Springfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

Springfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Set for March 14 in Downtown Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, MO — The Springfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is set for March 14 in Downtown Springfield for its 43rd parade, March 14, 2026 at 2 p.m.

For more than 40 years, the Springfield community has come together to celebrate the luck of the Irish at what is known as, “The People’s Parade”. The parade route starts on South Avenue and Elm Street towards the Square. Then heads down Park Central East to end at Jefferson. KOLR 10 will also livestream the parade.

Leading this year’s parade as Grand Marshal is Crystal Quade, the new Executive Director for the Downtown Springfield Association (DSA). As Executive Director, Quade oversees DSA’s strategic direction, operations, and partnerships, working closely with the board, downtown stakeholders, and community leaders to strengthen downtown Springfield as a vibrant and economically thriving district.

Preceding the parade, festivities kick off on Historic Commercial Street with a Grand Marshal Meet & Greet at the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge from 11 AM to 1 PM. While the parade route has been adjusted this year due to construction on Boonville in Downtown Springfield, this collaboration keeps Historic Commercial Street at the heart of the parade tradition. After meeting the Marshal and enjoying the C-Street Merchants punch card specials, parade-goers can head downtown to catch the parade kickoff.

The celebration continues on Park Central Square, which will be alive with activity and Irish cheer both before and after the parade. The Finnegan’s Wake Beer Garden will be open from noon to 6 p.m., with cold beer and food from Down South Fried Fish Co, Tinga Tacos, and Xurros. Guests can also enjoy family-friendly fun on the Square, featuring activities from the Discovery Center, professional face painting, and balloon art.

Following the parade, winners will be announced at Park Central Square stage for Best Overall Entry – “The Pot of Gold Award”, Emerald Energy Award, and Community Spirit Award.

Applications to be in the parade are open and available at https://www.itsalldowntown.com/stpatricksparade/. Applications will remain open through Monday, March 9 at 11:59 p.m. No entries will be accepted the day of the parade. It is $40 for a non-profit entry, $50 for a commercial entry and $100 for an over-sized entry. All entry fees go to cover the cost of putting on the parade.

The Springfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is managed by the Downtown Springfield Association with support fromFinnegan’s Wake, Penmac Staffing, and the Downtown Community Improvement District (CID).

For more information, email Marilyn Glorfeld at [email protected] or call the Downtown Springfield Association at 417-831-6200.