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Step Into Tradition: Everyone’s Irish at the 2024 St. Patrick’s Parade in Midtown

The parade celebrates Atlanta’s Irish community with floats, Irish music and dance, a giant potato, llamas, and so much more

03/07/2024  

BY GABI RAMIREZ 

Join us on March 16 in Midtown for the 140th St. Patrick’s Parade, Atlanta’s longest-running event.  

Established in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade stands as the city’s oldest parade and one of the country's enduring traditions. 

The parade kicks off at noon sharp on Peachtree Street in Midtown. To secure prime viewing spots along the route, be sure to arrive by 11 am. 

Leading the parade as Grand Marshall this year is Monica Pearson, an Atlanta journalist, news anchor, and the first woman and first minority to anchor the daily evening news in Atlanta. 

Midtown: The Ultimate Parade Destination 

Peachtree Street in Midtown is ground-zero for parades. In 2023, Midtown hosted several, from the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade to the Parliament of Owls lantern parade, Georgia Veteran’s Day parade and other big events. 

“Midtown is the heart of the city; it has great bars and restaurants for post-parade celebrations,” said Annie Greenwood, the President of Irish Network Atlanta. “Having MARTA means that people do not have to drive and worry about parking. And there is something pretty special about being able to march down Peachtree Street!”   

A Parade as Unique as the City of Atlanta 

If you’ve attended an Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade before, you know it’s truly one for the books. And if you haven’t, prepare to have a blast.

“It’s a huge celebration of Irish and Irish American culture on the biggest day in the Irish calendar,” said Sinead Connaughton, the Parade Chair of Irish Network Atlanta. “We have traditional Irish dancers, Irish music, and our very own Gaelic Athletic Association Club demonstrating Irish sports, hurling, camogie, and both men's and ladies Gaelic Football. Some of the participants are actually world champions in music and dance.” 

At the St. Patrick’s Parade, you can also expect to see the unexpected. Like llamas and a four-ton Idaho potato. Yes, you read that right.  

“This year we have the Big Idaho potato truck - quite significant as you know how the Irish love potatoes,” said Greenwood. “You will also see some participants like the Atlanta Ghostbusters, the O'Riordan Clan with their own bar and some llamas...everyone is Irish for the day!” 

Irish former professional footballer, Niall Quinn, will also be making a special guest appearance this year all the way from Ireland. Niall played for Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland AFC, and earned 92 caps for the Republic of Ireland national football team. He remains Ireland’s second highest goal-scorer of all time.

Community Gatherings in the Heart of It All 

Events like the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade bring to life the best Midtown has to offer – charming tree-lined streets, dynamic arts and cultural attractions, and a sense of community nestled within this bustling urban hub. 

“It's wonderful to see the joy and excitement of the participants going down Peachtree St. and everyone there to celebrate our national day,” said Connaughton. “Being away from Ireland is quite bittersweet so to see a city close down their main street to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is emotional and heartwarming.” 

Stay a While and Explore Midtown 

You'll want to stick around before and after the parade for Midtown’s Shamrock Stroll this year, featuring dining specials, family-friendly activities and more! Be sure to don your green, bring your loved ones and enjoy the best of Midtown Atlanta. 

Check out our official Shamrock Stroll page for more information on planned activities and participating businesses.  

Tips for First Timers

Is this your first time attending the parade? Here are a few tips: 

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot and stay late to explore other Midtown festivities. 
  • The Arts Center and Midtown MARTA stations offer convenient access to the parade route. 
  • Rock your green and dress for the weather. 
  • Bring your friends and family. 
  • Cheer along the participants – they love seeing your enthusiasm. 
  • The parade is a go, rain or shine! 

How to Support Irish Network Atlanta and the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade Year-Round 

Interested in sponsoring the event next year or being a parade participant? Reach out to the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade via their website. 

Excited to support next year’s parade? Irish Network Atlanta hosts an annual golf tournament, the Shamrock Open, at the Peachtree Golf Club to fundraise for the parade and other charitable organizations. Learn more here. 

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