From City of Pittsburgh Public Safety:
On Saturday, March 11th, the annual St. Patrick's Day parade will make its way through Downtown from Liberty Avenue and 11th Street beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will proceed to Grant Street, turning right onto the Boulevard of the Allies, before heading to the end of the route at Stanwix Street. This popular tradition attracts some of the largest crowds in the United States, as tens of thousands of revelers line the parade route.
Pittsburgh Public Safety bureaus and their local law enforcement partners will be on hand to ensure the festivities go off without a hitch and that marchers and paradegoers enjoy a safe event.
"Pittsburgh is the place to be on St. Patrick's Day, rivaling much larger cities in participation and crowd size for the parade. It's also a day when the city comes together to celebrate and patronize Pittsburgh's many bars and restaurants. Pittsburgh Public Safety has been preparing for months with the goal of making it a safe and fun day throughout the city," said Public Safety Director, Lee Schmidt.
Following the parade's conclusion, large groups of people are expected to converge on the South Side and North Shore entertainment districts. Drivers can park for FREE at Second Avenue Parking Plaza. (see map below). After the parade, attendees can enjoy Downtown or walk across the 10th St. Bridge to the South Side. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will have extra officers in these areas, including the Mounted Unit on the South Side, to handle the heavier-than-usual pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as well as the expected increased alcohol consumption in these areas.
To ensure access for emergency vehicles, no parking will be allowed in the public safety lane on E. Carson between S.12th and S.18th streets starting early Saturday morning, March 11th. Signs will be clearly posted 24 hours in advance.
As always, police will be watching for public intoxication/cannabis use, open containers, and drunk driving. Public Safety wants everyone to get home safely by choosing a designated driver or hiring a taxi or rideshare platform such as Uber or Lyft. Rideshare drivers will be directed to designated pickup/drop off areas to reduce vehicle congestion on E. Carson Street.
Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire will be staffing teams of fire inspectors on E. Carson and surrounding areas to conduct compliance checks. Pittsburgh EMS will cover the parade and multiple events in the city with extra personnel, as well as Medic Cycles, weather permitting.
Allegheny County Sheriff's Department deputies will provide law enforcement assistance and the Allegheny County Health Department will be conducting compliance checks at bars and restaurants.
The parade goes ahead rain or shine (or snow!), so please dress appropriately for the weather. It is forecast to be moderately chilly with temperatures in the low 40s, dropping into the 30s, with a chance of rain or snow showers in the morning.
Pittsburgh Public Safety and the Office of Nighttime Economy encourage everyone to have fun, celebrate responsibly, and arrive home safely.
Find parade route and event information here: https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/blog/st-patricks-day-in-pittsburgh/ and search #PghStPatricksDay on social media. .
