Why The Illinois And Iowa’s St. Patrick’s Parade Is Very Unique

"This weekend is St. Patrick's Day weekend because this year, the holiday falls on a Monday. For those in a populated group of cities along the Mississippi River in Illinois and Iowa, this weekend will mark another exciting year of Irish fun with a tradition that you can only find there.

Once again, the St. Patrick Society of the Quad Cities will hold America's only bi-state St. Patrick's Day Parade. Get your pot of gold and four-leaf clovers ready, because this unique parade is happening this weekend.

America's Only Bi-State St. Patrick's Parade Lives On

What you might not know about The Grand Parade put on by the St. Patrick's Society is that it's a very unique St. Patrick's Day parade. While many cities and towns across America celebrate the patron saint of Ireland with parades and parties, The Grand Parade is the only St. Patrick's Day parade in America that spans two states.

For the past 38, almost 39 years, The Grand Parade begins in Rock Island, IL, and finishes in Davenport, IA making it the only bi-state parade of its kind in America

The founders of the St. Patrick's Society and The Grand Parade wanted to make sure the parade was the best St. Patrick's Day parade the Quad Cities had ever seen. Clearly, it worked because the bi-state St. Patrick's Day in the Quad Cities has happened every year for 38 years. You can read more about The Founders and their interesting beginnings, here.

The XXXIX Grand Parade Route

According to St. Patrick's Society officials, normally the day would begin on Saturday, March 15, 2025, with Mass at St. Mary’s (2204 4th Ave. Rock Island) at 10:00 a.m. Unfortunately, officials say that's not going to happen.

"Regrettably the traditional pre-Parade Mass celebrated at St. Mary's Church in Rock Island has been cancelled due to an unfinished remodeling project at the church."

No matter what, the St. Patrick’s Grand Parade will start at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of 4th Avenue and 23rd Street in Rock Island.

The parade will travel through downtown Rock Island, across the Mississippi River over the Talbot/Centennial Bridge to W 3rd St., and proceed east through downtown Davenport to the RiverCenter at E 3rd and Perry Streets.

The Post-Parade Bash will take place at the RiverCenter with doors opening at 1 p.m. Other parties are being held at various bars and restaurants in downtown Davenport and Rock Island.

Learn More Fun Facts About The Quad Cities

The Quad Cities being home to America's only bi-state St. Patrick's Day Parade is fact #20 on the list below. Check out 99 other interesting facts you may or may not know about the Quad Cities below!