Toronto is set to revel in the vibrant spirit of Irish culture this weekend as the 36th annual St. Patricks Day Parade rolls through the downtown streets on Sunday, March 16, 2025. The city will celebrate the festivities with throngs of participants clad in green, representing the rich heritage of the Irish community. According to Irish Consul General Janice McGann, the city has around 10,000 residents holding Irish passports, which points to the substantial Irish presence contributing to the parades energy.
The parade is scheduled to commence at noon, starting at the intersection of St. George and Bloor Street West. Shaun Ruddy, Chair of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Society, remarked, "The St. Patrick’s Parade is the biggest celebration of Irish culture in Toronto and among the largest in the world." He also emphasized the importance of warmth during uncertain weather conditions, encouraging attendees to dress appropriately, as the parade can experience varying temperatures.
The route will begin on Bloor Street West, moving eastward before veering south along Yonge Street toward Dundas Street. This year, Caroline Mulroney, the Conservative Member of Provincial Parliament for York-Simcoe, will serve as the Honorary Grand Marshal, leading the colorful procession adorned with Celtic-themed floats, marching bands, and lively street performers. The participation of locals ensures the atmosphere remains festive as the event transforms onlookers, who often gleefully become Irish for the day.
To accommodate the parade, extensive road closures will take effect starting at 9 a.m. on March 16, impacting Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and Queen Street, among other secondary roads. The Toronto Police remind the public to expect traffic disruptions and to plan their routes accordingly. Aside from road closures, some routes for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will experience diversions due to the event.
The festivities will not only include the parade but also the Toronto St. Patrick's Day Race, which has become a cherished tradition since its inception in 2000. This year, the race is set to take place at the scenic Evergreen Brick Works on Sunday as well, inviting participants to join the community excitement. Runners will enjoy live music and refreshments during the after-party, creating a lively atmosphere to cap off the long-awaited event.
Among the weekend's diverse offerings, local Irish pubs are gearing up for their share of the celebrations. Stout Irish Pub, located in Cabbagetown, will feature Irish dancers throughout the weekend, aiming to gather funds to support dancers who are traveling to compete internationally. The owner, Erin Gamelin, highlighted the significance of this celebration for local businesses, stating, "It's our busiest day of the weekend of the year. It's an opportunity for us to make up lost revenue during the typically slow months of January and February."
Other establishments are joining the festive mood. Tarah Inn, situated in Scarborough, is reserving its official celebrations for Monday, featuring Irish dancers all day along with live music at night. Meanwhile, St. James Gate, located in Etobicoke, is serving up special dishes such as Guinness beef pie and Irish breakfast until Monday, with the popular green beer making its return. Whelan's Gate, located near High Park, will open its doors early at 11 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day, providing free merchandise for early attendees, contingent on supply.
To combat potential impaired driving during this busy weekend, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) is teaming up with Uber to offer small discounts on rides through QR codes displayed on coasters throughout partner establishments. Steve Sullivan, CEO of MADD Canada, noted the increase in impaired driving-related incidents over St. Patrick's Day and expressed hope for responsible celebrations. Sullivan remarked, "I hope everybody has a good time. It's the day to be Irish, and good times also mean getting home safely for you and your friends and everybody else on the road."
The city will also host Toronto Comicon at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Friday, March 14, to Sunday, March 16, allowing fans to meet celebrities and engage with panels focused on their favorite genres. Over the same weekend, movie enthusiasts can catch the beloved animated feature "How to Train Your Dragon" at the Symphony, accompanied by live orchestral music, on Friday and Saturday.
Indeed, the weekend will be teeming with activities for those seeking both cultural immersion and entertainment. The festive spirit will be palpable as neighbors unite to celebrate and enjoy events dedicated to Irish heritage, with the St. Patrick's Day Parade serving as the highlight of the weekend.
With all the planned festivities, potential attendees are encouraged to stay updated on any changes to event schedules or travel plans, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in the joyous celebration of Irish culture and community spirit.