Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2027: The Complete Guide

Every year, as winter starts to loosen its grip on the Jersey Shore, the quiet streets of Belmar fill with bagpipes, marching bands and a sea of green. The Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade has grown into one of the biggest celebrations in New Jersey, and for many families it marks the unofficial start of…

Every year, as winter starts to loosen its grip on the Jersey Shore, the quiet streets of Belmar fill with bagpipes, marching bands and a sea of green. The Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade has grown into one of the biggest celebrations in New Jersey, and for many families it marks the unofficial start of the shore season.

Whether you are going for the first time or you have been lining Main Street for years, this guide covers what you need to know to plan your 2027 trip. That includes when the parade usually happens, where it runs, how to get there and how to make a full weekend out of it.

What Is the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade?

The Belmar parade is officially called the Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade, since it runs through both neighboring towns. It first stepped off in the 1970s as a small event meant to bring people to the shore during the off-season. Over five decades it has grown into what organizers describe as the largest parade in the state.

The area has long been nicknamed the “Irish Riviera” because of the deep Irish roots in this stretch of Monmouth County, and parade day is when that heritage comes out in full. Recent parades have featured several thousand marchers, more than a dozen pipe bands, marching bands from across New Jersey and crowds that organizers estimate at close to 100,000 people.

Expect pipe and drum corps, Irish dancers, community groups, first responders, local businesses and plenty of families dressed head to toe in green. Kids love the candy and the music, and adults love the atmosphere that fills the whole town for the day.

When Is the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2027?

The Belmar parade is traditionally held on the first Sunday in March, well ahead of St. Patrick’s Day itself. That is part of what makes it special, because it kicks off parade season across New Jersey.

If the tradition holds, the 54th annual parade would fall on Sunday, March 7, 2027. Always confirm the date on the official parade website or social pages before you book, because weather can change plans. In 2026, a blizzard forced organizers to postpone the parade for the first time in its history, and it was moved to Saturday, March 28.

The parade usually steps off at 12:30 p.m. and typically lasts three to four hours, so you have plenty of time to find a good spot even if you arrive a little late.

The Parade Route

The Belmar parade route is easy to follow because it runs straight up Main Street.

• Start: Around 22nd Avenue and Main Street in Lake Como
• Direction: North along Main Street through Belmar
• Finish: Around Sixth Avenue and Main Street

Spots near the start in Lake Como tend to fill early, while the middle of the route through downtown Belmar has the most energy, with restaurants and bars close by. If you have young kids or want a little more breathing room, look for space toward the northern end or on side streets near Main Street.

Getting to the Parade

Take the Train if You Can

The easiest way to get to the Belmar parade is by NJ Transit. The Belmar station on the North Jersey Coast Line sits about half a block from the parade route, so you can step off the train and be in the middle of the action within minutes. NJ Transit has added extra service on parade day in past years, but check schedules ahead of time, as trains can get crowded both before and after the parade.

Driving and Parking

If you plan to drive, arrive early. Main Street closes to traffic on parade morning, with barricades going up in the early hours, and side street parking can fill all the way to the boardwalk. Give yourself extra time, expect some walking and pay close attention to posted signs so you do not come back to a ticket or a tow.

The best way to skip the parking stress is to stay in town the night before. When your rental is within walking distance, you can leave the car parked all weekend and stroll over whenever you are ready.

Tips for Enjoying Parade Day

A little planning goes a long way on parade day. Here are a few simple tips to make the most of it.

• Dress for the weather. Early March at the shore can be cold, windy and damp. Wear layers, a warm hat and comfortable waterproof shoes.
• Arrive early. Crowds build quickly, especially near the start of the route and in downtown Belmar.
• Bring a small chair or blanket. It makes a three to four hour parade much more comfortable, especially for kids.
• Pack snacks and water. Restaurants get busy, and lines can be long during peak hours.
• Pick a meeting spot. Cell service can slow down with this many people in one place, so agree on a landmark in case your group gets separated.
• Celebrate responsibly. The parade is a family event, and local police enforce open container laws along the route.
• Plan your exit. Leaving right after the last band passes means heavy traffic. Grabbing dinner in town and heading out later is often easier.

Making a Weekend of It

Many visitors turn the Belmar parade into a full shore weekend, and it is easy to see why. The weekend usually starts with an Investiture Mass at St. Rose Church in Belmar the day before the parade, where the grand marshals are honored. Even if you are not attending, the town starts to fill with a festive mood on Saturday.

Outside of the parade itself, Belmar has plenty to enjoy in the off-season.

• Walk the boardwalk. The Belmar boardwalk is peaceful in early March, perfect for a morning coffee walk with ocean views and very few crowds.
• Explore Main Street. Local shops, cafes and Irish pubs keep the energy going all weekend long.
• Visit nearby towns. Spring Lake, Asbury Park and Point Pleasant Beach are all a short drive away for dining, shopping and sightseeing.
• Catch another parade. If you are hooked on the St. Patrick’s spirit, other Jersey Shore towns, including Seaside Heights, host their own parades later in March.

Because the parade happens before the summer rush, you get the best of both worlds: a lively, crowded celebration on parade day and quiet, relaxing beaches the rest of the weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Belmar Parade

When is the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2027?
– The parade is traditionally held on the first Sunday in March, which would make it Sunday, March 7, 2027. Confirm the final date with the parade organizers before you travel.

What time does the Belmar parade start?
– The parade usually steps off at 12:30 p.m. and typically runs for three to four hours.

Where does the Belmar parade start and end?
– It starts near 22nd Avenue and Main Street in Lake Como and moves north up Main Street through Belmar, ending near Sixth Avenue.

Is the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade family friendly?
– Yes. It is a community event with marching bands, bagpipes, dancers and plenty for kids to enjoy. Families often prefer spots toward the northern end of the route where crowds are a bit lighter.

What is the best way to get to the Belmar parade?
– NJ Transit is the easiest option because the Belmar station is about half a block from the route. If you drive, arrive early and expect road closures along Main Street.

What other Belmar NJ events happen in the off-season?
– The St. Patrick’s Day weekend is one of the biggest Belmar NJ events of the year, but the town also hosts seasonal festivals, holiday events and community gatherings throughout fall and spring. The town and parade pages are the best places to check for current dates.

Plan Your Belmar Parade Weekend With Breezy Beach Stays

The Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the best reasons to visit the Jersey Shore before summer, and the experience is even better when you do not have to worry about parking, traffic or a long drive home at the end of the day. Staying close by lets you walk to the parade, enjoy the celebration at your own pace and wake up the next morning to a quiet beach walk.

At Breezy Beach Stays, we offer carefully selected vacation rentals in Belmar and across the Jersey Shore, with comfortable layouts, full kitchens and space for the whole group. Parade weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the off-season, so it is smart to book early. Browse our Belmar vacation rentals or reach out to our team, and we will help you find the right place to stay for St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

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