"Our best venue ever. Our biggest line-up ever.
In the best location ever."
"March 17, 2026, Celebrants gathered at the Ukrainian Institute of America at the very end of the NYC Parade. All to experience Irish music, storytelling, dance, and community in an alcohol-free, culture-first celebration."
Our 2026 theme was ‘Blue + Yellow = Green’
As we have every year since we began in 2012, the event sold out in advance.
So, look here for tix to 2027 early in January.
Have questions?
Please send an email to: info@SoberStPatricksDay.org
QUOTES from MARCHERS
These reflections from the recovery coaches and peer specialists who marched with us on March 17, 2026, made one thing clear: visibility, community, and celebration matter. Marching together under the Sober St. Patrick’s Day banner is always more than a parade experience. It is a powerful public statement that recovery deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
The overwhelmingly positive response from both participants and the crowd every year reinforces the importance of continuing this partnership with the New York Certification Board in the years ahead. We are proud that Sober St. Patrick’s Day® provides an opportunity for peer professionals to earn continuing education credits while also deepening their connection to recovery advocacy, NYC, Irish culture, and one another. Based on the impact reflected in these testimonials, we are thrilled for this collaboration to continue growing into the future!
“I am from an Irish American background so it’s cultural for me. I was able to connect through identification on that level as well as recovery and reclaiming the day.”
“Encountering other recovering individuals helps me to see the value of my work as a coach. Also, it's a good reminder that: recovery has a great place for fun!”
“I think this event did a lot to boost my morale, especially as an outreach and harm reduction specialist, it's hard to not get discouraged in general and feel like you're fighting the tide. I would say that this March renewed my spirit”
“My experience at the 2026 NYC St. Patrick’s Parade marching under the Sober St. Patrick’s Day banner was incredibly meaningful and inspiring. It was powerful to be part of a community that celebrates recovery while promoting hope, unity, and visibility in such a large and well-known event. The energy, support, and sense of purpose throughout the day were truly uplifting. I felt proud to stand alongside others in recovery and to help show that sobriety can be celebrated in a positive and empowering way. It was an unforgettable experience that reinforced my commitment to both my personal recovery and supporting others on their journey.
“The largest parade I ever attended. There were people from all over the world, and they were well behaved.”
“This experience will continue to influence how I engage, inspire, and advocate for those I work with in my professional role.”
“The cultural diversity is a priceless human Experience. Recovery is contagious.”
“It was amazing. I had such a wonderful, powerful experience. Thank you so much. I am looking forward to next year.
“I observed many people in our own group who seemed open and offering connection and many who weren’t.”
“The crowd was loud and supportive to the Sober St banner and participants.”
“exhilarating! Great spirit among the SSPD marching troop.”
“I observed a strong sense of unity, pride, and support among everyone marching under the Sober St. Patrick’s Day banner. It was inspiring to see how many people came together to represent recovery in such a visible and positive way. The reactions from the crowd were also very meaningful, many people were supportive, encouraging, and curious, which helped break down stigma and open the door for important conversations. I also noticed how empowering it was for individuals in recovery to be part of something larger than themselves, proudly showing that a life in recovery is not only possible, but worth celebrating.”
“To openly identify as a person in recovery or an ally still carries stigma. The professional value to me is knowing that the more we do this the more we empower people which reduces trauma and substance use disorders so it’s a win win”
“I just solidified the reasons for me to continue to do what I do and be proud of it”
“The bag pipes got to my soul, the company got to my heart as we marched up 5th Ave.”
“I was particularly encouraged by the positive response from bystanders. It's possible that some of the historic revulsion towards addicts/alcoholics is abating.”
“It was a humbling experience, and the first of its kind for me. Not only was there so much support from the crowd but it was also great to march along with other people that champion and support Recovery and sobriety.”
“I was particularly encouraged by the positive response from bystanders. It's possible that some of the historic revulsion towards addicts/alcoholics is abating.”
