Lexington celebrates its 250th anniversary year with an extended weekend of Irish festivities this St. Patrick’s season. The Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, a longtime city tradition produced by Lexington Parks and Recreation and sponsored by the Bluegrass Irish Society, kicks off the celebration on Saturday, March 15, followed by a concert by Irish festival headliner, Scythian, on Monday, March 17.
The free festival at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Plaza on March 15 runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., promises a mix of live music, Irish dance performances, food vendors, artisans and local community groups. Don’t miss the traditional “Blessing of the Keg” to kick off the festivities at 10:15. Festival performers include:
- Bluegrass Ceili Academy: Showcasing the power and grace of traditional Irish group dancing
- Celtic Blue: Bringing the energy of Irish pub music to the stage, with special guest Kris Bentley of Sundy Best debuting a new single
- Draper Family Band: Blending traditional Irish and bluegrass influences
- Kentucky United Pipes & Drums: Experience the rich history and heritage of piping
- Liam’s Fancy: Blending traditional Irish tunes with contemporary flair
- McTeggart Irish Dancers: Witness the tradition and skills of the McTeggart Irish Dancers as they showcase the beauty and athleticism of Irish dance
- Saint Andrew’s Academy Boys Choir: Making their festival debut
- William Sutherland Reid Pipes & Drums: Filling the plaza with the stirring sounds of bagpipes.
The parade, one of the city’s longest running civic events, takes over Main Street from 1-2 p.m. This year’s parade honors Fr. Norman Fischer as grand marshal, with members of his family and the St. Peter Claver parish marching in his memory.
The celebration culminates on Monday, March 17, with Scythian at Transylvania University. Known for their high-energy blend of Celtic, Eastern European, and Appalachian traditions, Scythian promises a barn-dance, rock concert experience. Well-known on the Irish festival circuit and around the world, the band returns to Lexington for its first performance since 2018. The show starts at 7 p.m.; tickets are $15 at transy.edu/tickets.