It’s almost here, Boston. That weekend where we don all green garb, guzzle beer and pretend to be Irish. St. Patrick’s Day weekend is upon us, but before you run out and buy that chilled pack of cheap beer and start mapping your parade rout (not necessary. You’re welcome), keep in mind the logistics. And in Boston, on parade day, that means parking.

In all honesty, you’re probably better off taking the MBTA. I know it sucks and will probably as full to the brim as your frosty mug, but decreases the susceptibility of drinking and driving.

But if you happen to have a designated driver in tow, there are a few items to be wary of. First, according to the Boston Transportation Department, the South Boston parade route will proceed as follows:

The parade will begin at 1 PM on West Broadway.  The route will take marchers left onto East Broadway, right onto P Street, right onto East Fourth Street, left onto K Street, right onto East Fifth Street left onto G Street, right onto Thomas Park, left onto Telegraph Street, left onto Dorchester Street, ending at Dorchester Avenue.

Just prior, though, there will be a road race that begins at 11:00 a.m. on West Sixth Street. Continues the Transportation Department, “The route will take runners to Dorchester Street, right onto East Broadway, down and around the Farragut Statue at  Day Boulevard, to East Broadway, right onto West Broadway, left onto E Street, left onto West Sixth Street, ending at the Boys and Girls Club.”

So now that you know where NOT to drive, here’s a list of where NOT to park. Tow Zone, No Stopping, and Sunday Parade restrictions will be in effect as follows:

• Dorchester Avenue, both sides, from Gillette Park to Old Colony Avenue, and, both sides, from Andrew Square to Mount Vernon Street;
• Old Colony Avenue, both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street;
• West Broadway, both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to Dorchester Street;
• D Street, both sides, from West Broadway to Cypher Street, also for 30 feet from the intersection of D Street on Athens, West Third, Bolton, West Second, West First and Cypher Streets;
• East Broadway, both sides, from Dorchester Street to P Street;
• P Street, both sides, from East Broadway to East Fourth Street;
• East Fourth Street, both sides, from P Street to K Street;
• K Street, both sides, from East Fourth Street to East Fifth Street;
• East Fifth Street, both sides, from K Street to G Street;
• G Street, both sides, from East Fifth Street to Thomas Park near #96 G Street;
• Thomas Park, both sides, waterside, from G Street to Telegraph Street;
• Telegraph Street, both sides, from Thomas Park to Dorchester Street;
• Dorchester Street, both sides, from Telegraph Street to Dorchester Avenue;
• Southampton Street, both sides, from Andrew Square to the bridge over the Southeast Expressway;
• West Sixth Street, both sides, from F Street to Dorchester Street;
• F Street, Boys and Girls Club side, West Sixth Street to Bowen Street.

There you have it; a big list of things you can’t do on St. Patrick’s Day. Heed to these guidelines, though, and you’re sure to have a great time.

This St. Patrick’s Day, Go Bragh or Go Home. Join us on March 14th from 6 – 9pm at Ned Devine’s and kick off your weekend at #BostInnoGoBragh. Get your tickets now, and enjoy your first beer on us. See you there!