Returning to downtown Lexington on Saturday, March 14, the 2026 Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival promises a weekend full of music, dancing and Irish culture. This year, the celebration expands with a brand-new Friday night event to start the festivities.
NEW IN 2026: Lexington St. Patrick’s Eve LIVE! Kickoff Concert
The celebration officially gets underway on Friday, March 13, with a kickoff concert at the Lyric Theatre. This new addition to the schedule features an exciting lineup of local, national and international artists ready to ring in Lexington’s St. Patrick’s celebrations. The concert lineup and ticket details will be announced later in January.
“We’re beyond thrilled to welcome the community to share Lexington’s St. Patrick’s weekend with us, especially with the addition of our Friday night concert,” says Megan Moloney, president of the Bluegrass Irish Society and parade chair. “We’re ready to turn the Bluegrass green, showcasing the best of Irish culture, music and dance from the stage to the streets.”
The festival and parade festivities begin Saturday at 10:45 a.m. with the traditional “Blessing of the Keg” at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Plaza. This ceremony kicks off a free festival featuring entertainment from pipe and local bands, Irish dancers, and food and craft vendors from throughout the region. The annual Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade will begin its march down Main Street at 1 p.m.
Applications are now open for those wishing to participate in one of Lexington’s longest-running civic traditions. Marching bands, community and school groups, local businesses and others are welcome to join the parade.
Deadlines for applications:
- Festival craft market applications: Due by January 30, 2026
- Parade unit applications: Due by March 7, 2026
Visit lexingtonstpatsparade.org to submit applications or to learn more about the 2026 schedule.
About the Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival
The Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade is one of the city’s longest-running civic festivals, managed by the Bluegrass Irish Society and produced by Lexington Parks & Recreation.