While Mother Nature had other plans for the Belmar–Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the celebration itself is far from canceled.

After a historic blizzard blanketed the Jersey Shore and forced the first weather-related postponement in the parade’s 53-year history, one thing remains unchanged: Bar Anticipation is still going strong today, keeping the St. Patrick’s Day spirit alive in Belmar despite the snow.

With the official parade rescheduled for later this month, locals and visitors looking to celebrate today don’t have to look far. Bar Anticipation; long considered a central gathering point for Shore celebrations, is open, lively, and ready to welcome anyone still wearing green.

See what’s happening right now below!

A Shore Staple That Doesn’t Miss a Beat

Bar Anticipation has built its reputation on being the place where the community comes together, especially on days that matter. And St. Patrick’s Day weekend; parade or not, is one of them.

Despite the blizzard forcing the postponement of the parade route through Lake Como and Belmar, Bar A remains a go-to destination for music, drinks, and camaraderie. With a full bar, high-energy atmosphere, and a crowd that knows how to rally, the venue is proving once again why it’s a Shore-town institution.

Today’s scene is less about marching bands and floats, and more about neighbors reconnecting, friends warming up after digging out from the storm, and keeping a long-standing tradition alive indoors.

Where to Be Today

If you were planning to be in town today anyway, Bar Anticipation is still one of the best places to spend the afternoon and evening. Whether you’re toasting to the parade’s return, warming up from the cold, or simply looking for a lively Shore bar atmosphere, Bar A delivers.

The parade will have its day soon, but today, the celebration is at Bar A.

After one of the most extraordinary winter storms the Jersey Shore has ever seen, the green flags are flying once again.

Following a historic blizzard that blanketed the region with more than two feet of snow, the Belmar–Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade — the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in New Jersey — has officially been rescheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026. And with the announcement, one thing is clear: the spirit of the Irish, and the pride of this Shore community, remain as strong as ever.

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🕰 Parade Details at a Glance

• Event: 53rd Annual Belmar–Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade
• New Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
• Step-Off Time: 12:30 PM
• Route:
  • Begins at North Lake Boulevard in Lake Como
  • Proceeds north along Main Street
  • Concludes at 5th Avenue in Belmar

Spectators are strongly encouraged to arrive early, as crowds are expected to exceed 100,000 people.

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🌨 A Blizzard for the Record Books — and a Parade Worth Protecting

Originally scheduled for March 1, the parade was forced to pause after a powerful nor’easter brought the Shore to a standstill, creating unsafe conditions along the route and surrounding areas. Rather than rush forward, the Parade Committee made the call to protect participants, spectators, and the integrity of the event itself.

“Safety is our first priority, but tradition is a close second,” – said Chip Cavanagh, Parade Chairman.

“This blizzard was one for the record books, but we weren’t going to let 53 years of history end with a snowdrift. Moving the parade to March 28 ensures a clear route with safe viewing areas for spectators so we can host the celebration our community expects and deserves.”

Behind the scenes, organizers worked closely with officials from both Belmar and Lake Como, coordinating logistics, public safety, and scheduling to ensure the parade’s signature elements — including world-class pipe bands and marching units — would still be able to perform.

The result: a rescheduled event that preserves everything people love about this parade, without compromise.

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🥁 Why This Parade Matters

The Belmar–Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade is more than a march down Main Street — it’s a regional institution.

Now in its 53rd year, the parade has grown into a defining Shore tradition, drawing visitors from across New Jersey and beyond. Each year, it showcases:

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🚆 Plan Ahead: Getting There & Watching Live

With massive crowds expected, planning ahead is key:

• NJ Transit typically runs additional trains on the NJ Coast Line for parade day
• Parking will be limited; public transportation and carpooling are strongly encouraged
• For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be livestreamed, allowing viewers everywhere to take part in the celebration

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🍀 The Wearing of the Green Continues

If anything, this year’s postponement has only strengthened the meaning behind the celebration. What was delayed by snow has returned with renewed anticipation — a reminder that tradition endures, even in the face of record-breaking storms.

