Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade
One of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades on the East Coast celebrates nearly 50 years of Irish heritage on the Seaside Heights boardwalk. Join 75,000+ spectators for this beloved March tradition.
Quick Facts
Sun, March 8
2026
12:00 PM
Noon Start
Boulevard
Route
April 1
Rain Date
About the Parade
The Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade has been a Seaside Heights tradition since 1976, making 2026 its landmark 50th anniversary celebration. What started as a community gathering has grown into one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades on the East Coast, drawing over 75,000 spectators to the Jersey Shore each March.
The 1.25-mile parade route marches down the iconic Boulevard, starting near the Seaside Park border at J-Street and heading north to Carteret Avenue. Pipe bands, Irish step dancers, decorated floats, fire departments, and local organizations fill the route with color and music.
The celebration starts early with a 10 AM Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, honoring Irish heritage and parade participants. The Massed Band performance featuring a massive 40-foot American flag kicks off the parade at noon. Afterward, the party continues at legendary boardwalk bars like Klee's and Hemingway's.
By the Numbers
50th
Anniversary
1976
Founded
75K+
Spectators
1.25mi
Route
Parade Day Schedule
Best Viewing Spots
Along the Boulevard
The 1.25-mile parade route from J-Street to Carteret Avenue offers great views anywhere along the Boulevard. Near Klee's (101 Boulevard) is popular for quick access to post-parade celebrations.
Tips for the Best Experience
- • Arrive 1-2 hours early for prime spots
- • Near Casino Pier tends to be less crowded
- • Bring folding chairs or blankets
- • Dress warmly - it's still winter!
- • Check bar patios for elevated views
What to Bring
Folding chairs
Parade lasts over an hour - your legs will thank you
Layers (fleece, jacket)
March mornings are cold, but afternoon sun warms up
Cash
Bar tabs, food vendors, and tips - ATMs have lines
Comfortable shoes
You'll walk from parking and stand for hours
Sunglasses
March sun is bright, especially off the ocean
Phone charger/power bank
Photos and videos drain batteries fast
🌡️ March Weather Guide
Typical Conditions
52°F
High
36°F
Low
Partly cloudy, breezy
How to Layer
- → Base: Long-sleeve thermal or t-shirt
- → Mid: Fleece or hoodie
- → Outer: Wind-resistant jacket
- → Accessories: Hat, sunglasses, gloves (morning)
Morning is coldest (40s). By afternoon, sun warms to mid-50s. Dress to remove layers.
Insider Tips
Arrive before 10 AM for best parking
Free parking fills fast. Municipal lots on Blaine and Grant go first. Street parking is hit-or-miss.
Hit Klee's for free breakfast
Klee's serves free breakfast before the parade. Their homemade corned beef hash is legendary.
Stake your spot by 11 AM
Prime Boulevard spots fill up an hour before. Near Klee's and Hemingway's patios are most popular.
Use restrooms before the parade
Bar bathrooms get packed during and after. The municipal building restrooms are less crowded.
Watch from Hemingway's patio
Elevated patio has great views. Get there early to secure a table with parade sightlines.
Stay for the after-party at Hershey's
The party continues into the evening. Live music from local bands in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Dressing like it's summer
March at the shore is 40-55°F. Wind off the ocean makes it feel colder.
Fix: Wear layers. Start with a long-sleeve shirt, add fleece, bring a windbreaker.
Arriving at noon
Parade starts at noon. You'll miss the start while parking and walking.
Fix: Arrive before 10 AM. Grab breakfast, stake your spot, enjoy the pre-parade atmosphere.
Not bringing cash
Bars are slammed. Card transactions are slow. ATMs have 20-minute lines.
Fix: Bring $100+ in cash. Speeds up bar tabs, tips, and street food purchases.
Planning to drive home right after
Everyone leaves at once. Traffic backs up on Route 37 for over an hour.
Fix: Stay for the after-party, have dinner, let traffic clear. Or plan to stay overnight.
💰 Budget Breakdown
What to expect for a day at the parade:
Parking
Winter parking is free in Seaside Heights
FREE
Parade viewing
Public event on public streets
FREE
Breakfast at Klee's
Free breakfast or full menu
FREE-$15
Drinks (2-4 beers)
$5-7 per beer, $8-12 cocktails
$20-40
Lunch/food
Bar food, boardwalk options
$15-30
Tips
Bartenders are slammed - tip well
$5-15
Free parking + free parade makes this one of the best value events at the Shore
Parade After Party
Hershey Motel (1415 Boulevard)
The official post-parade celebration featuring live music from Drunkin' Clams and other bands.
Where to Celebrate
Seaside Heights bars and restaurants go all out for St. Patrick's Day. Here are the top spots:
Klee's Bar & Grill
101 Boulevard
Dating back to 1931, Klee's is a Seaside Heights institution. The family-owned establishment serves up hearty Irish fare.
☘️ Free breakfast before the parade, famous homemade corned beef hash, live Irish music
Hemingway's Cafe
612 Boulevard
Family-owned entertainment complex since 2007 with fine dining, sushi bar, and ocean views.
☘️ Prime patio parade viewing, official After Party with live rock bands
Hooks Bar & Grill
1320 Boulevard
Legendary local watering hole with a ship-hull-shaped bar, life-sized pirate statues, and games like ping pong and billiards.
☘️ Central gathering spot for parade activities, famous parking lot parties
The Sawmill
Seaside Park Boardwalk
Family-friendly boardwalk restaurant serving American cuisine and fresh pizza.
☘️ Great option for families with kids, quick boardwalk bites
Getting There
🅿️ FREE Parking
One of the best perks of the Ocean County parade - free parking throughout Seaside Heights in winter! Municipal lots on Blaine Avenue and Grant Avenue fill up first. Street parking available on side streets.
🚗 Driving Tips
Take Route 37 East to the island. Arrive before 10 AM for the best parking. The Boulevard will be closed for the parade, so park on side streets and walk.
Where to Stay
Make it a St. Patrick's Day weekend! The parade draws 75,000+ spectators, so book early. Stay in Seaside Heights for walking distance to the action, or try nearby Point Pleasant Beach, Lavallette, or Toms River for more options.
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Other Shore Parades
Frequently Asked Questions
Join 75,000+ on the Boulevard!
Celebrate 50 years of Irish heritage at the Ocean County parade - free parking, free admission, and legendary post-parade parties.