Ocean City St. Patrick's Day Parade & Safety Enforcement

Ocean City, MD - The Town of Ocean City is preparing for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade and festival on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The Ocean City Police Department and allied agencies will participate in the Maryland Border-to-Border St. Patrick's Day Impaired Driving Crackdown. This initiative is designed to maintain road safety during the celebrations.

Enhanced driving enforcement is funded annually through a state grant. Specialized patrols will operate for 18 hours between March 13 and March 17. These patrols will target drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs. 

This enforcement period overlaps with the holiday and the parade weekend. Six DUI arrests were made by police officers during the same timeframe in 2025. An increased police presence will be deployed this year to monitor the roadways.

Safe transportation options are available for attendees. The Ocean City Beach Bus provides a $4 Ride-All-Day pass. This pass allows unlimited transit from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the following morning. 

Buses will operate approximately every 30 minutes. This service connects the downtown, midtown, and uptown areas. Taxis and rideshare programs are also accessible for direct travel.

The parade will begin at noon on March 14. The route starts at 57th Street on Coastal Highway and travels south to the 45th Street Shopping Center. Viewing bleachers and the judges' stand will be located at the shopping center. 

This location will also host an Irish festival from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Live music will be performed by Pat O'Brennan, Barry D., and Brian K. The festival will feature Irish dancers, apparel, food, and beverages.

Spectators are advised to arrive before 10:30 a.m. to avoid traffic delays. Alternate traffic patterns will be implemented from 63rd Street to 41st Street to accommodate the event. No rain date is scheduled for the parade or the festival. 

The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to authorities. The police tip line can be reached at 410-520-5136. Information can also be submitted by email at crimetips@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6610.