Ocean City Preps for St. Patrick’s Day with Parade, Festival and DUI Enforcement

Ocean City, Maryland officials are making final preparations for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, which will include the popular annual parade and festival celebration on March 11, 2026.

While the community looks forward to enjoying the holiday events, local law enforcement is reminding everyone about safety. The Ocean City Police Department, working alongside other law enforcement agencies, will be taking part in Maryland’s statewide Border-to-Border St. Patrick’s Day initiative focused on preventing impaired driving.

The enhanced enforcement effort aims to keep roads safe during one of the year’s most popular party holidays, when alcohol-related incidents typically increase. Officials encourage all celebration participants to plan ahead for safe transportation if they intend to drink during the festivities.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival have become signature events for the coastal resort town, drawing both local residents and visitors from across the region to participate in the Irish-themed celebration.