You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17! Everyone is invited to spend the day immersed in Irish culture and of course wearing green to ward off pinches from leprechauns. [Find a great green outfit here.] Many bars and restaurants around the state host celebrations featuring selections of green beer and cocktails along with Irish fare such as corned beef and cabbage. For those of you who want to step it up this year by attending a festive parade, we’ve rounded up where you can watch St. Patrick’s Day parades across Alabama.
Five Points South St. Patrick’s Celebration
March 16 in Birmingham
Thousands of spectators flock to Five Points South in Birmingham to celebrate all things Irish with a rollicking parade on Saturday, March 16, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm featuring kids’ activities, all-day entertainment and food and drink specials. The Five Points South St. Patrick’s Celebration is actually a four-day celebration with an Irish flag raising to kick off the festival on March. 14. You can also buy tickets to an Irish dinner sponsored by the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society on Friday, March 15, at 7 pm in the Stadium Club at BJCC Protective Stadium. On Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, restaurants and bars in the Five Points South Entertainment District will be offering Irish-themed food and drink specials along with live entertainment.
Huntsville’s 47th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 16 in Downtown Huntsville
Huntsville is host to the Ellen McAnelly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade held in memory of parade founder Ellen McAnelly, a native of Galway, Ireland, and owner of Finnegan’s Pub. Organized by the Irish Society of North Alabama, the annual parade is celebrating its 47th year. The 1.6 mile parade through downtown Huntsville is March 16 at 11 am. Stick around after the parade for a rockin’ after party at Straight To Ale Brewing featuring live entertainment with Irish dancers and traditional bagpipers.
World’s Smallest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 16 in Enterprise
Well known as the quirky Alabama town with a statue honoring the Boll Weevil, Enterprise has another claim to fame! It hosts the World’s Smallest St. Patrick’s Day Parade—and we are intrigued. One lucky citizen is tapped as the Grand Marshal and the lone parade participant. Spectators line the streets of downtown Enterprise to watch the Grand Marshal march, dance, and sing while waving the Irish flag along the route from the Coffee County Courthouse to the iconic Boll Weevil Monument (of course!) and then back to the Courthouse. After the parade which begins at noon on March 16, spectators can participate in the Half Pint 0.5K. This micro-run for fun is a 546-yard dash to the finish line. In keeping with the town’s eccentric nature, there is a donut station at the half-way mark to keep participants energized until the post-race celebration!
