Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026: Fun, Festivities, and Tradition

One of the most festive events in Michigan is the annual Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade. The 2026 parade will celebrate its 68th year, making it a long-standing and beloved tradition.

The parade draws between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators, ranking it among the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the nation, with floats, marching bands, color guards, and plenty of great people watching.

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Whether you attend the Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade every year or this is your first time, you’re guaranteed a fun and entertaining experience.

When is the 2026 Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade?

The excitement kicks off on Saturday, March 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

The parade kicks off at UIS Irish Plaza at Michigan Avenue and 6th Street in Corktown.

Who is the Grand Marshall for the 68th Annual Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade?

The honor of parade Grand Marshall goes to John Heinzman. 

John has helped to keep the Detroit St Patrick’s Parade marching by serving as a Co-Chair of the “Parade Fundraiser “and the “LeperCON Crawl”. He also provides music and choreography for Irish Heritage Nights with the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, and the Detroit City Football Club, all of which are  Parade fundraisers for the United Irish Societies.

Mr. Heinzman is also an accomplished Irish dancer. His influence on Irish dance reaches locally, nationally, and internationally, as he is often invited to judge competitions, including the prestigious 'All Worlds'. You can read his full bio here.

After the parade, you can keep the St. Patrick’s Day festivities going at the many lively bars and pubs throughout Detroit.

Have you been to the Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade before? If so, what do you like most about it?