A tradition that began in the 1800s continues this spring as the 142nd Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade returns to Midtown Saturday, March 14. Presented by Irish Network Atlanta and the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Foundation, the parade remains the longest-running public event in Atlanta history and one of the largest St. Patrick’s parades in the country. 

Each year, thousands gather along the mile-long route to watch more than 100 parade units including floats, marching bands, bagpipe and drum corps, animal groups, Irish dancers and community organizations. The parade will also host Ireland dignitary Patrick O’ Donovan, Irish Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.

Returning favorites include the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, Twilight Twirlers of Marietta, Atlanta Irish Dance, Southern States Llama Association, Maynard Jackson High School Marching Band, Drake School of Irish Dance, and The Big Idaho Potato Truck.

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. 

PARADE CELEBRATES IRISH IMPACT IN ATLANTA

Since 2018, local nonprofit Irish Network Atlanta has been the driving force behind the parade, overseeing the planning, coordination and fundraising necessary to make the event a reality. The organization inherited the parade from the Hibernian Benevolent Society of Atlanta  (HBSA), Atlanta’s oldest civic association, which founded the parade in 1858.

“It’s an honor to produce an event that means so much to so many people,” said Annie Greenwood, Irish Network Atlanta board member and immediate past president. “I’m a third-generation Irish American and moved to Atlanta from Boston after college. I never imagined finding an Irish community that felt as strong as what I experienced back home. The parade represents all that makes Atlanta and Atlanta’s Irish community so special. The Irish community’s contributions to Atlanta are on full display, from the economic impact to the cultural influence. Each year, I’m moved by how Atlantans from all backgrounds show up to embrace this celebration.”

For Irish Network Atlanta, the parade supports its mission of strengthening economic and cultural ties between Atlanta and the Irish community, locally and abroad. 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.  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.  

Like the O’Riordan family, for example, who for more than five decades has made its participation in the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade a family tradition. The family is among Atlanta's oldest Irish families, with six generations here since immigrating in 1866.

Special thank you to presenting sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, and supporting sponsors CRH, Fado’s and Smurfit Westrock. This year’s presenting media sponsor is Atlanta News First, who will broadcast the parade live.