Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day that honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Over the years, this day has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green. In the United States, Lexington, Kentucky, is one city that goes all out for Saint Patrick’s Day.
Table of Events and Parades
The Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Lexington is filled with a variety of events and parades. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you can expect:
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade | Downtown Lexington | March 17, 2024 | 1:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Festival | Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza | March 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Shamrock Shuffle 3K | Downtown Lexington | March 16, 2024 | 8:00 AM |
| Bluegrass Ceili Academy Performance | Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza | March 17, 2024 | 2:30 PM |
Details of Events and Parades
Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade
The Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade is the centerpiece of the celebration. It’s a vibrant display of community spirit, with local schools, businesses, and community groups participating. Expect to see a variety of floats, marching bands, and performers dressed in green, making their way through downtown Lexington.
St. Patrick’s Festival
The St. Patrick’s Festival at Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza is a day-long event filled with music, dancing, and fun. There are performances by local Irish dance schools and music groups, food and drink stalls serving traditional Irish fare, and plenty of activities for kids.
Shamrock Shuffle 3K
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day with the Shamrock Shuffle 3K. This fun run through downtown Lexington is a great way to get in the spirit of the day. Participants are encouraged to dress in green and there are prizes for the best costumes.
Bluegrass Ceili Academy Performance
Don’t miss the performance by the Bluegrass Ceili Academy. This local Irish dance school puts on a fantastic show, with dancers of all ages showcasing traditional Irish dances.
Specific Places to Visit
- Downtown Lexington: This is where most of the St. Patrick’s Day action happens. The streets are filled with people, the shops and restaurants are buzzing, and there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air.
- Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza: The location of the St. Patrick’s Festival, this is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the festivities.
- The Kentucky Theatre: Check out this historic theatre for special St. Patrick’s Day film screenings.
Routes to Take
- Main Street: This is the main route of the St. Patrick’s Parade. Lining up along this street will give you a great view of the parade.
- Short Street: This street is home to several Irish pubs, making it a popular route for those looking to enjoy a pint or two.
Restaurants and Pubs
- McCarthy’s Irish Bar: A local favorite, McCarthy’s is known for its friendly atmosphere and a great selection of Irish beers.
- Blue Stallion Brewing Co.: Try their special St. Patrick’s Day brew.
- Shamrock Bar & Grille: Enjoy traditional Irish fare at this popular restaurant and bar.
Entertainment
The entertainment at the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Lexington is all about celebrating Irish culture. There’s traditional Irish music and dancing at the festival, a fun run for the active types, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy good food and drink. Whether you’re a fan of parades, love to dance, or just want to soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear Green: This is a must on St. Patrick’s Day. The more green, the better!
- Arrive Early: The parade and festival are popular events, so arrive early to get a good spot.
- Try the Food: Don’t miss out on the traditional Irish fare at the festival.
- Join in the Fun: Whether it’s cheering on the parade, dancing to the music, or participating in the fun run, don’t be afraid to join in the fun.
Best Things to Do
- Watch the Parade: The Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade is a must-see. The vibrant display of community spirit is truly heartwarming.
- Participate in the Shamrock Shuffle 3K: Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day with this fun run. It’s a great way to get in the spirit of the day.
- Enjoy the Festival: The St. Patrick’s Festival at Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza is filled with music, dancing, and fun. There’s something for everyone here.
- Visit the Pubs: Lexington has several Irish pubs that go all out for St. Patrick’s Day. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint and soak up the atmosphere.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: This traditional Irish dish is a staple at many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Irish Stew: Warm up with a bowl of hearty Irish stew.
- Soda Bread: Try this traditional Irish bread, often served with butter or jam.
- Shepherd’s Pie: This comforting dish is a favorite at many Irish pubs.
Drinks
- Irish Beer: Enjoy a pint of traditional Irish beer.
- Irish Coffee: This warming drink, made with coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped with cream, is a St. Patrick’s Day favorite.
- Irish Whiskey: Try a shot of Irish whiskey, either neat or in a cocktail.
Other Details
Remember, St. Patrick’s Day is about more than just parades and green beer. It’s a day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. So, take the time to learn a little about the history of St. Patrick’s Day and the Irish community in Lexington. And most importantly, have fun!
Conclusion
The Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration in Lexington, Kentucky, is a vibrant and fun-filled event that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, participating in the celebration is a great way to experience the city’s community spirit and Irish heritage. So, wear your best green outfit, join the festivities, and have a fantastic Saint Patrick’s Day!
FAQs
A: The parade starts at 1:00 PM.
A: Yes, the St. Patrick’s Festival at Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza has plenty of activities for kids.
A: Traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, soda bread, and shepherd’s pie are typically available at the festival.
A: Traditional Irish drinks like Irish beer, Irish coffee, and Irish whiskey are popular on St. Patrick’s Day.
A: The Shamrock Shuffle 3K is a fun run that takes place on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day. Participants are encouraged to dress in green and there are prizes for the best costumes.
