Get Your Green On! The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival marches into Downtown Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, March 11th, 2017. Arrive early, grab a Spot, and enjoy activities for the whole family! This free event has quickly 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, the pageantry and excitement begins bright and early at 7:30 am with the Shamrock Run, a 4-mile race starting from Huizenga Plaza in Bubier Park (Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue) and continuing through Downtown Fort Lauderdale to officially kick off the festivities. There will also be a kids leprechaun dash.
UPDATE: DID YOU MISS THE PARADE? CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO ST PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVITIES ON MARCH 17TH, 2017
The fun continues throughout the morning hours at Huizenga Plaza with live music, irish Dancers and a Kids Zone. Then, it’s time for the largest St. Patrick’s Parade in South Florida. The St. Patrick’s Parade begins at noon and travels west along Las Olas Boulevard from S.E. 5th Avenue to Las Olas Riverfront. Led by Grand Marshal Doug Eagon, President of Stiles Corporation, the colorful parade will feature more than 100 decorative floats, pipe and drum corps, classic automobiles, bagpipers, marching bands, animals, Irish dancers, street performers, scout troops, local sports teams, Veterans groups, and so much more.
Following the parade, stick around for the best Irish celebration in town at the St. Patrick’s Festival, which runs until 7:00 pm at Huizenga Plaza and along the Riverwalk. Highlights will include live bands, Irish dancers, interactive entertainment, stilt walkers, leprechauns, and cultural attractions.
Youngsters will love the event’s expanded Kids Zone featuring bounce houses, gigantic slides, pony rides, a trackless train, face painting, a petting zoo, a mini Ferris wheel, and much more!
The festivities will also include exhibitor booths, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and plenty of your favorite Irish food and beverages.
Entertainment Schedule
9:00 am – Joe Dougherty Band
11:15 am – American Legion Symphonic Band
12:15 am – The Sky Family Band
NOON – PARADE BEGINS
1:15 pm – Kelly Academy of Irish Dance
2:00 pm – Fineans
3:00 pm – Aranmore Academy of Irish Dance
4:00pm – Celtic Bridge
5:00 pm – Drake School of Irish Dance
5:30 pm – U2 by UV (U2 Tribute band)
For more details, visit www.stpatsftl.com or call (954) 463-3372
Admission is FREE. A Special $5 Flat-Rate Parking will be available in designated lots during specific hours. See the map and details at www.stpatsftl.com.
