St. Patrick's Day Parades 2023: When, where and what to know before you go
It's the time of year to break out your green clothing.
For the next three weeks, there's a St. Patrick's Day parade happening somewhere in the state every weekend, from the thundering parade that marches through downtown Newport every year to the "world's shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade" in Little Compton.
With St. Patrick's Day falling on a Friday this year, none of the parades are on the holiday itself, but that just means you can pick the weekend that is more convenient for you. With a full line-up of parades this year, here's when they are and what you can expect.
41st Pawtucket St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Saturday, March 4, Noon
Parade Route: Starts at the Corner of Division Street and South Bend, and can be viewed along South Bend along Walcott Street toward downtown to Roosevelt Avenue ending as City Hall
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What to know: It’s a family-friendly event that takes about an hour and ends with an after-party at the Armory on Exchange St. The parade is free, but that after-party has a $3 admission and features food, drinks, vendors and live Irish music.
67th Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m.
Parade Route: Begins at Newport City Hall and marches to Carroll Avenue at Saint Augustin’s Church in the Fifth Ward.
What to know: The parade will last about two hours. There will be pipe bands, fife & drum corps, clown units, reenactment units, and a host of local, state, and regional organizations. Going through downtown, there are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area to stop into.
62nd St. Patrick’s Day Parade in West Warwick
When: Sunday, March 12, 1 p.m.
Parade Route: Starts on the Coventry-West Warwick line, marches down Washington Street to Main Street, and ends after passing the West Warwick Police Station.
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What to know: The parade takes about an hour. There’s an after-party at the West Warwick Elks Lodge 1697 with Irish music, step dancing and food. The party starts at 2 p.m.
Providence St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Saturday, March 18, Noon
Route: Steps off on Smith Street and ends at the Rhode Island State House
What to know: One of the biggest parades of the season, expect the full parade experience.
The World’s Shortest St. Paddy’s Day Parade in Little Compton
When: Saturday, March 18, 2 p.m.
Route: 89 feet from 26 Main St.
What to know: It’s barely a parade at only 89 feet of marching, but that’s what makes it so fun. The main event features live Irish step dancing from Clann Lir Academy, a performance by The Portland District Pipes, a Guinness cocktail hour and a corned beef and cabbage dinner. Tickets start at $25 and support the Little Compton Food Bank.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: St. Patrick's Day Parades 2023 in RI: When, where and how to see them
