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2026 Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade: Route & Details

The Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade is an annual tradition that attracts hundreds of spectators who come to watch as the parade travels throughout the city. For 2026, the popular event will be held on Saturday, March 14.

bagpipers marching in a street parade

2026 Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade Info

Whether you're marching, spectating, or just planning your day around the festivities, here’s everything you need to know about road closures, staging areas, and the parade route.

Note: The North Albany Limerick Parade begins earlier in the day at 11:30AM, with additional road closures and parking restrictions in effect.

2026 Parade Route & Road Closures

The milestone 75th Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, kicking off at 2:00 PM.

The parade will follow a scenic route through the heart of the city, beginning at the intersection of Central Avenue and Lexington Avenue. From there, the procession moves east on Central Avenue to Washington Avenue, continues east on Washington Avenue to State Street, and finally travels east on State Street to its conclusion near James Street.

Road Closures and Traffic Impacts

Road closures will begin as early as 7:00 AM on Saturday, March 14, to accommodate parade lineup and safety. While some major arteries like Henry Johnson Boulevard and Lark Street will remain open initially, they will close by 12:30 PM.

  • 7:00 AM: Central Avenue closes between Quail Street and Lexington Avenue for parade lineup.
  • 8:00 AM: The official parade route closes to all traffic.
  • 12:30 PM: Henry Johnson Boulevard and Lark Street close to all northbound and southbound traffic.
  • Route Coverage: The entire parade route, including Central Avenue (Quail to Washington), Washington Avenue (Central to State), and State Street (Eagle to Broadway), will remain closed until the parade ends.
  • Cross Streets: All cross streets along the route will be closed, including Eagle Street and North/South Pearl Streets from Pine Street to Hudson Avenue.

2026 Parking Restrictions

St. Patrick's Day Decor

Parking restrictions are extensive and begin as early as Friday morning. Please pay close attention to the signage in these areas to avoid towing.

  • Friday (6:00 AM) to Saturday (6:00 PM): All areas of Central Avenue Parking Lot #4 (at Lexington Avenue) are restricted.
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): Central Avenue from Quail Street to Lark Street.
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): Quail Street, North Lake Avenue, Robin Street, and Lexington Avenue (all between Bradford and Sherman Streets).
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): Washington Avenue from Lark Street to State Street.
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): Eagle Street from State Street to Pine Street.
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): State Street from Lark Street (3 spaces east) and from Eagle Street to Broadway.
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): State Street from South Swan Street east to Plaza Road (specifically for bus parking).
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): Broadway from Pine Street to Hudson Avenue.
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): Green Street from State Street to Madison Avenue.
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): Dallius Street from Hudson Avenue to Division Street.
  • Saturday (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM): South Swan Street (east side) from Madison Avenue to Washington Avenue.

Accessible and Off-Street Parking

Handicap parking is available on side streets adjacent to Central Avenue. Officers will be stationed at these intersections to assist motorists with specific accessibility needs. For those looking for garage or lot parking, the following Park Albany locations are available:

  • Parking Lot 2: 72 Central Ave (Uptown), hourly rates apply with a $7.25 daily max.
  • Parking Lot 3: 327 Washington Avenue (Uptown), hourly rates apply with a $7.25 daily max.
  • Green-Hudson Garage: 45 Hudson Ave (Downtown), $10.00 all-day event rate.
  • Riverfront Garage: 2 Columbia St (Downtown), $6.00 until 5:00 PM, $10.00 after 5:00 PM.
  • Quackenbush Garage: 45 Orange St (Downtown), $6.00 until 5:00 PM, $10.00 after 5:00 PM.

Find dining specials and things to do during St. Patrick's Day in Albany >>

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Source:

https://albanystpatricksdayparade.com/

man with glasses with forest background
About the Author: Joe Legault Joe is a dedicated editor from Lake Luzerne, NY, with a passion for hiking the Adirondack high peaks, running half marathons and 5Ks, and visiting local craft breweries like Common Roots and Dancing Grain. He enjoys writing about the region's can't-miss attractions and activities.
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