How to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Atlanta, GA

While Boston and Chicago may boast the largest and most boisterous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, don’t sleep on Atlanta. The large Irish contingent from the Emerald Isle are apparent as soon as the calendar strikes March 17. If you’re new to Atlanta, dropping through town, or just want to experience one of the country’s most exciting St. Patty’s Day festivities, check out these ideas in the Jewel of the South.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a wild parade that caters to children and adults alike. The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the longest-running St. Patrick’s Day event in the city dating back to 1958, and welcomes tens of thousands of spectators to Midtown each year. This family-friendly parade has over 2,000 Irish dancers, traditional Irish music, floats, Clydesdales, Irish dignitaries, and the longest Irish walking flag in the world.

The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. on March 17, 2018, at the intersection of 15th and Peachtree streets and, continues south along Peachtree. Parking is a bit of a worry, so parade organizers encourage all spectators to take advantage of MARTA for the festivities. The parade lasts one-and-a-half hours and takes place rain or shine. The best part is that you don’t have to brave the weather you’ll find at events in northern cities.

Green Mile Midtown Block Party

If you find the insatiable urge to get wild during St. Patrick’s Day, head to the Green Mile Midtown Block Party. Taking place on March 16, 2018, this event welcomes over 2,000 partygoers each year for the wild celebration. Over 20 bars and restaurants take part in the festivities, and many have no cover charge as well as offer a complimentary shot of whiskey. Cheap beer, food specials, and other drink deals take center stage during the event.

Register for the block party at Ri’Ra’ Irish Pub between 7 and 11:30 p.m. to take part. The entire event lasts from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., so make sure to pace yourself if you’re in for the long haul.

Lepre*CON 2018

Taking place at the Park Tavern on March 10, Lepre*CON is the largest St. Patrick’s Day event outside of the parade. With over 5,000 spectators in attendance, there’s never a dull moment at this gathering. All attendees are encouraged to wear an Irish-themed costume while they enjoy endless drink specials, antics, and surprise guests. If you’re into dancing, Lepre*CON 2018 also has multiple stages featuring DJs and live bands playing pop, rock, country, and traditional Irish music.

General admission to the event is $13, but if you’re a bargain hunter, sign up early. The first 100 ticket buyers get to enjoy the day for just $5 plus the costs of food and drinks.

Drinking green beer and donning a leprechaun costume are a few of the ways to celebrate the Irish holiday, but with these ideas, you’ll have plenty of ideas whether you’re entertaining family or a bunch of your rowdy friends. Just don’t forget to wash your “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” T-shirt to get the full effect.