‘Embrace your Irish side’: Palatine St. Patrick’s Parade returns March 14

Posted February 23, 2026 12:45 pm

Daily Herald report

See local “royalty” in this year's renamed Palatine St. Patrick's Parade, stepping off at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14. There will be celebrations before and after the parade. Courtesy of Vicarious Multimedia

The renamed “Palatine St. Patrick’s Parade” will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, from the corner of Wood and Oak streets in the village’s downtown. Before and after the parade, sponsoring establishments will host events to help celebrate the occasion.

Businesses, nonprofits, houses of worship, youth sports organizations and neighborhood groups interested in marching in the parade can register now at durtystpats.com. Visitors can also nominate a queen, king and their royal court, or learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Formerly the Durty St. Pat’s Parade, the rebranded parade kicks off the spring season and reunites friends, families, and neighbors for a celebration steeped in community pride.

This year’s parade welcomes new presenting sponsors, including downtown favorites JL’s Pizza & Sports Bar, Tap House Grill, and TJ O’Brien’s Bar & Grill. They join parade founder Durty Nellie’s Irish Pub, alongside longtime partner Vicarious Multimedia, to keep the tradition alive.

“Since its start in 2010, this parade has always been about community, connection, and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Durty Nellie’s will always hold the distinction of bringing this parade to life,” said Melanie Santostefano, founder and president of Vicarious Multimedia, in a news release.

“We are incredibly grateful to Dave Gagner of JL’s, Jen Brey of TJ O’Brien’s, and Rachel Sexton of Tap House Grill for stepping up to be an important part of this event. Thanks also to the village of Palatine for their ongoing support. This is a day to feel the true heart of Palatine, spend time with friends and family, support local businesses, and embrace your Irish side!”

There are plenty of ways for residents and organizations to get involved:

• Businesses, nonprofits, houses of worship, youth sports organizations, and neighborhood groups are invited to register for the parade. The deadline is Friday, Feb. 27.

• Residents are asked to help crown this year’s Parade Queen, King, and Royal Court. Nominees must be Palatine residents or actively serve the Palatine community. Queen and King nominees should have a track record of strong community involvement or leadership. Nominations close Sunday, March 1.

The parade route will begin at Wood and Oak streets and travel west to Smith and Wood streets, where the parade concludes. Festivities will happen before and after the parade at sponsor establishments.

For parade registration, to nominate the parade royals, sponsorship opportunities, and day-of-parade specials at sponsor establishments, visit StPatsPalatine.com.

Children clamor for position as parade participants throw candy during the 13th annual Durty St. Pat’s Parade last year in Palatine. This year, the event has been renamed “Palatine St. Patrick’s Parade” and will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

The Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band performs to the delight of paradegoers during the 13th annual Durty St. Pat’s Parade in Palatine last year. This year it will be called the “Palatine St. Patrick’s Parade.” Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Complete with green hair to match, Jett, 3, and Piper, 6, Munagian of Palatine watch as the 13th annual Durty St. Pat’s Parade passes them last year. This year it will be called the “Palatine St. Patrick’s Parade.” Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

The Hogan Irish Dance Academy walks in last year’s Durty St. Pat’s Parade in Palatine. The event returns this year under a new name, the “Palatine St. Patrick’s Parade.” Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com