Expect a huge crowd at KC’s biggest annual parade. Here’s what else you need to know
The Irish Road Trip Guide’s rankings of the nine biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the United States puts Kansas City’s at No. 6 — with an annual attendance of 400,000. Other estimates put the local throng in the 100,000 to 200,000 range.
Whatever the figure, the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade that dates to 1974 is among the nation’s biggest and is the largest annual parade in a town that loves such celebrations.
With brilliant weather expected — and perhaps a little extra hunger for a parade (maybe next year, Chiefs) — the 2025 festivities could attract an even bigger-than-normal crowd along the 18-block route through midtown.
Here’s what you need to know if you plan to attend.
Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When and where: The parade will start at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, at Broadway Boulevard and Linwood Boulevard and usually ends about 1:30 p.m. The route travels south on Broadway through the Westport District to 43rd Street.
What: The parade will feature more than 100 entries, including floats and marching bands, from community organizations, businesses, government officials, families and individuals, with a judging panel awarding prizes of up to $2,000 for the top presentations. This year’s theme is “Irish Wit & Wisdom,” and the grand marshal will be Dublin native and Waldo resident Ronan Collins, the comedy curator for the KC Irish Fest.
Street closures: The parade route from 31st Street south will close beginning at 8 a.m. Monday. “No parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance, with the ticketing and towing of vehicles off the parade route starting at 5 a.m. Monday.
Parking: Street parking away from the parade route will be available. A map on kcirishparade.com shows parking lots near the parade route. It also highlights where parking will be prohibited and subject to towing, as well as portable toilet locations
Other details:
▪ Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are banned from the parade route.
▪ Vendors will be on the route selling food and drinks.
▪ Pets are allowed but not encouraged.
▪ The parade will proceed in inclement weather unless conditions make it unsafe for people to be outdoors.
Information: kcirishparade.com
Other KC area parades
Snake Saturday Parade: 11 a.m. March 15, downtown North Kansas City. snakesaturday.com
St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade: 2 p.m. March 15, Brookside. brooksidekc.org
Shawnee St. Patrick’s Parade: 1 p.m. March 16, Johnson Drive, Shawnee. cityofshawnee.org
Martin City St. Patrick’s Parade: 2 p.m. March 16, Martin City. martincity.org
More celebrations
Shamrock the Block: 10 a.m.-noon March 15, downtown Lee’s Summit. downtownls.org
Shamrocks & Shenanigans: 3 p.m. March 17, KC Live! powerandlightdistrict.com
