The city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set to step off on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Monday, March 17.

Here’s everything New Yorkers need to know about the celebration, from road closures and public transit tips to the forecast.

Parade details

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and follow its traditional route up Fifth Avenue, starting at East 44th Street and ending at East 79th Street.

As always, the procession will feature marching bands, bagpipers, dancers and thousands of participants from Irish organizations, schools and first responder units.

The event dates back to 1762, making it one of New York City’s longest-running traditions. It typically draws about 2 million spectators, according to the city. Organizers say it’s the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world.

This year, the grand marshal of the parade will be Mike A. Benn, the longtime chairman of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee. Benn is credited with helping to rebuild the Rockaways after Superstorm Sandy devastated the area.

Street closures

The following streets will be subject to closures at the discretion of the NYPD, the agency said:

Formation

  • Vanderbilt Avenue between 43rd Street and 46th Street
  • 44th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 45th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 46th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 47th Street between Park Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 48th Street between Park Avenue and 6th Avenue

Route

  • 5th Avenue between 79th Street and 43rd Street

Dispersal

  • 5th Avenue between 84th Street and 79th Street
  • 79th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 80th Street between Lexington Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 81st Street between Lexington Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 82nd Street between Lexington Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 83rd Street between Lexington Avenue and 5th Avenue

Miscellaneous

  • 43rd Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 49th Street between Madison Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza
  • 50th Street between Madison Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza
  • 51st Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 54th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 57th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 59th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 62nd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 63rd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 64th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 65th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 70th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 71st Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 72nd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 78th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • 84th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
  • Madison Avenue between 42nd Street and 84th Street

Transit tips

The MTA is advising spectators to take the subway to get to the parade, as traffic congestion will be significant.

The 4, 5, 6, B, D, F, M, N, R and W train lines all have stops near the parade route, making them the most efficient options for spectators.

The MTA noted that the stairs to the N, R, and W Fifth Avenue-59th Street station at the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and East 60th Street will be closed during the parade. The agency said some stairs at the 77th Street 6 train station will be “enter only,” while others will be “exit only.”

The following bus routes will also be rerouted, according to the MTA: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M31, M50, M55, M57, M66, M72, M79 SBS, Q32 and most express buses.

For even more details about public transit on St. Patrick’s Day, tap here.

Best places to watch

Organizers say spectators will be able to take in the parade anywhere along the Fifth Avenue route.  

They recommend getting there earlier rather than later, if you prefer to stand as close as possible to the street.

Weather

March weather in New York City can be unpredictable. Monday has started out on the rainy side, though temperatures will reach the low 60s and it's shaping up to be a dry afternoon.