Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade
Ocean County's St. Patrick's Day celebration marches down the Boulevard in Seaside Heights. Free parking, family-friendly, and a legendary after-party at the Hershey Motel.
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St Patricks Day Weekend at a Glance
Sat, Mar 7
2026
12:00 PM
Step-off
Boulevard
Parade Route
FREE
Parking
While You're in Seaside Heights
Make the most of your visit with these local highlights and essential info.
🎯 Don't Miss
- Casino Pier — Rebuilt pier with Hydrus Euro-Fighter coaster (opened 2017), Giant Ferris Wheel with panoramic views, Air Race with 3-G loops, bumper cars, and go-karts. Pay-per-ride or $40-60 all-day wristbands.
- Breakwater Beach Waterpark — Gravity Racer six-lane racing slides, Lazy Crazy River, and one of the largest interactive play areas on the North Atlantic Coast. $33.95-$39.95 admission. Combo passes available with Casino Pier.
- Historic 1928 Carousel — Reopened July 2024 after extensive restoration. Dentzel/Looff carousel with 58 hand-carved wooden animals and a 1923 Wurlitzer band organ.
🔗 Quick Links
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About the Parade
The Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Seaside Heights has become a beloved tradition for Ocean County's Irish community. The parade marches up the Boulevard from J Street to Carteret Avenue, with thousands of spectators lining the route.
What sets this parade apart is the accessibility - free parking on the island in the off-season, a compact parade route, and a legendary after-party at the Hershey Motel. The day begins with Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 10 AM before the noon step-off.
💕 Sample Romantic Weekend
Morning
Arrive early for free parking in municipal lots. Optional: Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 10 AM. Grab breakfast and stake your viewing spot.
Parade (12 PM)
Watch the parade march up the Boulevard from J Street to Carteret Avenue. Pipe bands perform massed band finale with Amazing Grace.
After-Party
Head to the Hershey Motel for the legendary after-party. Irish music, drinks, and good times continue into the evening.
Romantic Restaurants
Reserve 2-3 weeks early for st patricks day weekend. Many offer special prix-fixe menus.
Hershey Motel
$$Bar & Venue
Official after-party location
Klee's Bar & Grill
$$American Bar
Boardwalk dining, parade specials
Mac's Pub
$$Irish Pub
Toms River - pipe & drum, drink specials
Spicy Cantina
$$Mexican
Festive atmosphere
Sawmill Cafe
$$American
Classic boardwalk spot
Where to Celebrate
Seaside Heights bars go all out for St. Patrick's Day:
Hershey Motel
THE after-party spot - don't miss it
Klee's Bar & Grill
Great food and drinks
Spicy Cantina
Lively atmosphere
Boardwalk Bars
Multiple options along the walk
Mac's Pub (Nearby - Toms River)
Worth the 15-minute drive for authentic Irish pub atmosphere:
Live Pipe & Drum
Traditional performances throughout the day
Irish Drink Specials
Guinness, Jameson, Irish Car Bombs
Festive Atmosphere
Games, giveaways, and Irish cheer
Mac's Pub, 1400 Hooper Ave, Toms River. Great option if Seaside bars are packed.
Romantic B&Bs & Hotels
Seaside Heights's accommodations offer the perfect romantic retreat. Many offer special packages.
Hershey Motel
Party Central
Walk to everything
Surf & Sand Beach Motel
Budget-friendly
Steps from beach
White Sands Oceanfront
Oceanfront
Ocean views
Nearby Toms River
Off-island option
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st patricks day Weekend Tips
Parking
- • FREE parking on the island in off-season
- • Municipal lot on Blaine/Grant Avenue
- • Plenty of spots near the bay
- • No need to stress about parking
The Day
- • Optional Mass at 10 AM
- • Parade steps off at noon
- • Massed band finale is don't-miss
- • Rain date is April 1
Other Romantic Shore Getaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Ocean County's Celebration! ☘️
Join Ocean County's Irish community for a family-friendly parade and legendary after-party.