The 141st annual Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade is returning to Midtown on Saturday, March 15, for a celebration of Irish culture and arts. Initially founded in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the parade holds the title of the longest-running event in Atlanta history.
Boasting 100 units and 3,000 parade participants, the display includes bands, bagpipes, drum corps, floats, Irish dancers, children’s groups, and animal groups. The parade kicks off at noon and travels from Peachtree Street and 15th Street to 5th Street by 1:30 p.m.
This year’s parade also has an exciting new 2025 Grand Marshal; Olympian Susan Smith-Walsh. A two-time Irish Olympian, she participated in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the 400-meter hurdles competition. She now lives in Atlanta full time, and has become known as an ambassador for Irish culture and a role model.
“As a proud Irish woman who has lived in Atlanta for the past 25 years, this honor is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Smith-Walsh of her appointment to the 2025 Grand Marshal for the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade.
“I have raised my four children here, and this city has become a huge part of my life. Representing Ireland on the world stage was one of my greatest privileges, and now, being recognized by the place where I’ve built my life as an ambassador for my birthplace is truly special. Today, I am proud to represent both Ireland and Atlanta.”
Several of the featured parade participants took the time to share their thoughts on the importance of this annual tradition, and highlighted the ways in which Irish culture is celebrated.
The Irish Network Atlanta, an organization founded in 2016, aims to connect Irish-born and Irish Americans with each other and Irish organizations in and around Atlanta. Annie Greenwood, President, first arrived in Atlanta in January 2010 for an internship. She moved her permanently in 2011 and frequently visits Ireland.
“The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade isn’t just about celebrating Irish heritage—it’s our way of sharing the music, dance, and traditions that connect us across generations and cultures. For those of us who organize this event each year, the parade is a love letter to Ireland and a heartfelt thank you to Atlanta for embracing our community and culture so warmly,” said Greenwood.
“We often talk about the parade being one of the longest-running events in Atlanta’s history, and I believe that speaks to the value it brings—not just to the Irish community, but to the city as a whole. Many of the Irish groups performing have been part of this parade for decades and it’s a true point of pride for them. We [at Irish Network Atlanta] are just honored to give them a stage to share their talents and be recognized. From the bagpipes and Irish dancers to the incredible bands and performance groups, they represent the heart of what being Irish is all about. It’s an incredible tradition, and we love sharing it with a city that celebrates the arts in such a big way.”
At Atlanta Irish Dance, they believe that dance can be not only a performance, but also a means of teaching Irish history. “We always say we don’t just want our dancers to know how to dance – we want them to know why they dance,” said Burke.
One piece, for instance, tells the story of how Waterford, Ireland was founded by Vikings in 913 A.D. while others teach Gaelic names, dance terminology, and the Irish National Anthem in both English and Gaelic.
“Whether they have Irish roots or not, we want them to feel connected to the culture and traditions. It’s so much more than just dancing—it’s storytelling, history, and keeping the Irish spirit alive.”
Another local Irish organization is Atlanta Irish Dance, a premier Irish Dance school in Georgia. Co-founded by Emma Burke, ADCRG, and Erin Connolly, TCRG, they use dance to instill confidence, self-awareness, and goal-setting to students.
“The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade has been part of my life since I was a child, and now, as a co-founder of Atlanta Irish Dance, it’s incredibly meaningful to share that tradition with the next generation,” said Burke. She started Irish dancing at around 10 years old, and has participated in the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade every year since. This is the 13th year that Atlanta Irish Dance is participating in the festivities, and for the past two years the company has held the largest units in the parade.
“It’s one of the best Irish events of the year—not just because of the incredible performances, but because it brings families together in such a fun and welcoming way,” Burke explained.
“For us, it’s more than a performance; it’s a celebration of our heritage. Our dancers, from little ones to world-ranked competitors, pour their hearts into every step, and the parade gives them a chance to share that passion with the city. We’re honored to be part of such a long-standing tradition.”
Another beloved participant in the parade is the Phoenix School of Irish Arts. Known for private, semi-private, and group classes that serve both youth and adults who perform alongside traditional Irish music, songs in Irish and English, and sean-nós dancing. Phoenix School of Irish Arts was founded in 2020 by Teresa and Patrick Finley.
“Twenty-three years ago we attended our first parade with our 2 year old son and his Irish grandparents, a truly family event that we enjoyed for years,” said Teresa Finley.
“Today, we rent a beautiful float for the Phoenix School students to play Irish music and dance. There is no doubt this is a highlight of the year for our students of all ages! It is the catalyst that brings our students together in a truly fun and relaxed way that reinforces friendships and strengthens our community!”
Some of this year’s Phoenix School participants include Dane Sharpe, a 15-year-old fiddler who has been a part of the annual parade for the past ten years. “I always look forward to participating in the parade,” said Sharpe. “Everyone is happy! The details on the floats combined with our Irish culture make this parade unique!”
Liam Espenlaub, six, will be a first-timer in this year’s parade. “I am so excited to be in the parade. I cannot wait to show off my Irish dance moves,” said Espenlaub. “I invited my whole class to come watch me in the parade! My teacher will watch me on the TV!”
In addition to the parade route, visitors can enjoy the Colony Square Luck of the Square festival, Midtown Alliance’s Shamrock Stroll throughout Midtown, The St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s “Brave the Shave” head-shaving challenge to raise awareness for childhood cancer, and the 5K run/walk which kicks off at 9:45 a.m.
For more information about this year’s Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, check out their website.
