Hermosa Beach St. Patricks Day Parade 2027

Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade began in 1995, when local residents Jean Cullen and J. Travers hatched the idea over drinks at Hennessy’s, the town’s Irish bar, and turned it into an annual event. Presented today by the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and the city, it has grown into one of the South Bay’s biggest single-day gatherings, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to this small beach town.

Held annually each March, the parade steps off near City Hall on Valley Drive, turns onto Pier Avenue, and continues south along Hermosa Avenue before disbanding several blocks on. Once the last unit passes, the party shifts to Pier Plaza, where restaurants set up a stage at the Pier Head for Irish bands and step dancers.

Parade Highlights:

• Seven-Block Route: More than 70 local businesses, civic groups, and school marching bands travel a compact route through downtown Hermosa Beach in about an hour and a half.
• Pier Plaza After-Party: Restaurants along Pier Plaza host a stage at the Pier Head with live Irish bands and step dancing once the parade ends.
• Beach-Town Scale: Despite Hermosa Beach’s small size, the parade draws an estimated 30,000 people each year, one of the largest crowds the city sees all year.
• Grassroots Origins: Started by two local residents at a neighborhood Irish pub, the parade has stayed a community-run tradition even as it’s grown.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Free Entry: The parade and the Pier Plaza entertainment afterward are both free to attend.
• Best Viewing Spots: Pier Avenue and Hermosa Avenue along the route fill in early, so stake out a curbside spot well before the late-morning start.
• Getting There: Pier Avenue and Hermosa Avenue close early on parade morning, so park east of Valley Drive and walk in rather than trying to drive close to the route.
• What to Wear: Mid-March in Hermosa Beach is generally mild, but the ocean breeze can bite, so bring a light layer along with your green.
• Accommodation: Beachfront rooms in this small town sell out fast for the weekend, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
• Explore Hermosa Beach: Make the most of the South Bay’s coastline while you’re there — browse top Hermosa Beach tours and activities here.

The full parade route map and schedule are published by the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce closer to the date.

See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.