Atlanta residents are leaning into green this weekend as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches through Midtown.
Started in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the parade holds the title as the longest running event in Atlanta history, continuing the tradition of celebrating the city’s Irish culture and history.The parade will begin at noon sharp at the intersection of Peachtree Street and 15th Street and will continue down Peachtree to 5th Street, concluding at 1:30 p.m.
When Is The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Atlanta This Year?
This is the biggest and most traditional event—Atlanta’s longest-running public event (dating back to 1858) and one of the oldest/largest St. Patrick’s parades in the U.S. It features floats, marching bands (including the 116th Army Band), bagpipers, Irish dancers, community groups, animals, and more. Presented by Irish Network Atlanta.
Details: Free admission; family-friendly. A pre-parade “Brave the Shave” event raises awareness for childhood cancer. More info at atlantastpats.com.
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026, starting at noon (ends around 1:30 p.m., rain or shine). Arrive by 11 a.m. for good spots.
Location: Midtown Atlanta, starting at Peachtree Street and 15th Street, heading south to 5th Street.
Annually, hundreds of attendees line the parade route to witness entertainment from across not only the state but the country. This year thousands of people are expected to participate with units ranging from floats, bands, bagpipe and drum corps to childrens’ groups, Irish dancers, animal groups. A host of Irish and local dignitaries join in the parade as well, such as Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
For local Atlanta parade participants with Irish roots, the parade is a much-anticipated annual tradition. Like the O’Riordan Clan, for example, who for more than five decades has made the St. Patrick’s Parade a family tradition.
This year’s grand marshal is Ireland-native Georgia Tech Football kicker David Shanahan, the first from the country to be awarded a scholarship to play American college football.
Irish Heritage Takes Center Stage With Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade
The relationship between Ireland and Atlanta has been strong for decades and has only continued to grow in recent years. The level of Irish investment in Georgia is significant with over 20 Irish companies now operating in approximately 80 facilities across the state, employing approximately 6,800 Georgians.
Additionally, according to the Consulate of Ireland in Atlanta, nine percent (9%) of Georgia residents claim Irish and Scots-Irish heritage, with approximately 60,000 in Fulton County.
“The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day parade is the highlight of our year in the city. We welcome all Atlantans to join our celebration of the strength of Ireland-Atlanta connections,” said Consul General Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir.