Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade
New Jersey's LARGEST St. Patrick's Day parade brings 6,700+ marchers and 100,000 spectators to the Irish Riviera. A beloved tradition since 1974. 2026 parade rescheduled to March 28 due to historic snowstorm.
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St Patricks Day Weekend at a Glance
Sat, Mar 28
Parade Date
12:30 PM
Step-off
Main Street
Parade Route
FREE
Admission
While You're in Belmar
Make the most of your visit with these local highlights and essential info.
🎯 Don't Miss
- D'Jais — Legendary beach bar and nightclub since 1980. Famous $1 Bud Light specials, Bruce Springsteen history, and epic summer parties. Lines form by 10pm on weekends—the epicenter of Jersey Shore nightlife.
- Bar A (Bar Anticipation) — Massive entertainment complex with 3 volleyball courts, outdoor bars, and live music. Open May-October. The other pillar of Belmar nightlife.
- NJ Sandcastle Contest — Annual July event drawing sculptors from around the world. Spectacular sand art on the beach—one of the shore's most unique events.
🚗 Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Belmar
About the Belmar Parade
Since 1974, the Belmar-Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade has grown into the largest celebration of its kind in New Jersey. Known as the parade of the "Irish Riviera," this beloved tradition honors the deep Irish-American roots of Monmouth County's shore communities.
The 53rd annual parade in 2026 was rescheduled from March 1 to March 28 due to a historic blizzard that dropped over two feet of snow - the first weather postponement in the parade's 53-year history. The celebration promises to be spectacular, with over 6,700 marchers including 17 pipe bands and 12 marching bands.
💕 Sample Romantic Weekend
Morning
Arrive by 10-11 AM. Take NJ Transit to Belmar station or park at Marina (fills by 9 AM). Grab coffee and stake out your viewing spot on Main Street.
Parade (12:30 PM)
Watch 6,700+ marchers including 17 pipe bands, Irish dancers, floats, and local organizations march down Main Street. Parade lasts about 2 hours.
Post-Parade
Head to Bar A or D'Jais for the legendary after-party. Live music, green beer, and Irish specials. The real party is just beginning.
Romantic Restaurants
Reserve 2-3 weeks early for st patricks day weekend. Many offer special prix-fixe menus.
Bar Anticipation
$$American Bar & Grill
The legendary Bar A - week-long celebrations
D'Jais
$$Bar & Live Music
Live music and St. Patrick's Day specials
10th Avenue Burrito
$$Mexican
Great food, festive atmosphere
Matisse
$$$Upscale American
Parade day specials, nice option
Connolly Station
$$Irish Pub
Traditional Irish fare
Beach Tavern
$$American
Local favorite with drinks
Where to Celebrate
The parade is just the start. Belmar's bars go all out with St. Patrick's Day festivities:
Bar Anticipation
Week-long celebrations, massive crowds
D'Jais
Live music venue, parade day specials
Connolly Station
Classic Irish pub vibe
Beach Tavern
Local hangout, cold beers
Pro tip: Watch the full parade first, then hit the bars. Trying to bar-hop during the parade means missing everything.
Romantic B&Bs & Hotels
Belmar's accommodations offer the perfect romantic retreat. Many offer special packages.
The Inn at the Shore
Walking distance
Book 2+ months ahead
Best Western
Belmar
Reliable, near transit
Spring Lake Inns
Nearby elegance
Short drive or Uber
Asbury Park Hotels
Nearby alternative
Music scene access
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Romantic Activities
st patricks day Weekend Tips
Transportation
- • Take NJ Transit - extra trains run for parade
- • Belmar station is a short walk to Main Street
- • If driving, arrive before 9 AM for Marina parking
- • Uber/Lyft surge pricing in effect
Parade Viewing
- • Arrive 1-2 hours early for good spots
- • Bring folding chairs
- • Near 10th Avenue is less crowded
- • Dress WARMLY - ocean wind is cold
Budget
- • NJ Transit: $15-25 round trip
- • Food & drinks: $50-100 for the day
- • Parking (if driving): $20-40
- • Hotel (if overnight): Book early, $150-250
Other Romantic Shore Getaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Join 100,000 Spectators! ☘️
Experience New Jersey's largest St. Patrick's Day celebration in the Irish Riviera.