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2026 entries close on 28 February at 11:59pm

 

March With Us

Rochester (NY) St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is pleased that you are joining us for this year’s parade. This is a community-wide event that brings thousands of people to Downtown Rochester annually. For the safety and consideration of all residential and business properties, parade-goers and other participants, please read, understand and comply with the following:

Our Mission

The Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a "Moving Show" dedicated to the celebration of St. Patrick, and his life of service to others. Entrants are encouraged to display the shamrock, to remind viewers of how St. Patrick used it to explain the mystery of the Trinity; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Parade entries shall be fun, entertaining, family oriented and crowd pleasing. The parade takes place on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, or on St. Patrick's Day when it falls on a Saturday.

2026 Parade Theme

As we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, we’re proud to announce the theme for the upcoming Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

✨ 250 Years of Freedom, Fueled by Irish Spirit ✨

For two and a half centuries, the Irish spirit has helped shape the American story. From courage and community to service and sacrifice, Irish Americans have played a vital role in building, defending, and strengthening our nation.

This year’s parade will honor that legacy. Expect a celebration of freedom, heritage, and the shared values that continue to unite us all, brought to life through music, tradition, and plenty of green.

We can’t wait to see our streets filled with shamrocks, stars and stripes as Rochester comes together to celebrate history in motion.

Get ready to march, celebrate, and make history with us. ☘️🎶🇺🇸

Formation

Line-up begins at approx 11:30 am on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Parade begins promptly at 12:30 pm. Please do not trespass on residential property during the parade formation process. Respect your neighbors. If you damage any property, your group will be held responsible for costs incurred as a result.

Parade Route

The Parade officially begins at East Avenue and Alexander Street, then starts down East Avenue to Main Street, turning left onto Main Street, proceeding west down Main Street, past the reviewing stand located just west of the Rochester Riverside Hotel, and ending at Fitzhugh (then continuing on until dispersing in an orderly manner at the direction of the Parade Marshals and the Rochester Police Department). Parade Marshals will be available the day of the Parade to assist you.

Placement

Units should check the website for official formation details. Be sure to have a copy of the lineup sheet with you on parade day. Please keep your group in your assigned location. To avoid confusion, tell all of your group participants what your division and line-up street is and where the parade begins. Any unit arriving late will be placed at the end of the parade. We post the line-up information on our website: www.rochesterparade.com. 

 

IMPORTANT - Any parade entry (that includes a vehicle) is limited to ONLY ONE VEHICLE. With the new route and staging  area changes, there are space concerns. ANY ADDITIONAL VEHICLES WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE STAGING AREA AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE PARADE - NO EXCEPTIONS.

Dignity

This is a family event and we expect that dignity will be preserved by the enforcement of all rules and regulations as outlined herein, and officials will be strict in their interpretation thereof. No Vulgar, Non-family-friendly Signage, Clothing, Music, etc will be allowed. No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances will be allowed on or near any vehicle or to be used by any parade participant. Violation of this rule will automatically result in the removal of your unit from the parade and possible banning from future events.

Safety Agreement

Throwing or selling of candy, beads, or any items from vehicles, floats, marchers, or participants along the parade route is STRICTLY PROHIBITED - NO EXCEPTIONS! This creates a dangerous situation for youngsters running into the road and the potential for serious injury. Items may be handed out curbside only. Your participation in next year’s parade may be denied if your group is identified as having ignored this agreement for participation in the parade.