Few events in Boston bring out a crowd quite like the St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston. The neighborhood, long associated with the city’s Irish American community, fills with spectators lining the route, families on stoops and visitors from all over New England. It is a joyful day, and it is also one of the hardest days of the year to drive and park in Southie.
Why this parade is different
South Boston is a dense neighborhood of triple-deckers and rowhouses with narrow streets and a lot of resident parking. On an ordinary weekend, spaces are already competitive. On parade day, the route itself closes to traffic, surrounding streets see temporary restrictions, and tens of thousands of extra people try to arrive within the same few hours.
March 17 also has a second meaning in Boston. Evacuation Day commemorates the day in 1776 when British forces left the city during the Revolutionary War, and it is observed as a holiday in Suffolk County. The parade has long been held on a Sunday close to the date, which gives the weekend a festive, citywide feel.
The Red Line is the classic approach
For most visitors, the MBTA Red Line is the simplest way in. Broadway and Andrew stations serve South Boston, and both are within walking distance of much of the neighborhood. Trains get crowded before and after the parade, so expect lines and plan for patience, but the ride usually beats sitting in traffic.
Many people drive to a station outside the city, park there and ride in. Garages at outer stations can fill on big event days, so leave early and have a backup station in mind. The MBTA publishes service information and any event-day changes at mbta.com.
If you must drive
- Check the City of Boston’s official announcements for the parade route, street closures and towing areas. Temporary signs often go up days in advance.
- Look for garages outside South Boston, such as in the Seaport or downtown, and walk or take transit the rest of the way.
- Do not count on side streets. Many are resident-permit areas, and parade-day restrictions can apply even where you normally could park.
- Set a meeting point for your group in case phones are hard to use in the crowd.
Being a good guest in the neighborhood
Parade day happens on people’s front steps. Residents put up with a lot, and visitors who respect driveways, keep sidewalks clear and leave the area as clean as they found it help the tradition stay welcoming. If you see a space saver or a resident sign, leave it alone.
After the parade
The end of the parade sends crowds toward the stations and main roads all at once. Consider lingering at a restaurant or walking toward the waterfront and Castle Island for a while before heading home. Traffic and trains usually ease within an hour or two.
St. Patrick’s weekend in South Boston is a true Boston experience. Leave the car out of the neighborhood, ride the Red Line, and you will spend your day enjoying the parade instead of searching for a space.
A Parade Day Game Plan, Hour by Hour
The difference between an easy parade day and a frustrating one is usually decided before noon. Here is a simple way to sequence the day.
- The night before. Check the city’s announcements for the route, start time, closures and towing areas. Look at MBTA service notes for the day. Charge phones and agree on a meeting point.
- Early morning. If you are driving to a park-and-ride station, leave early. Outer station garages fill on big days, and the first trains in are less crowded.
- Arrival. Get off at Broadway or Andrew, or walk in from downtown or the Seaport if you parked there. Pick a viewing spot with room to stand and a clear path back.
- During the parade. Keep the group together, mind the curb and give room to residents coming and going from their homes.
- After the last marchers pass. Wait out the first rush. Find a meal, walk toward the water or simply let the crowds thin.
- Heading home. Consider walking to a station a little farther away from the route, where lines are often shorter.
What to Bring, and What to Leave Behind
March in Boston can be anything from mild sunshine to raw wind and sleet. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes for standing and walking, and bring a hat and gloves even if the morning looks bright. A small bag with water, snacks and a portable phone charger makes a long day easier. Leave anything bulky at home, since space along the route is tight and you may be walking a good distance. If you are bringing young children, consider whether a stroller will be practical in dense crowds and on busy trains.
Mistakes That Make Parade Day Harder
Waiting until the morning to check closures
Temporary signs and towing zones are often announced in advance. Checking the night before gives you time to change plans if your usual approach is affected.
Parking in a resident space
Resident permit rules still apply on parade day, and enforcement can be stricter. A ticket or tow is a quick way to end a good day.
Splitting up without a plan
Cell service can slow down when a huge crowd gathers in one neighborhood. Agree on a landmark meeting point and a time, so nobody depends on a text getting through.
Rushing the trains at the finish
Platforms fill fastest right after the parade ends. A little patience, or a short walk, usually means a calmer ride.
Questions Readers Ask
Is it safe to bring children?
Many families make the parade an annual tradition. Arrive early to find a spot with some space, keep children close and make sure they know what to do if they become separated, such as finding a police officer or a parade volunteer.
Can I bike to the parade?
Biking can be a good way to approach the neighborhood, but crowds make riding near the route impractical. Plan to lock up some distance away and walk in.
What about rideshare?
Drop-offs and pickups near the route are difficult because of closures and crowds. If you use rideshare, plan to meet your driver well outside the parade area.
