Participate in the parade

We are now accepting registrations for the 2025 parade on Saturday 15th March 10:30am – 11:30am.
Register to participateVolunteer

Brisbane St Patrick’s Day Parade

The 2025 parade will start and end at Brisbane Botanic Gardens on Alice Street and will continue along the same route as in 2025 on Saturday 15th March 10:30am – 11:30am.

Participation spaces are limited but we try our best to accommodate all who want to join in on the fun. We encourage all participants to be as creative and festive as possible and embrace this years’ theme of ‘Irish Myths and Legends. Remember – the bigger and brighter the better!

The most impressive float, decided by the committee members and dignitaries on the day, will be awarded “The Jan Dooley St. Patrick’s Day Parade Best Particpant Award” for the most outstanding float on show.

Please read the participation rules below before applying. 

Donate and support

The Brisbane St. Patrick’s Day relies upon funding and the support and generosity of local businesses to hold this community-run parade. Please consider making a donation.

Irish Myths and Legends
Irish Myths and Legends

2025 Parade Theme

In 2025, the parade will embrace the ‘Women in Irish Song’ theme. We encourage participants to get creative and become contenders for the Jan Dooley St. Patrick’s Day Parade Participant Award. Like the iconic Molly Malone, Irish women in song often embody resilience, beauty, and tragedy, symbolising strength and community. These themes can be brought to life visually with traditional dress, flowing scarves, and music.

Register to participate in the 2025 Brisbane St. Patrick's Day Parade

The application deadline is Friday 28th February 2025.

Please read the participation requirements below before applying.

Participation requirements and code of conduct

Please take note of the vehicle safety guidelines that must be followed.

  • Participants are to follow the parade marshals’ instructions closely on the day.
  • For environmental reasons, balloons are not permitted in the parade. Please consider using reusable decorations like flags, bubbles, bunting, flowers, and paper decorations.
  • All minors are to be accompanied by an adult on a float but we would prefer there were no minors for safety reasons.
  • No activities such as dancing or jumping on the back of trucks or utes are permitted.
  • Any political demonstration or protest of any kind will not be tolerated.
  • The use of lewd or vulgar language is not permitted when marching.
  • No drinking alcohol or smoking in the parade.
  • If submitting a vehicle, please describe how your vehicle will be decorated. Poorly decorated vehicles with excess advertising will be rejected. If in doubt please query in the registration form or email enquiries@brisbaneirishfestival.com.au
  • Only registered vehicles will be permitted in the parade so please fill out the form accurately.
  • If your vehicle is deemed unfit or unsafe for the parade, you may be prevented from participating. Marshalls will inspect your float before proceeding.
  • Long trucks, diggers and excavators will not be permitted.
  • Participants are not to throw or distribute candy, flyers, or any other objects from vehicles or marchers.
  • Participants are not allowed to solicit donations on the parade route or sell anything to spectators. Parade Marshals will enforce this policy.
  • Large inflatables must be secured.
  • Private businesses will incur a $250 participation fee. Fee is waived for advertisers and sponsors

 

The Jan Dooley St. Patrick’s Day Parade Best Particpant Award

The best float takes home “Jan Dooley St. Patrick’s Day Parade Best Particpant Award”!

Jan Dooley reestablished the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in 1989 with her husband Dr. Tom Dooley, Jim Morrissey, Pat Fitzpatrick and friends. Jan passed in 2018 and is survived by her devoted husband Tom, their four children and nine grandchildren.

Previous winners:

  • 2024: Australian Irish Dancing Association Queensland
  • 2023: Australian Irish Dancing Association Queensland
  • 2022: St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe
  • 2019: Queensland Irish Dance Association
  • 2018: The QIA Pipe Band