DENVER – The 2017 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Denver is just days away and if you’re visiting from out of town or have lived here your whole live and are going for the first time, there are a few things you need to know.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade route
The parade, touted as the “largest Irish cultural celebration west of the Mississippi,” will kick off at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 11.
It will start from the corner of 19th and Wynkoop Streets, then turn left on 17th to Blake Streets. The parade will then march east to end at 27th and Blake Streets.
Need a visual? Check out this helpful map below to give you an idea of the parade route:
What about parking?
As with all events that happen in downtown Denver, finding a place to park will be challenging – but it can be done.
While parade officials recommend parade goers use public transportation instead, there are several places where you’ll be able to park. Some will charge but others will not.
1.) Coors Field parking structure – No fee
The Coors Field Parking structure will be available during parade day. The gate at 27th and Blake will open at 7 a.m. and will be closed at 9 a.m. No entry to the structure will be allowed before or after these times, officials said.
Parade Marshals will direct drivers on where you’ll be allowed to park. When exiting Coors Field, drivers will have to use parking lot “B” at 33rd Street to leave the structure.
2.) Colorado Convention Center – Paid parking
The Colorado Convention Center’s parking garage will be available for anyone wishing to park there.
The parking garage is a little over half-a-mile from the closest part of the parade route; or, as officials put it, it’s a distance of a 15-minute walk to the nearest part of the parade route.
View rates for parking at the Convention Center garage here.
3.) Parking passes from Parking Panda
Parade officials partnered with Parking Panda, the online service that allows drivers to find and reserve parking spots in advance.
This partnership will allow parade goers to purchase guaranteed parking passes at several lots and garages next to the parade.
Spots are limited, so if you’re planning on taking this route, you are advised to purchase the parking passes as soon as possible.
Editor’s Note: The link above directs you to a pre-filled out form from Parking Panda. Please change the fields accordingly.
What if I’m using public transportation to get to the parade?
Unless you’re staying overnight to be there very early for the parade, officials recommend – above any other means – to get to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade by using public transportation.
You can view a schedule of the routes, rates and maps for all RTD light rail and buses here.
Other facts about the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Denver
- This will be the 55th year the parade is celebrated in downtown Denver
- This year’s theme is “Emerald Celebration”
- The Parade will feature more than 10,000 marchers and 200 entrants including pipe bands; step dancers; floats; police, fire and emergency service agencies; military members; equestrians; charities; marching bands; businesses and the city’s dignitaries.
- The City and County of Denver renamed Blake Street to “Tooley Street” for the weekend.
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