Sunday March 9th, get your green on and let’s all go be Irish for a day in Huntington Village! The 91st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, set to take place on Sunday, March 9th, 2024, at 2:00 pm, extends an open invitation to all to join in the festivities. Participants will march down New York Avenue to Main Street in Huntington, led by the newly appointed Grand Marshal, New York State 12th District Assemblyman Keith Brown.
Tip #1: How to Avoid the Traffic
The most important thing to know that day, is that the surrounding streets close for the parade at 1:00pm which you can imagine creates a ton of traffic. Your mission is to avoid this at all costs. Here’s how: plan to go to brunch at a local spot in the village before the parade around noon. We would recommend making a reservation immediately so here are some of our favorite places to help: 43 Green at Finley’s, Hatch, Over Easy, IMC, or Noema. By having brunch before the parade, you’re not only avoiding the traffic, you’re also making sure no one gets “hangry” AND…you’re supporting local business! Win Win all around.
Tip #2: Where to Park
If you listen to our first tip, parking will be a heck of a lot easier then as opposed to around 1:30 when everyone who didn’t read this article starts to show up. I would recommend parking in either the Gerard Street Parking lot or the Upper Elm Street lot because I am all about an exit strategy. Once the parade is over, traffic gets heavy again and you’re better off being on the outside of the parade route. I would probably try to avoid the Huntington Village Municipal lot because of the one way roads and congestion in that area. This is just my opinion, but I’ll also say, if you see a spot, grab it!
Professional Tip: Take an Uber or Lyft. You won’t have to worry about parking and if you’re feeling a little Irish that day, you can drink local and not worry about driving home later!
Tip #3: Where to Watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The parade starts at what I will always call “The Big H” shopping center on New York Ave and marches all the way down NYA and hooks a left onto Main Street. Anywhere on this route is a great place to watch the parade, but some spots can be really congested.
If you’re looking for the action and want to be right in the center of it all, I would recommend posting up one of the corners of NYA and Main Street, but get there early. This is an area that has the most foot traffic and will be a sea of green and white. If you’re looking for a less crowded spot, I would park at the Big H and find a spot along New York Ave and bring some beach chairs to watch (*arrive early before the streets close to avoid traffic and rerouting).
Tip #4: For Those Who Ignored Tip 1
If you didn’t go to brunch, but found parking and now your group is hungry, head to BRGRS. They offer one of the absolute best Smashburgers I have ever had and are a great option for a grab and go bite. BRGRS is located at 392 New York Ave right on the parade route! In addition, check out Little Vincent’s or Portofino for a quick slice of pizza that are also located on NYA on the parade route.
Tip #5: If You’re Hungry or Thirsty After The St. Patrick’s Day Parade
If you’re looking for a Corned Beef and Cabbage or Shepherds Pie after the parade, head to 43 Green at Finley’s! In addition, Finley’s is offering up Irish Drink Specials like $6 Guinness, $9 Jameson Shots, & $10 Irish Coffees to warm you up so don’t miss out!
Bonus Tip: Finley’s will be OPEN on Monday March 17th and will offer take out options for Corn Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie and more of your Irish favorites if you’re looking for a local spot!
Did You Know…
Behind the scenes, the coordination and funding of such an esteemed gathering involve considerable expenses, covering band sponsorship fees, insurance, and advertising. Contrary to common misconception, the Town does not organize or finance the parade; since its inception in 1930 (excluding years during WWII), the Huntington Ancient Order of Hibernians has shouldered the responsibility and costs of orchestrating this remarkable celebration.
*Click the video below to see inside the Pre Parade Party that happens every year with the Hibernians at Finley’s and showcases the Northport Pipe & Drum!
Don’t Miss the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Huntington
Thank you the Huntington Ancient Order of Hibernians for all you do to make this parade happen each year! We hope these tips help you enjoy the St Patrick’s parade and for more information about St Patrick’s Parades on Long Island, click HERE.
