Cleveland's historic St. Patrick's Day parade route could change

Yahoo

13-03-2025

CLEVELAND (WJW) – For generations, the beat of drums, the energy of dancers, and the sea of green have defined Cleveland's St. Patrick's Day Parade. It's more than an event—it's a celebration of heritage and a tradition that has brought the community together year after year.
But while the 2025 and 2026 parades are locked in and set to continue that legacy, uncertainty looms over what will happen beyond that.
Guide: 2025 St. Patrick's Day parades and events in Northeast Ohio
Patrick Murphy, one of the parade's lead organizers, knows this tradition intimately. For him, it's not just about planning an event—it's about maintaining a legacy.
'It happens every year. We are able to get this thing on the street every year,' Murphy said.
However, despite his focus on ensuring the success of this year's parade, Murphy admits that concerns about the future linger.
'What will happen in 2027 we don't know now. So while we would like to solidify that, we just have to focus on 2025,' he shared.
The uncertainty stems from the Cleveland Midway Project—a $25 million initiative designed to transform Superior Avenue.
Ohio company recalls 15,000 cases of oyster crackers
The project aims to enhance safety and accessibility by adding landscaped medians, dedicated bike lanes, and improved pedestrian spaces.
City leaders view the project as a major step toward a safer, more modern Cleveland. But for the parade, the project could spell major change.
Murphy fears it could force the parade off its historic downtown route along Superior Avenue.
'It's absolutely concerning. It's devastating. We have been a downtown parade for all my life,' he said.
The good news? The 2025 parade will go on as planned. The route is locked in, and the celebration of Cleveland's Irish heritage will continue in full force. The same holds true for 2026.
But beyond that, the future is uncertain.
In a statement to FOX 8, a city spokesperson emphasized the city's willingness to collaborate with parade organizers:
Your 2025 Cleveland-area fish fry guide
'The City of Cleveland is still open and willing to work with parade organizers to determine a new Downtown Cleveland route for the parade beginning in 2027. It is possible to both have safer streets and continue the legacy of the Downtown Cleveland St. Patrick's Day parade, and we look forward to evolving together for the next chapter of this great Cleveland tradition.'
For Murphy, the parade isn't just about floats and marching bands. It's about honoring a legacy that has shaped the city's identity for generations.
'For us to not be able to do what we do in downtown Cleveland, it would be heartbreaking,' Murphy said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.