No matter what your heritage, everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!
The March holiday is known for parades, shamrocks, leprechauns, and the wearin’ o’ the green. It’s also known for green beer, Irish whiskey, and drunken revelry.
This year, we’re skipping the pub crawls, the block parties, the green beer, and the wild festivals in Midtown and Buckhead — in favor of smaller events that are FREE and, for the most part, family-friendly. Here is our listing of St. Patrick’s Day 2020 events that are easy on the wallet.
Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Midtown Atlanta
FREE
The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day parade was started back in 1858, making it one of Atlanta’s longest running events — this is its 136th year! It’s a family-friendly outing that has been planned to appeal to children. Organizers recommend arriving by 11 a.m. to get a good spot along the parade route. Consider using MARTA, and getting off at either Midtown Station or Arts Center Station. (The parade heads straight down Peachtree St.) If you’re going to drive, be aware of street closures.
Get more info
Conyers parade
Lilburn Parade
Luck of Avalon
Friday, March 13, 2020
6 to 10 p.m.
Alpharetta
FREE
Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish at the Avalon retail district in Alpharetta! Irish dancers take the stage at 5:30 p.m., followed by bagpipes and a local band. Face painting for the kids.
Get more info
Check out the video highlights of the 2018 celebration at Avalon:
St. Paddy’s on Perry
Saturday, March 14, 2020
3 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Lawrenceville
FREE
This family-friendly street festival takes place in downtown Lawrenceville, on the historic square. There’s plenty for the kids, including inflatable bounce houses, balloon animals, face painting, a leprechaun magician, and a stilt walker. The shops around the square will be open and offering special themed activities.
Get more info
shamrock the station
St. Patrick’s Day activities at the Children’s Museum
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE with admission
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta will present special St. Patrick’s Day programming for kids and families. It will include Irish dancing during the Music & Movement program, story time readings, a four-leaf clover scavenger hunt, and arts and crafts activities.
Regular admission prices are in effect, but all special activities, crafts, and workshops are included in the price. If you buy tickets in advance online, you’ll save a few bucks (it’s $19 at the door and $16 online).
More FREE events during the month of March
