On Sunday, the Guinness will be flowing, the people will be cheering and the floats will be rolling as the second largest St. Paddy’s Day parade in the country makes its way through the streets of Southie! But if you plan on taking part in the St. Patrick’s Day revelry, there are few things you should know beforehand.
Start Time
If you’re planning to actually watch the parade, we suggest heading over early in the a.m. to stake out a spot. The parade officially starts at 1 p.m. but the crowds are sure to fill streets long before.
Route
Given the massive amounts of snow Boston received this winter, the Southie parade route will be a bit different from years past. The usual route begins at the Broadway T Stop, traveling down Broadway, then turning south down P Street and heading west until the Parade hits the Andrew T stop.
This year, however, the parade will be shortened, starting at Broadway Station and ending at Farragut Road. Instead of turning down P Street, the parade will continue straight for another block, coming to an end at Farragut Road. Mayor Marty Walsh stated that the parade was being shortened to “to ensure the safety of the participants and spectators.”
Where to Watch
Given that the parade route is shorter than usual this year (and won’t be passing by Thomas Park), we suggest finding a spot along Broadway to watch the action. A few outdoor spots for parade watching include the Broadway T stop, the Medal of Honor Park (bring a blanket or find a park bench), and the intersection of Broadway and Dorchester Street (great views and lots of activity).
Where to Eat & Drink
But given that this Sunday’s weather won’t be the warmest (and there’s a chance of snow), we highly suggest finding a bar or restaurant to post up in. Recommended Southie bars include: Amrheins Restaurant, Boston Beer Garden, Moonshine 152, The Junction, L Street Tavern, Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant, Stephi’s in Southie, Local 149, Playwright Restaurant & Bar, Shenannigans Irish Pub, and STATS.
Just make sure you get there early because these bars will fill up fast!
Transportation
According to the MBTA’s website, passengers traveling to and from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will have shuttle bus service from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. Shuttle buses will operate to and from South Station (Summer Street-side) and Summer Street and East 1st Street in South Boston.
Beginning at 9:45 a.m. all bus routes will be unable to service Broadway Station due to traffic and road closures. The station will remain open for Red Line service. The following bus routes will operate on diversion:
Route 9: Service will not operate for the duration of the parade.
Route 10: Service will begin/terminate at Andrew Station.
Route 11: Service will not operate for the duration of the parade.
Route 47: Service will begin/terminate at Andrew Station.
Additionally, Route 7 (which normally does not operate on Sundays) will operate from South Station to City Point beginning at 7 a.m.
For more details about Sunday’s MBTA service, check here.
Good luck and stay safe out there, Boston!
