The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival is one of the signature events and celebrations of the year in Downtown Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Sponsored by Freedom First, the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival attracts thousands of attendees and is a festive scene that highlights many local organizations, including those with connections to Celtic and Irish heritage.

Celtic Drummers - Roanoke St. Patrick's Day Parade

It’s one of the main reasons Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge has been highlighted as one of the 10 Best St. Patrick’s Day Cities in the United States, earning the recognition alongside other destinations around the country known for St. Patrick’s Day parties, including Chicago, Savannah, and Boston. 

2026 Roanoke St. Patrick's Day Parade Information

St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Saturday, March 14 - 11:00 a.m.

Downtown Roanoke Parade Route: Begins at intersection of Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue and goes north to Campbell Avenue, then turns right and ends at Williamson Road.

Popular viewing areas for the parade include the Jefferson Street side of Elmwood Park, corner of Franklin Road and Jefferson Street, corner of Jefferson Street and Campbell Avenue, and the Market Square area along Campbell Avenue

Step Team - Roanoke St. Patrick's Day Parade

Shamrock Festival: Saturday, March 14 - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Plaza area on Market Street beside the City Market Building
Admission: Free
Activities include live music, adult beverages, and more

For information about the 2026 Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival, including a map of the parade route, schedule of live music, and how to sign up to volunteer or apply to be a vendor, visit the Downtown Roanoke Inc. website > 

Learn more: DRI's Insider's Guide to St. Patrick's Day >

Walker on Stilts - St. Patrick's Day Parade - Downtown Roanoke

More St. Patrick's Day Events in 2026

In addition to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival, there are also lots of other great parties and events to check out at local restaurants and bars in Downtown Roanoke.

Here is a guide to other places to join the St. Patrick’s Day fun in Downtown Roanoke on March 14.

Shamrock Hill Run 5K & 1 Miler - Roanoke Catholic School

Time: 9:00 a.m.
One of Roanoke's most loved and luckiest races is back! Presented by Roanoke Catholic School, the 5K and 1 miler provides a healthy, fun start to all of Roanoke's St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities.
Shamrock Hill Run Registration >

Celtic Celebration - Corned Beef & Co.

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join Corned Beef & Co. for their annual Celtic Celebration, which will feature Irish food and drink specials. There will also be an outdoor festival with beer tents and live Irish music. This is also a great location for parade-watching.
Celtic Celebration Event >

St. Pat’s Street Party - Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Tickets: $15-$95 | Get Tickets >
Make it a full day and night of St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans at the annual St. Pat’s Street Party at Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill. There will be delicious Irish food specials such as Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers & Mash, Colcannon, and more. Jam out with music from 11 bands performing on 2 different stages.
Martin’s St. Pat’s Street Party Event >

St. Patrick's Day - Big Lick Brewing Company

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
It will be a day of shenanigans and all things green at Big Lick Brewing Company in Downtown Roanoke. The brewery will host live music from Abbey & Andy and Star City Ceili Band, and offer a special menu from Smokin' Nicks BBQ.
Big Lick Brewing Company Event >

St. Patrick's Day Party - Sidewinders

Time: 11:00 a.m.
Sidewinders Steakhouse & Saloon will host a St. Patrick's Day street party, featuring 3 stages of live music and 4 live DJs. There will be performances by The Dundies, Jake Bradley, and Derek Lersch. NOTE: This is a 21+ event.
Sidewinders St. Patrick's Day Party Facebook Event >

Green Envy St. Paddy's Party

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5-$8 | Get Tickets >
Join us at Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges for our Green Envy St. Paddy’s Day Party, featuring live music from Five Dollar Shake and The Jared Stout Band, drink specials, and a festive atmosphere that’s fun for all ages.
Green Envy St. Paddy's Event >

Oh Lucky Day - Not Your Average St. Patrick's Day Block Party

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20 | Get Tickets >
We’re taking over the city streets for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration like no other! The Oh Lucky Day Block Party is your go-to destination for high-energy vibes, great food, and festive fun.
Oh Lucky Day Block Party Event >

St. Paddy's Day Ramble at Starr Hill Roanoke

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We’re launching Ramble On The River with an all-day St. Paddy’s blowout that starts at brunch and does not let up. Beer. Music. Dancing before noon. Outside chaos. Inside main-character energy.
St. Paddy's Day Ramble Event >

The Green Dance Party at The Park

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
It's the Annual Green Party at The Park Dance Club, featuring triple DJs, spotlight divas, FREE St. Patrick's swag, featured drinks, and more! Must be 18+ to party and 21+ to drink.
The Green Dance Party Event >

Fire Truck - Roanoke St. Patrick's Day Parade

Additional St. Patrick's Day & Celtic-Themed Events in March

  • Candlelight Celtic - Jefferson Center - March 13
  • Freeze Your Glass Off: A St. Patrick's Day Buffet - Mountain Lake Lodge - March 13
  • Shamrock Festival Volleyball Tournament - Various Locations - March 14 - 15
  • St. Patrick's Grand Buffet Sunday Brunch - The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center - March 15
  • St. Patrick's Dinner Show - The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center - March 15
  • Irish Baroque Orchestra: "The Trials of Tenducci" - Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech - March 17
  • St. Patrick's Day Mixology & Music - Mountain Lake Lodge - March 17

Downtown Roanoke Resources & Helpful Info

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Downtown Roanoke, VA