Get your green ready—St Patrick’s Day celebrations and parades are here for 2026, and as luck of the Irish will have it, you can find plenty of St. Paddy-themed things to do to have a family-friendly celebration during March in New Jersey. Join in a festive day of Irish dancing, live music, and corned beef at the Shamrock and St. Patrick’s Day Weekends at Laurita Winery in New Egypt, watch a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wildwood, Morristown, Newark, or Union, or put on your best green gear and have a family race during the Shamrock Shuffle in Bernardsville. Scroll down for ways you can be a little bit Irish this year. (featured photo credit: Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
North Jersey
Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 1 PM
Bring your Irish pride to Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hosted by the Rutherford Irish American Association, this parade is one of the year’s most popular events.
Cost: Free
Park Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Hackettstown Grand Marshal Reception and Parade
March 5 and 8
There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Grand Marshal reception featuring a buffet dinner and Irish entertainment to kick off the parade weekend. The parade will feature Irish dance groups, bands, and a pet Irish costume contest.
Cost: The parade is free; the reception is $65 per person. Registration is required.
The parade takes place on Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 1 PM
The 46th Annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off promptly at 1 PM, go north up Franklin Ave, and end on Chestnut Street with the Review Stand in front of John Walker Middle School.
Cost: Free
The parade starts at Harrison and Evergreen Street
Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 11 AM
Join the St. Patrick’s Day fun and watch as marching bands, animals, and firetrucks go by. This parade takes off promptly at 11 AM.
Cost: Free
Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Newark St. Patrick’s Parade
March 13
Wear your green and join the 91st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities, where the bagpipes, Irish dancers, marchers, and more come out to celebrate the Irish in Newark.
Cost: Free
From the Prudential Center on Mulberry Street past Gateway Center, NJPAC, Military Park, St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, the Newark Museum, and Washington Park, Newark, NJ 07102
Hunterdon County Irish Festival
March 13-15
Enjoy delicious treats and groove to some lively Irish music at the Red Mill Museum Village, where kids of all ages will have a blast at the fun-filled party packed with exciting Irish activities, games, and entertainment. There is also a kickoff concert by the Amish Outlaws, a Pub Night, a Parade, and a Parade After-Party.
Cost: Prices vary per event
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14 at 12 PM
Wear your green to this parade, starting on Morris Avenue and Jeanette Avenue. Parade activities begin at 9 AM with a mass, and at noon, Union Center has a Grandstand program.
Cost: Free
Scheduled to step off from Morris and Jeanette Avenues, Union, NJ 07083
Knights of Columbus Council St. Patrick’s Celebration
March 14 at 6 PM
Get your St. Patrick’s celebration on with food and music. Your ticket includes an entry meal and entertainment. Enjoy Irish dancers, pipers, and a DJ. Tricky Tray and 50/50 tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
Cost: $40. Advance Purchase Only
630 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 15 at 12:15 PM
The parade will step off at Main Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue in West Orange. There will be a mass at Our Lady of the Valley Church in West Orange before the parade, beginning at 9:00 AM. There will be complimentary shuttle buses for marchers and spectators to the starting location of the parade.
Cost: Free
North on Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052
Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 15 at 2 PM
Bergen County’s 43rd annual parade celebrating Irish Heritage will march down South Washington Avenue and West Englewood Avenue in Bergenfield. Stay after the parade for some music and fun.
Cost: Free
South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621
South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 15 at 2 PM
Celebrate Irish culture at the South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Marchers, including floats, scouts, bagpipers, and marching bands, will line up on South Pine Avenue starting at noon.
Cost: Free
The parade starts on South Pine Avenue, South Amboy, NJ 08879
2026 Shamrock Shuffle
March 21 at 9:30 AM
Grab your running shoes, wear your green, and join in spirit for fresh air and exercise after a long winter. There is an option to choose from a 5K race, a 2-mile walk, or a FREE kids’ fun run, and after, there will be lots of St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Cost: Fees vary per event
111 Claremont Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Ringwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 21 at 1 PM
Start the day off with a hearty breakfast at St. Catherine’s Parish Center at 9:45 AM. Then, head to the corner of Fieldstone Drive and Skyline Drive to watch the parade.
Cost: Breakfast is $20 per person, and the parade is free to attend.
Stepping off from Skyline Drive, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Bayonne St. Patrick’s Parade
March 22 at 1 PM
This parade will step off from 5th and Broadway at 1 PM sharp. The procession will make its way north to 39th Street, turn west, and then proceed to the entrance of Stephen R. Gregg Park on Avenue C.
