Guide To Pittsburgh's 2017 St. Patrick's Day Parade
By Janelle Sheetz
Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day parade may be one of the city's biggest parties -- and one of the biggest parades in general for the holiday, ranking as the second largest in the world with 100,000 spectators each year. This year's parade will be held on Saturday, March 11, at 10 a.m. There's plenty of other things to do, too, including Irish Fair in the Square before, during, and after the parade, so you can party all day.
Parade Route
Formation begins at the Greyhound Bus Station at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street and will proceed to Grant Street to Boulevard of the Allies, then turn right. It will proceed to the Reviewing Stand on Stanwix Street before disbursing at Commonwealth Place.
Irish Fair in the Square
Every year, the Market Square Merchants Association throws its own St. Patrick's Day party. Before and during the parade, enjoy drink specials at Market Square -- including green beer, of course -- and afterward, join the only street party in the city with street vendors and live music. Family-friendly entertainment will also be available.
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Souvenirs
As in past years, the parade will have its own official t-shirt, which is currently in production and should be arriving at local retailers soon -- along with the Pittsburgh Shamrock Shammy, the parade's answer to the Terrible Towel "for people who want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day the Pittsburgh way." Ensure that you remember the 2017 St. Patrick's Day Parade with some commemorative memorabilia.
Transportation
There are several parking options in downtown Pittsburgh, but if you plan on partaking in any drinking, alternative transportation options are also available. This includes the bus and the T, as well as cabs. To ensure proper scheduling for the bus or T, check the Port Authority website. Keep in mind that there will be several street closures, and cab services will be busy, so plan ahead.
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