On Saturday, March 28, Main Street will once again be filled with music, green attire, waving flags, and the unmistakable energy that signals the Jersey Shore’s transition from winter to spring.

Fifty-three years in, the Belmar–Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade remains a shining example of community resilience, pride, and celebration.

So bundle up one last time, wear the green proudly, and come be part of history — because the parade is back on, and Belmar is ready.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Jersey Shore. 🍀

One of New Jersey’s boldest and most recognizable winter traditions is back.

TIME AND PLACE:

Saturday, March 14, 2026
Seaside Heights, NJ

The Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights, presented by New Jersey Law Enforcement as part of the year-round fundraising efforts of the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, invites thousands to run into the frigid Atlantic Ocean — all in support of Special Olympics New Jersey athletes.

This isn’t just a dare. It’s a statewide movement. Every jump helps fund training, competition, and inclusive programming for athletes across New Jersey.

And if you’re planning to plunge — or even just attend — here’s exactly how the day unfolds.

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Plunge Schedule & Key Locations

Saturday, March 14, 2026

9:00 a.m. — Registration Opens
📍 Blaine Avenue, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751

Participants check in, receive wristbands, and prepare for the plunge. Organizers strongly recommend arriving early — this event draws upwards of 8,000 participants plus thousands more spectators.

11:30 a.m. — Plungers Head to the Beach
The beach opens earlier this year to accommodate crowd flow. Expect heavy foot traffic along Ocean Terrace and the boardwalk access ramps.

1:00 p.m. — PLUNGE!
📍 315 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights
Beach area in front of Spicy Cantina

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How to Access the Plunge Area

The plunge location sits on the beach directly in front of Spicy Cantina.

Plungers will enter the beach in front of Lucky Leo’s Arcade and must show their wristband to security at one of the designated boardwalk ramps.

To maintain safety and smooth movement, organizers have implemented single-use entrances and exits.

Beach Entrance Ramps:

• Ramp in front of Lucky Leo’s Arcade
• Ramp at Franklin Avenue
• Ramp between Lincoln & Dupont Avenue

Beach Exit Points:

• Ramp at Sumner Avenue (in front of Spicy Cantina)
• Ramp at Blaine Avenue
• Vehicle beach exit ramp at Grant Avenue (next to Casino Pier)

Important: Plungers do NOT need to enter the boardwalk near Spicy Cantina to access the beach.

Ocean Terrace will be closed to vehicle traffic from Sherman to Sumner Avenue and will be pedestrian-only. Participants are encouraged to travel along Ocean Terrace to reach entrance ramps.

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Parking & Restrictions

• Bus and RV parking is available on Grant Avenue, closest to check-in tents.
• Parking is first-come, first-served.
• Personal drones are NOT permitted on site.

With attendance numbers this large, early arrival is strongly recommended.

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Family Plunge Area — New Location

Families plunging together have a dedicated section on the northern side of the beach.

This area is reserved for:
• Registered families plunging together
• Children 18 years or younger accompanied by a parent or guardian

Access requires a white wristband, which must be shown to security.

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Important Notice for Spectators

Due to significant growth of the event, spectators are NOT permitted on the beach.

This decision ensures the safe and efficient movement of participants entering and exiting the plunge area. While the boardwalk remains lively, only registered plungers may access the sand.

To accommodate those who want to watch remotely, organizers will provide a livestream of the plunge, with access details to be announced.

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Why It Matters

The Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights is one of New Jersey’s largest and most impactful winter fundraising events. Through the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, funds raised directly support Special Olympics New Jersey athletes year-round.

It’s loud. It’s cold. It’s crowded.

And it’s pure Jersey.

On March 14 at 1:00 p.m., thousands will charge into the Atlantic — not for bragging rights, but for purpose.