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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.
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.
2024 Roanoke St. Patrick's Day Parade Information
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Saturday, March 16 - 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
Shamrock Festival: Saturday, March 16 - 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 2024 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 >
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 16.
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 Facebook Event >
St. Pat’s Street Party - Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Tickets: $15-$75 | 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, the Irish Pub Burger, and Irish Nachos. And jam out with music from 11 bands performing on 2 different stages.
Martin’s St. Pat’s Street Party Facebook Event >
St. Patrick's Day Weekend - Big Lick Brewing Company
Time: Friday - Sunday
It will be a weekend of shenanigans and all things green at Big Lick Brewing Company in Downtown Roanoke. The brewery will host live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, and there will also be special St. Patrick's Day-themed discounts and drinks.
Big Lick Brewing Company Website >
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 >
St. Patrick's Day at OSBC
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Olde Salem Brewing Company will open its Market Street location in Downtown Roanoke at 9:00 a.m. to welcome guests and celebrate the parade and festival. There will be live music, beermosas, bloody beers, and good times flowing throughout the day.
OSBC St. Patrick's Day Facebook Event >
St. Patrick's Day - Fork in the Market
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Fork in the Market will host its annual St. Patrick's Day party, featuring Irish music and food and beer specials that will make your heart do a jig. There will also be a special karaoke party at 9:00 p.m.
St. Patrick's Day at Fork in the Market Facebook Event >
St. Patrick's Day Parade & Party - 202 Social House
Time: 11:00 a.m.
With its location on Market Square, 202 Social House is a prime viewing spot for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Put on your green and gold and take part in Downtown Roanoke's biggest one-day celebration.
202 Social House St. Patrick's Day Facebook Event >
St. Patrick's Day Celebration - Starr Hill
Time: Friday - Sunday
Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage will celebrate throughout the weekend, with a great lineup of live music, St. Paddy's tees, and a special new beer release. There will be live music by William Seymour, the Tristan Daughtery Band, and Eric Wayne Duo.
Starr Hill St. Paddy's Weekend >
Additional St. Patrick's Day & Celtic-Themed Events in March
- Star City Ceili Band - Twin Creeks Brewpub - March 3
- Irish Music Session - Big Lick Brewing Company - Every Monday
- St. Patrick's Grand Sunday Brunch Buffet - The Regency Room at The Hotel Roanoke - March 10 & 17
- St. Patrick's Day Trivia - Living Proof Beer Company - March 13
- A Wee Bit O'Murder Murder Mystery Events - Stoney Brook Vineyards - March 15 | Our Daily Bread (Vinton) - March 16 | Beliveau Farm Winery - March 23
- St. Patrick's Party w/ Star City Cieli Band - Twin Creeks Brewing Company - March 15
- St. Patrick's Day Buffet - Mountain Lake Lodge - March 16
- St. Patrick's Day Bash - Living Proof Beer Company - March 16
- Shamrock Volleyball Festival - Various Locations - March 16-17
- St. Patrick's Day Drag Brunch - Golden Cactus Brewing - March 17
Downtown Roanoke Resources & Helpful Info
- Parking in Downtown Roanoke
- Downtown Roanoke Restaurants
- Bars in Downtown Roanoke
- Places to Stay in Downtown Roanoke
- Shopping in Downtown Roanoke
- Attractions & Things to Do in Downtown Roanoke
