Name: 2026 Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
Start: 2026-03-14T12:00:00-05:00
Location: Historic Downtown Springfield, IL

The 41th Annual Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade will travel through downtown Springfield on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Craic O’noon (12 p.m.) This year’s theme is “A Bridge Across the Centuries”, highlighting the connections between Springfield and Ireland over the last 200+ years of Illinois history.
The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade is Court and Karen Conn. Owners of downtown businesses Obed and Issac’s Microbrewery, the Inn at 835 and many other endeavors, the Conn Family has been a beacon of light in the downtown Springfield area as well as a huge supporter of charitable works and organizations over the years. We are proud to honor the Conns with this year’s Grand Marshal title.
The proceeds from the parade, after minimal expenses, have contributed over $40,000 to local charities in the past five years. Last year, a total of $10,000 was donated to the St. John’s Breadline and the Rutledge Youth Foundation.
Paul “Rocki”Nawrocki from Woodward Community Media (formerly Midwest Broadcasting) has graciously agreed to serve as the parade’s emcee. Woodward Community is also serving as the Parade’s media sponsor this year.
Registration for parade entries is now open. 2026 Registration Fees are as follows: Not-for-profit entries - $50; Commercial entries - $300, Political Entries - $350.
A few reminders for this year’s parade:
• Adults 21 and older may purchase a wristband allowing them to enjoy adult beverages outside of a licensed beverage establishment between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wristbands cost $1 with proceeds benefiting the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.
• Coolers are not permitted within the parade areas or along the route.
• Sixth Street between Capitol and Washington is a family friendly area.
• Pets and bicycles are prohibited unless used in the parade.
Parade participants will automatically be entered in the Best Float Contest with monetary awards: $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. All bands performing in the parade will receive $350 to help offset any expenses.
The Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade was first incorporated in 1985 as a not for profit to provide the people of Springfield with a family-oriented, community event to help attract area residents to visit the downtown shopping district. Since the revitalization of the downtown district over the past three decades, the parade has become an important annual staple for local businesses in the downtown area.