It’s time to, once again, paint the town green! On Saturday, March 11th 2023, the much beloved annual Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival marches into a new location on Fort Lauderdale Beach! Presented by The Law Firm of Kelley/Uustal, this free event has grown into one of Fort Lauderdale’s largest and most anticipated festivals, attracting thousands of spectators for a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things Irish. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, highlighted by a colorful parade, live music, exciting activities and great entertainment.
Shamrock Run
The pageantry and excitement kicks off at Huizenga Plaza (Las Olas and Andrews Avenue) at 7 a.m. with the Shamrock Run, a 4-mile trek down Las Olas Boulevard and through adjacent neighborhoods. The Shamrock 4-Miler will be immediately followed by a series of “Lucky Little Leprechaun Dashes” for kids. To register, visit www.shamrock-run.com.
Parade
Festivities will continue throughout the morning with live music and entertainment, and plenty of fun and games for the kids. The official welcome from Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis will take place at 11 a.m., followed by a traditional Irish Blessing. Then, it’s time for the largest St. Patrick’s Parade in South Florida. The St. Patrick’s Parade will feature more than 100 decorative floats, pipe and drum corps, classic automobiles, bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, street performers, scout troops, local sports teams, Veterans groups, and much more!
Festival
Following the parade, stick around for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which runs until 7 p.m. at Las Olas Intracoastal Park. Highlights will include live bands, Irish dancers, interactive entertainment, cultural attractions and an expanded Kids Zone featuring bounce houses, gigantic slides, pony rides, a trackless train, face painting, a petting zoo and mechanical rides. Featured performers will include the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance, the Fenians, Aranmore Academy of Irish Dance, Drake School of Irish Dance, Poor Man’s Gambit, The Byrne Brothers and more. Highlights of the day’s festivities will also include exhibitor booths, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and plenty of Irish food and beverages.
Entertainment Schedule 2023
Friday March 10, 2023
Ceremonial Street Striping along Las Olas Blvd.
4:00 p.m. to 7:30 pm Happy Hour at Las Olas/A1A
Saturday March 11, 2023
10:00 am Festival Opens Intracoastal Park
11:45 am Mayor’s Welcome/Irish Blessings Main Stage
12:00 pm Parade Begins A1A
12:15 p.m. The Fineans
1:30 p.m. Police Pipe & Drum Band
2:00 p.m. Kelly School of Irish Dance
2:30 p.m. Notre Dame Club Trio
2:40 p.m. Byrne Brothers
3:30 p.m. Aronmore Irish Dancers
4:00 p.m. Shane Duncan Band
5:30 p.m. Drake School of Irish Dance
6:00 p.m. U2 BY UV (U2 Tribute Band)
More information
Visit www.stpatsftl.com or www.fortlauderdale.gov
Follow updates and discussion via social media: www.facebook.com/StPatsFtL
Admission is FREE. Parking will be available at the nearby multi-story parking garage.
