The 2025 Dogtown Irish Festival and 41st annual Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day Parade is only a few days away! Every year, we like to give you the last-minute rundown to make sure you’re set up for success:
1. Plan for parking
…or getting a ride to and from Dogtown
Whether you live in Dogtown or are driving in for the day, you need to make sure you know where you will be able to park and what streets will be open to get in and out of the neighborhood. Be sure to review our detailed maps below (and visit our FAQs page) as you put your plan in place. Since day-of parking and street restrictions begin at 6:00 a.m., Dogtown residents parked along these streets are encouraged to move their vehicles the night before.
If you are a visitor, ride-hailing is a great option to get yourself to Dogtown without worrying about what roads are open and where to park. The ride-hailing pick-up areas are located on on Oakland, just west of Hampton, and Manchester, at Mitchell.
Aside from street parking, parking is also available for a fee at the St. Louis Zoo parking lots (north of I-64 and off of Oakland and Berthold), St. James the Greater Parish Park Lot, Colombo’s Cafe & Tavern and the St. Louis Marketplace (off of Manchester).
No matter how you arrive in Dogtown, remember that you will not be able to cross Tamm Avenue while the parade is happening between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
2. wear your green
…pants, tops, hats, beads, whatever
Of course! Hopefully, you have already done your online shopping from some of our favorite local shops. If you don’t have a go-to green outfit yet, don’t worry. Some of these spots have store fronts or will be at the Dogtown Irish Festival in our Vendor Village at Clayton and Tamm.
Aaaand this year: BEADS ARE BACK! While you should definitely bring and re-wear any beads you have from previous years, there will be an opportunity to snag some new swag at the parade this year as well!
3. Pack your purses
…and pockets, because backpacks aren’t allowed
As has been the case since 2013, coolers and backpacks (as well as bottles and outside alcohol) are prohibited from the AOH Parade and Irish Festival. This presents a great opportunity to pack light and support local businesses and vendors. When you’re packing your purse and/or pockets, consider bringing some of these festival essentials:
Credit card and/or cash
While most vendors will accept credit cards, having cash on hand never hurts!Sunglasses, hat
Fingers crossed for good weather…Jacket, gloves, beanie
Rain or shine, Sunday is looking to be chilly.Hand sanitizer
For use before, during, and after using the many portable toilets available throughout the neighborhood.Child care accessories
Any containers needed for child care purposes will be allowed at the event. Strollers and/pr wagons for children are also permitted.
4. know the schedule
…from live music to street closures/openings
6:00 a.m. Most Street Closures and Park Restrictions Begin
9:00 a.m. Irish Festival Begins
11:00 a.m. Ancient Order of Hibernians Parade Begins
1:00 p.m. Live Music
DJ (until 5:00 p.m.)
Funky Butt Brass Band (until 4:00 p.m.)
The Wild Geese (until 3:00 p.m.)
The Irish Aires (until 4:00 p.m.)
6:00 p.m. Irish Festival Ends
8:00 p.m. All Local Businesses Close
10:00 p.m. All Streets Reopen
Keep in mind that cell phone signals may be weak due to crowd size. When visitors are preparing to leave the festival, carve out some extra time to find cell service, hail a cab or ride-shar
ing accommodations, and make your way to the pick-up area.
5. be respectful
…of our neighborhood, residents and businesses
As you enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, be mindful that you are doing so in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Many of the sidewalks along the parade route are adjacent to residential homes and businesses. Please do not trespass on private property. While crowds may be larger around the intersection of Clayton and Tamm, it is usually less crowded towards the end of the parade route towards Manchester.
There will be numerous dumpsters and trash barrels throughout the neighborhood, so be sure to dispose of trash in the proper receptacles. If you are interested in helping with the neighborhood clean-up, please sign up for one of our volunteer shifts here. You can also show up on March 18 at 9:00 a.m. (no sign up required) at the gazebo between Clayton and Wise to help us collect trash.
Portable toilets are available at every intersection across Tamm. Public urinating will not be tolerated.
Dogtown residents, business owners and staff, security officials, and event managers will be making every effort to ensure the 2025 Dogtown Irish Festival is enjoyable for all who attend. In appreciation of their efforts, please be courteous and respectful - and have fun!
6. share your photos
with #DogtownIrishFestival
As you are celebrating (or later when you’re on WiFi), share your experience on social by tagging @dogtownunited (on Facebook or Instagram) and using #DogtownIrishFestival. You can also tag some of the partners and sponsors. We love to see your photos! If you are a professional photographer or are interested in making your photos available to use in marketing for next year’s event, please email dogtownunited@gmail.com for more information.