Cost: Free
Stepping off from 5th and Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002
Central Jersey
Belmar/Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 12:30 PM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the state’s largest and most attended St. Patrick’s Day parades. Come to hear the bagpipes, watch the fire trucks go by, and don’t forget to wear your green to celebrate.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
The Luck of Laurita Weekends at Laurita Winery
March 7-8, 14-15
Bring your clan to Laurita Winery to hear live music, shop from Irish vendors, and try the wine, including the special Shamrock Sangria. And on the menu each weekend is delish homemade Irish food like freshly baked Irish soda bread, corned beef, and potato and leek soup.
Cost: Free to enter
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 12 PM
Start the lineup early for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. At the end of the parade, see the Massed Pipe Band and a 40′ long American flag, and celebrate post-parade at a party at the Hershey Motel.
Cost: Free
The Boulevard, starting at J-Street, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 1 PM
Feel the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Asbury Park, where you can enjoy local participation from veterans, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, dance schools, high school marching bands, and regional pipe and drum groups. The parade route will take off at 4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
Cost: Free
4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 1 PM
Join the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and if you want to enter their essay contest, poster contest (for kids), or Irish Soda Bread contest, check their website for deadlines.
Cost: Free
Step off at Allen Street and River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760
Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 1:30 PM
For over 50 years, the Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Jersey has been honoring Irish culture and is one of the largest parades in the state. The parade begins at Woodbridge High School at 1:30 PM and ends at Town Hall on Main Street.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Hamilton
March 14
Bring your Irish pride to this festive day of celebration in Hamilton. The parade begins at the Nottingham Firehouse.
Cost: Free
200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14 at 12 PM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the largest and most celebrated in Morris County. Watch bagpipers, bands, officers, Irish dancing, and more at this annual event.
Cost: Free
Morristown Town Hall – 200 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
Irish Festival in Toms River
March 14 at 12 PM
Head to this Irish-themed festival where local businesses, vendors, and handcrafters will be out to celebrate with a day of food, fun, and music. Washington Street will be closed between Main Street and Robbins Street.
Cost: Free
Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Freehold Borough Art Council St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 15 at 12:30 PM
Downtown Freehold kicks off St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey with its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, best-dressed contests (for Fido, too!), Irish food specialties, and live music.
Cost: Free for the parade; some events have a cover charge.
Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade
March 15 at 1:30 PM
Remember to wear green and line up along Main Street for the annual Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade. It was rated “The Biggest and Best St. Patrick’s Day Parade Across The US” by Forbes Magazine.
Cost: Free
Line up along Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
St. Paddy’s 5 Mile Race
March 21 at 10:30 AM
Get ready for a 5-mile course, all contained within Tighe Park. The annual St. Paddy’s race is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery in the park. Refreshments will include beer and hot dogs, and all pre-registrants receive a t-shirt. The St. Paddy’s 5 Mile Race supports Freehold Twp. Parks and Recreation, Special Olympics, and Freehold Twp. Recreation Challenger Sports for Special Needs.
Cost: Prices vary
65 Georgia Road, Freehold Township, NJ 07728
Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 21 at 2 PM
Help paint the town green at Highland’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Jersey. Your family will enjoy bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and decorated floats.
Cost: Free
The parade will run along Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
South Jersey
Gloucester Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 1 PM
This impressive procession will feature string bands, bagpipes, Irish dancers, Irish music bands, community groups, and more. Be sure to check out the before and after festivities.
Cost: Free
Johnson Boulevard and Francis Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 1 PM
Sign up for the St Pat’s 5K and Fun Run before the parade, then celebrate all things Irish (and your finish) at this annual parade with music, Irish dancers, and pipe bands.
Cost: Free
High Street, Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060
Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 1 PM
Get your green gear ready for the 37th annual Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day parade. There will be string and pipe bands, Irish dancers, and floats.
Cost: Free
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08201
North Wildwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 13
Celebrate Irish pride and maybe see a leprechaun at this festive parade featuring the VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish Pipe Brigade, and Miss North Wildwood.
Cost: Free
Begins at North Wildwood City Hall and it will proceed west on 9th Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Carney’s Cares St. Patrick’s Plunge Weekend in Cape May
March 13-15
Kickoff St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey with the Plunge, 5K Run, or 1 Mile Family Walk. 100% of proceeds will benefit community nonprofit organizations, such as the Cape May Food Closet and NextGen30.
Cost: Prices vary per event
411 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Sea Isle City’s 2026 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14 at 1 PM
Bring your best green outfit and Irish pride to Sea Isle City’s 2026 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. This event will include a best-dressed contest at 2 PM, followed by the parade at 3:30 PM.
Cost: Free
120 63rd Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
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