8 parades, events to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in metro Atlanta

Emerald hues take over the city as the metro prepares to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. From town center festivals to neighborhood bars, there’s no shortage of ways to partake in the fun. But with so many options don’t feel overwhelmed; consider the luck of the Irish on your side. And luckily for you, we’re highlighting a shortlist of eight popular places to celebrate the St. Paddy’s Day weekend.

Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade

Head to Peachtree Street in midtown to see the 138th annual Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which, as a fixture in the city since 1858, is touted as the city’s “longest-running event.” The procession will start at 15th Street and proceed down Peachtree toward 5th Street. Celebrating Irish heritage but also incorporating other diverse acts, expect to see more than 2,000 participants, including bagpipers, bands, drill teams and more.

Parade begins at 12 p.m. March 14. Free. Starts at the corner of Peachtree Street and 15th Street, Atlanta. 770-805-8015, atlantastpats.com.

6th Annual St. Patricks Parade 5K

Get an active start to the St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a race down Peachtree. Runners and walkers are advised to register in advance for the 6th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade 5K (day-of registration will be available at Colony Square from 8:15-9:30 a.m.) Race participants will receive a t-shirt and shamrock medal; and participants over the age of 21 will also receive a complimentary draft beer upon finish at Colony Square. Colony Square’s Luck of the Square event will also double as the post-race party center. The 5K participants are invited to remain to view the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Race begins at 9:45 a.m. March 14. Registration starts at $22. Colony Square. 1197 Peachtree St. NE, atlantastpats.com/events.

5th annual Luck of The Square

Located along the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade route and at the 5K finish line, Colony Square will turn into a center for the day’s Celtic celebrations. Guests can come to cheer on the morning’s 5K participants, find a great spot to view the parade or just come to join the fun. In addition to the Colony Square shops and restaurants (some of which are offering specials and samples for the day), the square will feature music and activities for kids.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 14. Free. The Front Loop, Colony Square. 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-879-2250, colonysquare.com.

St. Patrick's Day Parties at Fado Irish Pub Buckhead

Fadó is planning two opportunities to celebrate the holiday. Since 1996, the Buckhead bar has been hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party. The indoor/outdoor event will begin at 8 a.m., starting with televised English Premier League soccer and Six Nations Rugby matches. Early risers can enjoy brunch offerings, such as their Irish Breakfast. The party will also include live music, a DJ, dancers, food trucks and beer and cocktail stations. And for United fans, the pub will air their major league soccer match against Kansas City at 7:30 p.m. A $20 cover charge is required for entry (after 12 p.m.) to Fadó’s Saturday block party.

The pub will also host another party on March 17 where festivities kick-off as early as 7:30 a.m. with a “Kegs and Eggs” menu. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration will also include live music, performances and a DJ. A $10 cover charge will begin at 4 p.m. on March 17, and entry will be limited to 21 and up after 6 p.m.

8 a.m.-2 a.m. March 14. Cover charge starting at $20 after 12 p.m. (Saturday block party); 7:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. March 17. $10 cover after 4 p.m. (March 17 party). Fadó Irish Pub Buckhead. 273 Buckhead Ave. Atlanta. 404-841-0066, fadoirishpub.com/atlanta.

St. Patrick's Day Parties at Fado Irish Pub Midtown

Similar to the Buckhead branch, Fadó’s Midtown location will host its set of parallel parties. The Midtown block party will take over 8th Street between Peachtree and Juniper streets. Midtown guests who arrive early will be in a prime location to watch the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day parade on Peachtree (which starts at noon) while joining in the pub’s festivities. Like Fadó’s Buckhead block party, the Midtown party will air soccer and rugby matches throughout the day. The Midtown party will also feature bagpipers, Irish dancers a live DJ, and food and drink for purchase. A $10 cover charge is required for admission, and entry will be limited to 21 and up after 1 p.m. For their March 17 St. Patrick’s Day party, doors open at 8 a.m. with a $10 cover charge starting at 4 p.m.

7 a.m.-2 a.m. March 14. Cover charge starting at $20 (Saturday block party); 8 a.m.-11:45 p.m. March 17. $10 cover after 4 p.m. (March 17 party). Fadó Irish Pub Midtown. 933 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-260-7910, fadoirishpub.com/atlanta-midtown.

St. Patrick's Day Live! Takeover at the Battery Atlanta

Celebrate with green beer and specialty cocktails, such as Irish car bombs, Irish coffees and more. With an upgraded ticket, guests can also enjoy the buffet, which will include Irish food favorites. The event will also feature a Lucky Charms bar, live bands, a DJ and games throughout the night.

5-11 p.m. March 14. Tickets starting at $10. Live! at the Battery Atlanta. 825 Battery Ave. SE, Suite 600, Atlanta. 404-965-2511, liveatthebatteryatlanta.com.

Ri Ra

Head to Rí Rá for a six-day-long celebration at the Midtown Atlanta pub. Festivities will begin with their head-shaving fundraising event, where proceeds benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The rest of the week will feature games, food specials, trivia, televised soccer matches, traditional Irish dancers and daily live music. Their 10th annual St. Patrick’s Outdoor Festival, held Saturday, will feature outdoor bars, a beer truck, a DJ, live entertainment and a headlining performance from Ireland-based band The Skellig Rockers. Tickets to the Saturday festival are $20 and include one drink voucher.

Hours vary; see website for details. Through March 17. $20 for Saturday festival. 1080 Peachtree St. Atlanta. 404-477-1700, rira.com/atlanta.

Chateau Elan's annual St. Patrick's Day Festival at Paddy's Irish Pub

For an authentic pub feel without ever crossing the pond, take your Paddy’s Day celebrations a wee bit north of the city to Paddy’s, Château Élan’s Irish pub. Built in Dublin then reassembled at Château Élan’s Brasselton, Georgia compound, the famed pub will be open, serving $5 drinks for the festival.

The St. Patrick’s Day festival will also feature live music, Irish dance demonstrations and games. With ticketed admission to the festival pavilion, guests can also enjoy nonalcoholic drinks and popular Irish staples such as corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, and beer-battered fish and chips. Overnight packages are also available.

2-8 p.m. March 14. Starting at $15 for kids and $40 for adults. Château Élan, 100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton. 678-425-0900, chateauelan.com.

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