The 38th-annual IrishFest St. Patrick’s Day parade will make its way through the streets of Hilton Head on Sunday starting at 3 p.m., featuring familiar bright green floats, the “world’s largest peanut” and even the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile.
Stretching from Coligny Beach to Sea Pines Circle, the route will block several roads and lanes in the area of Pope Avenue, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Parade organizers expect up to 30,000 attendees — meaning drivers should leave ahead of time in case of traffic backups.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to visit southern Hilton Head on Sunday afternoon.
Road closures (2-6 p.m. Sunday):
All eastbound lanes of Pope Avenue will be closed.
The entrance to Pope Avenue from Sea Pines Circle will be closed.
Traffic from College Center Drive and Office Way will be rerouted to Greenwood Drive.
The Cordillo Parkway gate to Shipyard Plantation, located off of Pope Avenue, will be closed.
Traffic from Lagoon Road onto Pope Avenue can only turn right.
Google Maps
Parking
Only vehicles participating in the parade may park in the Coligny Beach Parking Lot, located at the start of the parade route.
Parade organizers recommend attendees park at USCB, where Breeze Trolley will offer free one-way trips to Lowcountry Celebration Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parking will be available in nearby business’ lots, many of which will be closed on Sunday.
Parade participants
Participants should be dropped off at the entrance to Lowcountry Celebration Park on Pope Avenue by 1 p.m.
Vehicles participating in the parade need to check in before 1 p.m. at the staging area, located on South Forest Beach Drive near Coligny Circle.
This story was originally published March 10, 2023 at 1:57 PM.
Evan is a breaking news reporter for The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. A Tennessee native and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he reports on crime and safety across Beaufort and Jasper counties. For tips or story ideas, email emckenna@islandpacket.com or call 843-321-8375.
