Quick Guide: Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is happening! After a two-year hiatus, the 2022 downtown Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day parade is bound to be a celebration like no other. For many of us, the 2020 cancellation was a shocking reality that we were facing unprecedented times. The parade’s return may not mean the end of the pandemic, but it is a sign of improvement. The United Irish Societies of Greater Cleveland host the Cleveland St. Patty’s day parade. The theme for this year is Ireland’s Scenic Coastlines.

The parade typically draws about 300,000 spectators. With so many visitors, our city will be full of life and frivolity. But, add that many bodies and cars to any town, and there is sure to be some chaos. Luckily, after over 150 years, this event is very organized and expertly run. Area businesses know what to expect. Restaurants and bars are ready to join the celebration. And, the Cleveland Police will be present.

What Time Is the Cleveland St Patrick’s Day Parade?

Following an introduction of honorees, invocation, and the singing of the national anthem, the parade will begin at 1:04 pm. Not 1:00 pm, not 1:05 pm. This detail alone demonstrates the precision in planning for this event.

Cleveland St Patrick’s Day Parade Route

The St. Patrick’s day parade route is as follows: 

• Start at 18th and Superior heading SW on Superior
• Pass 13th, 9th, and 6th to Public Square
• Then NW on West Roadway for one block
• Then NE on Rockwell
• Ending at Rockwell and Ontario

The best place to watch is pretty much anywhere along the route. Superior Ave. has very wide, even sidewalks that may accommodate a chair if you need to sit. Public Square is also a lovely spot to watch the parade since you can sit on the grass. The parade lasts about two hours – plan accordingly as you may have limited access to bathrooms. We should be respectful to local businesses and reserve their bathrooms for patrons. Since there is plenty of green beer and corn beef to buy, this should not be a problem. 

Where to Park

All the parade route streets, and the streets they intersect, will be closed to traffic and parking. You will need to find a parking garage outside of that perimeter. The easiest option is to use RTA. It is free to park at many of their lots, and they are offering an all-day $5.00 pass! Thanks to the Cleveland Police Department, If you live in Summit County, you can get a free Lyft ride for the day. 

Eat & Drink

You must enjoy the best food and drink in Cleveland on St. Patty’s Day. It’s required. Bonus points if you pick an Irish pub. We have compiled a list of Irish bars in the area. We have only included those with a 4.5+ star rating on Google to help you choose.

• Parnell’s  (1415 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115)
• Flannery’s  (323 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44115)
• P.J. McIntyre’s Irish Pub  (17119 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111)
• The Harp  (4408 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113)
• Murphy’s Law  (Fulton Plaza Shopping Center, 5303 Memphis Ave, Cleveland, OH 44144)
• Old Angle Tavern  (1848 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113)
• Flat Iron Cafe  (1114 Center St, Cleveland, OH 44113)
• Carney’s Top of the Flats Bar  (1329 Washington Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113)
• Pride of Erin  (12228 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111)
• Stone Mad Pub  (1306 W 65th St, Cleveland, OH 44102)
• Public House  (17219 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111)
• McNamara’s Pub  (8611 Lake Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102)
• Parnell’s Pub  (12425 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106)
• Muldoon’s Saloon & Eatery  (1020 E 185th St, Cleveland, OH 44119)
• The Treehouse  (820 College Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113)
• McGinty’s Pub  (13751 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107)
• Gormley’s Pub  (19500 Center Ridge Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116)

Don’t want the festivities to end? Check out the Jameson Cleveland St. Patricks Day run. The 5k is on Saturday, March 19th. Which, gives you two days to recuperate from the parade. It is a great way to keep the party going, and they are giving out some pretty cool swag!