Monday, March 14, 2022 – Cleveland, OH – On Thursday, March 17, 2022, the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade will return downtown following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade begins on Superior Avenue at East 18th Street and travels west into downtown. The City of Cleveland is excited to welcome parade participants and thousands of spectators back to the city for the festivities!
Things to know:
Road Closures and Traffic
Parking restrictions will go into effect at 9:00 a.m. and run through 5:00 p.m. Traffic is expected to be heavy prior to and following the parade. The Division of Police will supplement their customary allotment of traffic officers with additional staff. Officers from both the Division of Police and partnering law enforcement agencies will be detailed to the event for added security.
Parking
As this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade occurs on a week day, those intending to attend the parade or enjoy the day at a downtown restaurant or establishment are reminded that parking will be at a premium and many lots and garages may be full early on. Attendees are encouraged to consider riding RTA. Bus and rail services and routes can be viewed here. Be mindful of signage indicating road closures as violators will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Towed vehicles may be retrieved from the City of Cleveland’s Impound Unit at 3040 Quigley Road.
Parade Route
The Parade Route for the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at Superior Avenue at East 18th Street. The parade travels west on Superior Avenue to Public Square, north on West Roadway and east on Rockwell Avenue, ending at Rockwell Avenue and Ontario Street. Roads crossing Superior Avenue throughout the route will be closed at Superior Avenue before and throughout the parade. The entire parade route is closed, meaning that observers are not to enter the parade route at any time.
Safety
Parade goers who bring small children are reminded to be mindful of children’s whereabouts at all times. Small children can disappear into a crowd quickly and become lost. Attendees should remind children to find someone in a uniform if they become separated from parents or caregivers. There will be many uniformed safety personnel on site, as well as members of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance who can keep children safe and help to reunite them with loved ones in the event of a separation incident. The Child Reunification Center will be located at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower at 1360 West Mall Drive. Members of the Bureau of Community Policing will care for lost children until reunification is established. Members of the Cleveland Division of Fire and Emergency Medical Service will be on hand for emergencies.
Impaired Driving
The Cleveland Division of Police will have an overall heightened awareness for offenses involving OVI offenses both on city streets and on highways. Persons found to be driving impaired will be arrested and their vehicles impounded. Celebrators who intend to consume alcohol are urged to plan ahead by utilizing RTA or ride share services.
Additional Tips
- Arrive early to your destination. Leave home early enough to allow for ample travel time and parking.
- Become familiarized with downtown parking garages and surface lots – understand that the lots closest to the parade route will fill up first.
- Be aware of increased pedestrian traffic in downtown Cleveland.
- Plan for the weather. At this time, the forecast does not call for inclement weather, however, remember, this is Cleveland.
- If you see something, say something! Report suspicious or criminal activity to law enforcement. Call 216-621-1234 for non-emergencies. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Anonymous information can be provided by calling Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME.
