Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026: Your Complete Guide
Saturday, March 14, 2026 — Schedule, route, parking, best viewing spots, and the Irish heritage behind one of America's largest parades.
Published March 6, 2026 by House Buying Solutions PA
Quick Facts
Schedule of Events
Parade Day kicks off well before the main march. Here's the full timeline.
10:00 AM
Parade Day Mass
St. Peter's Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Ave, Scranton
11:00 AM
Brian P. Kelly Memorial 2-Mile Footrace
Annual race honoring the late Brian P. Kelly — open to runners of all levels
11:45 AM
Parade Steps Off
The main event begins at Wyoming Ave & Mulberry St, in front of St. Peter's Cathedral
Parade Route
The parade follows a straightforward path through Downtown Scranton. Here's the route from start to finish.
Wyoming Ave & Mulberry St
Starting point — in front of St. Peter's Cathedral
Left onto Lackawanna Ave
The parade's busiest stretch — spectators stand 4 to 5 rows deep
Lackawanna Ave becomes Jefferson Ave
Continue straight as the road transitions
Lackawanna County Courthouse Square
Central gathering area with large crowds
N. Washington Ave & Vine St
End of the parade route
Best Viewing Spots
Where you stand matters. These are the top areas to watch the parade.
N. Washington Ave (Reviewing Stand)
Bleachers are set up near the official reviewing booth — best for watching performances and announcements
Lackawanna Ave
The most popular stretch. Arrive early to claim a front-row spot — this area fills up fast
Wyoming Ave (Near the Start)
See the units line up and step off. Less crowded than Lackawanna Ave, great for families
Parking & Getting There
Parking is the biggest logistical challenge on Parade Day. On-street parking in and around Downtown Scranton is extremely limited, and vehicles parked in designated No Parking zones will be ticketed and towed beginning at 6:00 AM.
Steamtown Mall
A popular parking option with a larger lot. It's a short walk to the parade route and easier to exit after the event.
Central Parking Garages
Garages near the parade route are available, but garages on the parade route will be inaccessible during the event. Entry and exit will not be permitted once barricades go up.
Important
Barricades will be in place throughout the parade, making it difficult to leave Downtown until later in the day. Plan to stay for the full event or park outside the barricade zone.
What You'll See
With more than 12,000 participants, the Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade is a full-scale spectacle. Expect to see:
Scranton's Irish Heritage
Scranton's deep Irish roots are the foundation of Parade Day. Between 1840 and 1870, tens of thousands of Irish immigrants settled in northeastern Pennsylvania, fleeing the Great Famine and seeking work in the region's booming anthracite coal mines.
The Irish, alongside Polish, Italian, and Lithuanian immigrants, formed the backbone of the mining workforce in Lackawanna County. They endured harsh working conditions, low pay, and long hours — but they built tight-knit communities, parishes, and traditions that define the region to this day.
In 1962, the St. Patrick's Parade Day Association of Lackawanna County organized the first official parade, held the Saturday before the Feast of St. Patrick. What began as a local celebration has grown into one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the United States, drawing 150,000 spectators to Downtown Scranton every year.
Today, the parade is more than a march — it's a celebration of the Irish spirit that helped build this region. From the gothic spires of Irish parishes to the packed sidewalks on Lackawanna Ave, Scranton's Irish heritage is alive and well.
After the Parade
The celebration doesn't end when the last float passes. Restaurants, bars, and pubs throughout Lackawanna County keep the Irish cheer going with live entertainment, food, and drinks well into the evening.
A local highlight is the Cooper's Seafood House Parade Day Breakfast Buffet — a Scranton tradition run by the Cooper family, this year's Honorary Grand Marshals. Numerous downtown establishments offer Parade Day specials, so plan to explore the local dining scene before or after the march.
Tips for Parade Day
Practical advice for first-timers and returning spectators.
Dress in layers — mid-March in NEPA can swing from the 30s to the 50s, and you'll be standing outside for hours.
Arrive by 9:30 AM to find parking and stake out a viewing spot before the streets close.
Bring cash — food vendors and local shops along the route may not all accept cards.
Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes — sidewalks can be wet from snowmelt or rain.
Plan your exit route in advance. Downtown streets remain closed for hours after the parade ends.
Rideshare drop-off works well — set your pin a few blocks outside the parade route for pickup after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade start?
The parade steps off at 11:45 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026. A Parade Day Mass begins at 10:00 AM at St. Peter's Cathedral, and the Brian P. Kelly Memorial Footrace starts at 11:00 AM.
Where does the parade start and end?
The parade starts at Wyoming Ave & Mulberry St (in front of St. Peter's Cathedral) and ends at N. Washington Ave & Vine St, passing through Lackawanna Ave, Jefferson Ave, and the Lackawanna County Courthouse Square.
Where should I park for the parade?
On-street parking is very limited. The Steamtown Mall parking area is a popular option. Avoid garages directly on the parade route — they are inaccessible during the parade. Vehicles in designated No Parking zones will be towed beginning at 6:00 AM.
How many people attend the Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade?
The parade draws approximately 150,000 spectators each year and features more than 12,000 participants, making it one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the United States.
When was the first Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade?
The St. Patrick's Parade Day Association of Lackawanna County has organized the parade since 1962, making the 2026 edition the 64th annual celebration.
Who is the 2026 Grand Marshal?
The 2026 Grand Marshal is John Madden. The Honorary Grand Marshals are the Cooper family, owners of the iconic Cooper's Seafood House in Scranton.
Own Property in the Scranton Area?
House Buying Solutions is a local team that buys houses directly from homeowners across Northeast Pennsylvania — any condition, any situation. If you're thinking about your next move, we're happy to talk.
Own Property in Scranton?
Get a no-obligation cash offer from a local team that knows NEPA.
By submitting, you consent to receive texts & calls. Reply STOP to opt out.