Going green has never been more fun than when you’ve got your own little leprechauns on the loose. From parades to “greening of the fountains,” Atlanta is one lucky place to be. Here are our favorite spots around town to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade: Saturday, March 12
The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, which dates back to 1848, is one of the oldest parades of its kind in the U.S. and longest running event in Atlanta’s history. It returns to the streets of Midtown. The family-friendly event will feature highlights such as the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and the world’s largest walking flag, which is carried by dozens of marchers. Previous year’s parades were attended by more than 80,000 spectators, so plan to get there early via MARTA.
Where: Peachtree St. and 16th St. in Midtown from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Online: atlantastpats.com
Smyrna St. Patrick's Day Fest: Thursday, March 17 and Saturday, March 19
Paddy like no one's watching at the 18th Annual St. Paddy's Day Festival at the Smyrna Market Village, and little clovers are welcome to join Thursday afternoon and all day Saturday. 13 years and younger get in free. The weekend will have brew-tiful weather accompanied by live music, the dyeing of the fountain green by Smyrna's mayor (Thursday 6 p.m.), Cornhole ATL, drink specials, and games for the little clovers all day long!
Where: Smyrna Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Rd. Smyrna
Online: facebook.com
ShamRock The Station: Thursday, March 17
Central Park will be turning green with free activities and music all day, including musicians, stilt walkers, airbrush tattoo artists, balloon artists, Irish dancers, and bagpipes.
Where: Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Dr.
Online: atlanticstation.com
Luck of Avalon, Fri. & Sat. Mar. 11 & 12
Experience a purely gold St. Patrick's Day celebration during Luck of Avalon! Calling all lads, lassies, and little leprechauns! Join us on Friday, March 11th as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Avalon style at Luck of Avalon. Get ready to sham-ROCK the night away in the Plaza with special performances from King O'Sullivan School of Irish Dance + North Georgia Pipes and Drums, live music, Irish flair + of course, green beer.
400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta
Online: experienceavalon.com
Worth the Drive: Shamrock City (Rock City Gardens) March 12, 13, 19 & 20
Up for a day trip? Then visit Rock City's annual St. Patrick's Day festival. It's less than a two-hour drive north of Atlanta—and you'll enjoy traditional Irish food (and some non-traditional like green fudge!) plus learn an Irish jig. Take a fun family picture with a St. Patty's-themed costume character. Before you leave, make sure you stop by the Blarney Stone Climbing Wall, where kids can win a "lucky surprise" for reaching the top.
Where: Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Online: www.seerockcity.com
—Shelley Massey
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