What To Expect At The 65th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade In Corktown

Once again, Detroit’s 65th annual St. Patrick’s parade hit the streets of Corktown. Event attendees have much to look forward to on Saturday, March 12. That includes marching and drum bands, bagpipers, color guards, floats, clowns, and more. According to the Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade, it typically attracts 80,000 to 100,000 people every year. Get your green gear ready and prepare to be immersed in Irish culture.

The parade is a great way to celebrate Corktown, Detroit. There will be events leading up to the parade. Those include the Parade Day Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church, Corktown and the Annual Corktown Race which more information can be found here. Other available activities before the start of the parade are Irish step dancing lessons, face painting. There will be refreshments for purchase including coffee, hot chocolate, water, and donuts.

The Detroit St. Patrick’s parade will last about two hours, kicking off at 1 p.m. near Sixth Street and Michigan Avenue. The parade route and areas include the start at Irish Plaza, down Michigan Avenue passing by the Old Tiger Stadium, and ending near Fourteenth Street.

The event will also have a Family Fun Zone area at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Sixth Street running from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Here you will find live Irish entertainment, inflatable amusements, food, and private restrooms. It’s the only place you can view the parade from the heated grandstands in a reserved family-friendly area. Tickets are $12 per person or $60 for six tickets.

Corktown received its name as the Irish were the largest ethnic group of newcomers to Detroit, mostly from County Cork, Ireland.  The Corktown neighborhood is Detroit’s oldest surviving neighborhood according to the Detroit Historical Society.