The annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade returns to Corktown on Sunday, March 15, 2026, bringing thousands of families together to celebrate Irish culture with music, dancing, colorful floats and community pride. This year marks the 68th Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade, hosted by the United Irish Societies.
Expect lively marching bands, pipers, drummers, cultural performers, and plenty of green as the parade makes its way down historic Michigan Avenue. Everyone, from families to local businesses, and Detroiters of all backgrounds, is invited to join the celebration.
Quick details about the Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Start Time: 1 p.m.
- Parade Route: Michigan Avenue, from 6th Street to 14th Street
Parade Day kicks off with the 43rd annual Corktown Races. Littles can run a quarter-mile race before older runners participate in the Emerald Run and/or the Corktown 5K. Once all the runners have crossed the finish line, the parade festivities begin!
The parade starts at 1 p.m., but there will be plenty of family activities and cultural celebrations all day long. The Family Fun Zone is your fam’s go-to destination for comfortable parade viewing, kid-friendly activities, refreshments, and more.
Family Fun Zone at St. Patrick’s Parade
- Location: Michigan Avenue and Sixth Street
- Time: 11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
- Cost: $12 per person or $60 for six family members. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online by Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Watch the parade from comfortable, family-friendly grandstand seating in the Family Fun Zone.
The zone opens at 11:30 a.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy the pre-parade festivities. Kids can meet Roary, Paws, and the Ghostbusters, watch Irish dance performances, or even try a step dancing lesson themselves while 104.3 WOMC provides live commentary.
Your ticket includes access to private restrooms (a huge perk for families!) as well as hot coffee, cocoa, water, and donuts to keep everyone fueled. Note that coolers, alcohol, and tobacco are not permitted in the zone.
Other things to do in Corktown with kids
Michigan & Trumbull Pizza
Keep the celebration going with a stop at Michigan & Trumbull Pizza, a family‑friendly Detroit‑style pizzeria serving crowd‑pleasing slices, cheesy bread and plenty of kid‑approved bites.
- Address: 1331 Holden St., No. 100, Detroit
- Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, noon-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Momento Gelato and Coffee
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Warm up with a sweet treat from Momento Gelato & Coffee, a newer Corktown favorite offering small‑batch gelato, pastries and cozy drinks perfect for little hands.
- Address: 2120 Trumbull, Detroit
- Hours: 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. -10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday
Mercury Burger Bar
Grab a milkshake at Mercury Burger Bar, a lively neighborhood staple perfect for families, featuring hand-dipped shakes, burgers, and tater tots.
- Address: 2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
- Let the kids burn off some energy at Roosevelt Park, the newly revitalized green space in front of Michigan Central, now featuring wide walkways, open lawns and room to explore.
- Find more of the best places to shop, play, eat and explore with kids in our Corktown family neighborhood guide.
This article was recently updated on Feb. 16, 2026, by Metro Parent staff writers. The update included research to feature the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@metroparent.com.
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