Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
What to know about Staten Island's 1st St. Patrick's Day parade to include LGBTQ+ groups
By
Precious Fondren
Published Mar 15, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Precious Fondren
Published Mar 15, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A St. Patrick’s Day parade on Staten Island will openly welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community for the first time.
The new parade, officially known as the Forest Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade, kicks off in the borough on Sunday at noon. Mayor Eric Adams announced it last month as an alternative to the original Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day parade, which has banned LGBTQ+ groups from participating.
Carol Bullock, executive director of the Pride Center of Staten Island, said she's "overjoyed" her organization will join the new parade after the older parade's organizers denied the Center's applications to participate for years.
“It's so awesome,” Bullock said. “I don't even think that word does it justice, but it's just so great that we're an amazing organization who does great work on Staten Island. And I'm just so proud and happy.”
About 60 members of the Pride Center and their supporters will march with a large banner at Sunday’s parade, according to Bullock. The Forest Avenue Business Improvement District is organizing the event.
“I just hope everyone comes out and celebrates their Irish heritage,” Bullock said. “And really understands what a great community we have on Staten Island and just has a fun, awesome day.”
“Come out and show your Irish pride,” said Nina Flores, executive director of the Forest Avenue BID. “Everyone should feel valued, welcomed, respected and included.”
The Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 3. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which ended its ban on LGBTQ+ groups about a decade ago, will take place in Manhattan this Saturday.
The Forest Avenue parade is free to attend and open to the public. Here’s more information about how to watch.
When is the parade?
The parade steps off at noon on Sunday, March 17.
How long will the parade last?
The parade will last about three hours.
Where is the parade?
The nearly 1-mile route will proceed along Forest Avenue in Staten Island, starting at Hart Boulevard and heading west toward Broadway.
How’s the weather looking?
Temperatures will be around the mid-40s in the morning, and are expected to rise into the high-50s by the afternoon.
What organizations will be marching?
Flores said the organizations marching in the parade include the Tottenville and Wagner high school marching bands, a local Girl Scouts troop, Spotlight Theatre Company, Nonprofit Staten Island and the Gay Officers Action League.
She said community leaders and elected officials, including City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks and state Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo, would also attend.
Will any roads be closed for the parade?
Yes. Check out the latest road closures from the NYPD’s list below.
- Forest Avenue between Hart Boulevard and Randall Avenue
- Forest Avenue between Hart Boulevard and Broadway
- Forest Avenue between Broadway and Clove Road
Tagged
new york city
st. patrick's day
staten island
LGBTQ
parade
Precious Fondren
Precious is a former WNYC & Gothamist culture reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside a photographer's journey to visit every neighborhood in New York City
What do you see when you record the whole of the boroughs?
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 5, 2026
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
It's a busy month at the branches.
By
Alec Hamilton
Arts & Entertainment
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
It's a busy month at the branches.
By
Alec Hamilton
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
By
Hank Shteamer
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .