Everything You Need To Know For Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parades

St. Patrick's Day is huge in Buffalo. If you're going to celebrate this weekend, here's what you need to know about the parades.

There is a ton of Irish heritage in Buffalo, so when St. Patrick's Day comes around we like to celebrate in a big way. It's one of the best cities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. That's not just something we say here in Buffalo. WalletHub ranked Buffalo in the top 10 for "Best Cities To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day." It's not just about green beer and leprechauns. In Buffalo, it's a cultural celebration.

1. There are two parades

The first thing you need to know is that there are two parades. The first one is what is known as the "Old Neighborhood Parade." The second one is simply known as the "Downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade."

2. The two parades are in two different areas and on two different days

These are big parades. The Old Neighborhood Parade will take place in South Buffalo, tracing the original route of some of the immigrants who came to the United States to settle here. This one happens on Saturday (March 14). The actual route of the parade will be outlined below.

The Downtown Parade will happen on Sunday (March 15) and run straight up Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo.

3. Start Times

The Old Neighborhood Parade changed its start time this year. They've moved it up to an 11 am start. Streets along the parade route (South Park Avenue, Smith Street, Elk Street, Hamburg Street, and South Street) will close at 9 am.

The Downtown Parade will begin at 2 pm. Expect temporary delays along Allen Street, Chippewa Street, Delaware Avenue, and Niagara Square beginning at 7 a.m. Niagara Square and Delaware Avenue south of Summer Street will close beginning at noon. According to WIVB, side streets along the parade route will also be closed. Roads are expected to open back up at 5 p.m.

4. Routes

The Old Neighborhood Parade will begin at South Park Avenue and travel over Smith Street, Elk Street, Hamburg Street, and South Street.

The Downtown Parade will begin at Niagara Square along Delaware Avenue before wrapping up at North Street.

5. Weather for 2025

Unfortunately, it looks as though we will be dodging some rain for the parades this year. Rain is expected on both Saturday and Sunday. However, temperatures should be decent with highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s both days. Click here for the most updated weather forecast.