Since 2009, Seattle has been declared the largest venue of the oldest St. Patty’s Parade in the Northwest.  This year’s event will begin on March 17, 2012, at 1230 at 4th Avenue and Jefferson, but if you want a real treat you’ll want to begin the festivities at 4th and Yesler. This is where the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums will be starting.  After the parade, the SFP&D will host a “pub crawl”.  See their website at http://seattlepipesanddrums.com/ for more information regarding this event.

The Parade will travel North on 4th Avenue from Jefferson to the Reviewing Stand at Westlake Park officially ending at the Seattle Center with Closing Ceremonies at 2:00 p.m.

The Monorail will be free from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. for travel from Westlake Park to the Seattle Center to participate in the 2012 Irish Festival.  This will be in the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall at Mercer Street at 2nd Avenue, next to the Opera House.  The Irish Festival hours are 10-6 on March 17th and 12-6 on March 18.  Admission is Free.

(Source: Irish Heritage Club, Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums and City of Seattle Festivities.com)