64th Annual Houston St. Patrick’s Parade Brings Irish Heritage to Downtown Houston
Houston’s 64th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade is set to take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM, filling the streets of Downtown Houston with a vibrant celebration of Irish heritage. This long-standing Houston tradition, which welcomes participants and spectators from all backgrounds, will feature decorated floats, Irish dancers, local organizations, and musical performances.
Parade Route and Schedule
The parade will begin at W Dallas Street and Allen Parkway, moving through Downtown Houston with a route that includes Dallas Street, Louisiana Street, Walker Street, Smith Street, and Lamar Street, before ending near Sam Houston Park. The event is open to the public, with free admission for all attendees.
A Community Celebration
The Houston St. Patrick’s Parade has long been a community-driven event, celebrating not only Irish heritage but also the diversity of Houston’s culture. Individuals, businesses, and organizations are invited to participate by building floats, decorating vehicles, or forming walking groups.
“The Houston St. Patrick’s Parade is truly a community parade,” said Parade Chairman Sean Kearns. “All who wish to celebrate being Irish and honor the contributions of the Irish to our city are welcome to join.”
The parade follows the 18th Annual Houston Irish Stew Cook-Off and Music Festival, which took place on February 15, 2025, featuring live music, traditional Irish cuisine, and vendor booths.
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Parade Grand Marshal and Awards
The Grand Marshal for 2025 is Mr. Ian Martin, leading the parade alongside Parade Chairman Sean Kearns and Parade Coordinator Janelle Kearns.
To recognize outstanding entries, the 65th Annual Houston St. Patrick’s Parade Awards will be presented in several categories, including Best Art Car, Best Car Club, Best Individual Float, Best Irish Dancers, and Best Large Vehicle. Additionally, special recognitions will be given, including the Leprechaun Award for Best Youth Entry, the Green Derby Award for Best Overall Entry, and the Doc Kearns Memorial Award for Most Unique Entry.
A Rich History of Irish Heritage in Houston
The Houston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is deeply rooted in the city's history, dating back to the 1880s, when early parades were held in “Irish Town”, a neighborhood near St. Patrick’s Church on Harrisburg Boulevard. These gatherings featured marching bands, Irish flags, and lively celebrations in Market Square, a popular hub for Irish immigrants at the time.
The parade faded away during World War I, as the Irish community became more dispersed throughout Houston. The Great Depression and World War II also took precedence, and for decades, the parade ceased to exist. However, in the late 1940s, interest in Irish culture resurged when Houston oilman Glenn McCarthy built the Shamrock Hotel, which became a center for Irish social life in the city.
Houston St. Patrick's Parade participants in 2023. (Photo: Kevin Li Photography)In 1960, local radio personalities Tim Nolan and Bob Bryant revived the parade, organizing a small but spirited procession in Downtown Houston. This marked the beginning of the modern-day St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which continued to expand over the years. By the 1970s, under the leadership of Dr. Edward Kearns, efforts were made to secure financial backing for the parade, leading to the creation of the “Original 45”, a group of business leaders who funded the event.
During the 1980s, the parade gained national recognition, growing into the fourth-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country. In the 1990s, the event moved to Richmond Avenue before returning to Downtown Houston in 2000, where it remains today. Over the years, the parade has welcomed notable Grand Marshals, including NASA astronauts, professional athletes, business leaders, and local politicians.
The Houston St. Patrick’s Parade Commission remains committed to preserving and growing this tradition, ensuring that each year’s parade reflects the Irish spirit of hospitality, resilience, and celebration.
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Join the Celebration
As Houston’s St. Patrick’s Parade Commission continues its efforts to restore and expand the parade’s legacy, residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in this festive event celebrating Irish culture and community spirit.
Whether attending as a spectator or participant, the 64th Annual Houston St. Patrick’s Parade promises to be a lively, family-friendly celebration filled with music, culture, and community pride. Mark your calendar and prepare to wear green!
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
