The 2026 Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival returns to downtown Lexington on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, marking an expansion of the city’s annual Irish celebrations. This year’s festivities include the inaugural “Lexington St. Patrick’s Eve LIVE!” concert followed by the traditional free festival and parade Saturday.
Friday kickoff: Lexington St. Patrick’s Eve LIVE!
The weekend begins Friday, at the historic Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center with a ticketed concert headlined by the internationally acclaimed indie-rock quintet Carbon Leaf. Known for their folk-infused sound and hits like “The Boxer,” the Richmond, Virginia-based band is currently on its “I WANT TO BE LEAF” 2026 tour. The Friday lineup also features:
- The Woolly Jumpers: An authentic traditional Irish band visiting from Dublin.
- Lucy Becker: A two-time Lexington Music Award winner and a 2026 nominee in the “String Instrumentalist” and “Jazz/Latin/Big Band/World Act” categories.
- Keith Murphy: Award-winning bagpiper providing the “call to the stage.”
Doors open at 6 p.m., with performances beginning at 6:15 p.m. Carbon Leaf is scheduled to take the stage at 7:45 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available from the Lyric Theatre.
Saturday festival and parade
On Saturday, the celebration moves to Henry A. Tandy Centennial Plaza and the Fifth Third Pavilion for a daylong free festival. The event officially begins at 10:45 a.m. with the traditional blessing of the Kentucky Ale keg, a ceremony bridging old-world Irish tradition with Kentucky’s culture.
“The festival lineup showcases the vibrant talent within our own community alongside performers from Ireland,” said Liza Hendley Betz, festival chair. “From the first steps of local dance students to the final notes of the day, the festival highlights Irish heritage and Bluegrass hospitality.”
Festival performance schedule:
- 10:45 a.m. – Blessing of the Keg
- 11 a.m. – Bluegrass Ceili Academy
- 11:30 a.m. – St. Andrew’s Academy
- 12:15 p.m. – The Woolly Jumpers
- 1 p.m. – Break for the Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade
- 2 p.m. – William Sutherland Reid Pipes & Drums
- 2:30 p.m. – Kentucky McTeggart Irish Dancers
- 3:15 p.m. – Kentucky United Pipes & Drums
- 4 p.m. – Celtic Blue
The 2026 Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade
The annual parade will begin its march down Main Street at 1 p.m. Leading the procession as the 2026 grand marshal is Ed Frederick. A retired thoroughbred trainer and musician, Frederick has served as the general manager of the Kentucky Renaissance Fair since 2005. He was an original organizer of the Lexington St. Patrick’s Festival and oversaw the booking of performers since its inception.
In addition to serving as grand marshal, Frederick will conclude the weekend on stage as a member of Celtic Blue, the festival’s final headlining act. This year marks his retirement from his official festival organizing duties.
“We are ready to turn the Bluegrass green, showcasing the best of Irish culture, music and dance from the stage to the streets,” said Megan Moloney, parade chair.
While Saturday’s festival and parade are free to the public, attendees are encouraged to secure tickets for the Friday night concert in advance via the Lyric Theatre’s website. Visit lexingtonstpatsparade.org to view the full weekend schedule or purchase tickets.
About the Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival:
One of the city’s longest-running civic traditions, the event is managed by the Bluegrass Irish Society and produced by Lexington Parks & Recreation.