Public Safety Finalizes Preparations for St. Patrick's Day Festivities
Published on March 13, 2025
Pittsburgh, PA –The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety is excited to announce the final preparations for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebrations, which will kick off on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Approximately 20,000 people are expected to attend the parade, and the weekend celebrations are expected to draw even larger crowds.
For the first time, P3R is offering participants a unique way to get active before the festivities beginning with the Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash.
This exciting new event includes both a 5K race and a 1-mile family fun run/walk, taking place along the parade route. For additional race information, visit P3R’s website here.
To help you plan ahead, the following information will guide you through the upcoming weekend:
Market Square Celebration
The Irish Society for Education & Charity Inc., which organizes the parade, will host a family-friendly celebration in Market Square from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will feature entertainment, food, and activities suitable for all ages. Market Square will be closed to vehicular traffic during this time.
The parade will begin at Liberty Avenue and Grant Street, proceeding down Grant Street, turning right onto the Boulevard of the Allies, and ending at the review stand at Stanwix Street. Additional information on the parade is available here.
Parade Road Closures & Parking Restrictions
Parking is prohibited along the parade route and Market Square beginning at 4:00 a.m. on March 15. No Parking signs will be posted 48 hours in advance to warn drivers parked along the 1.4-mile parade route. Drivers are forewarned that tagging and towing will begin promptly thereafter, and their vehicles should be removed prior.
Additionally, full road closures will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Downtown and South Side Portable Restrooms
To ensure a comfortable experience for all in attendance, portable restrooms will be available throughout the duration of the parade downtown. Each location will feature one handicap-accessible unit. Additionally, three-locations are available in the South Side.
Public Transit and Rideshare Information
Due to the anticipated crowds, residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize public transportation when possible. However, detours and delays should be expected.
Bus Detours: Due to the race, parade, and festivities, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) will implement detours beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday. For the most detailed detour information, visit PRT’s website here.
Rideshare Pick-up and Drop-off Locations: To alleviate congestion, two designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones will be located in the South Side.
- South 18th Street, from East Carson to Wrights Way
- 20 Bedford Square, off South 12th Street
If you must drive into the city, free parking will be available at the Second Avenue Parking Plaza, which is just a short walk from both Downtown Pittsburgh and the South Side via the 10th Street Bridge. The parking lot will not be staffed by Pittsburgh Parking Authority.
Saturday evening, North Shore visitors should prepare for a road closure on North Shore Drive between Chuck Noll Way and Tony Dorsett Drive to allow for ease of pedestrian traffic. Visitors to this area are encouraged to connect with rideshare drivers off West General Robinson Street.
Lastly, Pittsburgh Police will be fully staffed to ensure safety throughout the downtown area, the South Side, and on the North Shore. Officers will be actively enforcing DUI laws, so please celebrate responsibly.
Pittsburgh EMS, Fire, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and dozens of Crossing Guards will also support both the parade and entertainment areas throughout the city. Pittsburgh Public Safety is grateful for the additional support of the Allegheny County Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and Port Authority Police.
Remember, if you see something, say something. Please call 911 to report any concerns. Also, video and picture tips can be submitted through this link or by scanning the QR code below.
For more tips on how to celebrate responsibly and further event updates, please visit the Office of Nighttime Economy's Facebook page here.
We look forward to celebrating Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day festivities with you!
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Eliza Durham
Media Coordinator
Public Safety
eliza.durham@pittsburghpa.gov