Let’s commence with the wearing of the green! After all, who wants to be pinched?
From Irish-themed block parties and pub crawls to a famous parade and costumed race, there's a little something for everyone this year around the Metro. Whether you’re an Atlanta resident or visiting the ATL over the holiday weekend, we’ve rounded up some of the best St. Patrick’s Day events and activities that will have you feeling like you’ve crossed over the rainbow. Who knows, you may even find a few leprechauns or a pot of gold along the way!
Midtown
Midtown Atlanta is home to the city’s famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Taking place on Saturday, March 16, at Peachtree Street and 16th Street, this kid-friendly event is one of the South’s biggest and oldest celebrations, featuring more than 2,000 Irish dancers (think Riverdance), musicians, floats, Irish dignitaries, the Clydesdales and the world’s largest Irish walking flag.
The Irish Lights Festival also takes place at Park Tavern on Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17. Social Mess presents this festival to illuminate the city and will bring in national headliner Lost Kings. Nearly 5,000 friends will gather in the heart of Midtown to light Atlanta green during an unforgettable, all-day party in celebration of all things Irish. Multiple areas of entertainment feature a host of DJs spinning EDM, tropical house, deep house, progressive house and open format music.
Suwanee
Town Center Park in Suwanee hosts the ever-popular ninth annual Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, March 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event kicks off with an exclusive beer tasting at noon. Boasting unlimited tastings of more than 350 craft beers, this is one of the biggest craft beer festivals in the Southeast, attracting people from all over the U.S. to enjoy local food vendors, games, live music and a homebrewed beer contest.
After sampling some amazing craft beers, Shake Your Shamrock at the Mall of Georgia from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. This free event includes entertainment from The Pak and Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance, as well as bounce houses, family-friendly activities, giveaways, retailer and vendor booths and more! Additionally, you can enjoy your favorite crafted cocktail, beer or wine purchased from participating restaurants while relaxing in the Village. Cheers!
Milton
For those wishing to give back, the St. Paddy O’Pedal Charity Bike Ride benefits the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Join the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club for the third year on Sunday, March 24, at 9 a.m. at Milton City Hall. This is a fun event for bicycle riding enthusiasts to don their green and take to the road.
Smyrna
The city of Smyrna turns the fountain at Smyrna Market Village green for the Smyrna St. Patrick’s Day Festival on Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17. Enjoy some family-friendly fun with live music, games such as cornhole, carnival rides and much more. Plus, kids under 13 are free.
Weekend Trip to Savannah
March is one of the most popular times to visit Savannah (only 250 miles south on I-75) not only because of peaking spring weather, but also because Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day is one of the hottest in the nation, with Savannah ranking the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world!
Beginning Friday, March 15, and continuing until midnight on Saturday, the biggest and greenest festival on River Street and in City Market arrives in town! The St. Patrick’s Day Festival offers tons of vendors with gifts and goodies, live music on stages all over downtown Savannah and, of course, a convenient location to enjoy amazing drinks, tasty food and tons of fun by the GREEN Savannah River. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off on March 16, when more than 300,000 people are expected to visit and enjoy the city-wide festivities.
Go Green on St. Patrick’s Day in Atlanta
Whether you’re looking for something laid back or a party that rocks into the wee hours of the morning, there are plenty of crowd pleasers to excite and entertain locals and visitors alike in Atlanta! More for information about things to do, places to stay and all things Atlanta, visit www.knowatlanta.com.
