a bit of Dublin in Asbury Park." Known for $5 Guinness pints.
☘️ Hosts "Lucky Leprechaun Breakfast" pre-parade fundraiser with Irish buffet.
Asbury Park Brewery
Downtown Asbury
Local craft brewery with rotating taps and a welcoming taproom atmosphere.
☘️ Hosts "Parade Pre-Game" party. Great for craft beer lovers.
Getting There
🚂 NJ Transit
The Asbury Park station on the North Jersey Coast Line is a short walk to the parade route.
🚗 Parking
Municipal lots and street parking available. Ocean Avenue garages fill up early on parade day.
Parade Day Budget
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Parade Brunch | $15-25 | Line your stomach before the festivities |
| Parking (municipal lot) | $5-15 | Arrive early, fills up by 11 AM |
| Drinks at Bars (4-6) | $40-60 | Guinness, Irish whiskey, green beer |
| Food During Parade | $15-25 | Bar food, food trucks |
| NJ Transit (round trip) | $15-20 | Alternative to driving/parking |
| Total Day Trip | $75-145 | Budget-friendly small parade |
Parade Day Mistakes to Avoid
Arriving right at 1 PM parade start time
No parking, can't find a viewing spot, miss the beginning. Frustrated start to your day.
The fix: Arrive by 11 AM. Grab brunch at a Main Street spot, secure parking, and stake out your viewing spot early.
Not checking the pre-parade event calendar
You miss the Lucky Leprechaun Breakfast, Shamrock N Roll, and other fundraisers. Less community connection.
The fix: Follow the parade's social media. The pre-events are part of the experience and support the parade.
Expecting a traditional parade only
Confused when roller girls, zombies, and rock bands march by. "Is this the right parade?"
The fix: Embrace Asbury's creative spirit! The mix of traditional Irish and non-traditional acts IS the point. It's what makes this parade unique.
Not making Johnny Mac's your base camp
Wandering between unfamiliar bars. Missing the official after-party energy and atmosphere.
The fix: Johnny Mac's is parade HQ for a reason. Make it your home base. The walls, the crowd, the energy - it's the quintessential Asbury experience.
Where to Stay
Make it a music-filled weekend! Asbury Park has boutique hotels, or stay nearby in Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, or Long Branch.
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Other Shore Parades
Frequently Asked Questions
Irish Heritage Meets Jersey Shore Music!
Join 10,000+ revelers for Asbury Park's creative, inclusive St. Patrick's Day celebration - where traditional Irish meets rock 'n' roll.