How to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Augusta

By Lena Garrard | Staff Writer

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in Augusta and the surrounding areas.

Here are some events to keep on your radar:

48th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade | Augusta, Ga.

The highlight of St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Augusta will be the 48th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which will take place Monday, March 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. in downtown Augusta. The parade, presented by the Irish American Heritage Society, will start at the James Brown Arena parking lot and end on Sixth Street. The event is free to attend.

The Irish American Heritage Society exists to “strengthen Irish culture and heritage through numerous programs that celebrate, emphasize, and encourage cultural contributions to the Greater Augusta area,” and this is reflected in the parade. What better way to spend the holiday than to enjoy vibrant floats, marching bands and colorful costumes as Irish culture is showcased and celebrated?

Georgia Foodees Food and Culture Festival | Augusta, Ga.

The Foodees Food and Culture Festival is a three-day event taking place Friday, March 14, from 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 15, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the Freedom Bridge, Reynolds Street and throughout downtown Augusta.

The Foodees Food and Culture Festival is the Southeast’s largest and top touring food truck festival. It brings communities together by showcasing a variety of cultures and unique foods through its diverse artisans, crafters and makers. According to the festival's website, the event “brings food trucks to a whole new level.”

Augusta’s premier festival is free to enter and will feature 70 popular food trucks offering everything from gourmet bites to Southern classics. Additionally, more than 100 talented artisans, crafters and makers will showcase a variety of handmade items, such as jewelry and paintings.

ShamRock n' Roll Festival | Harlem, Ga.

The ShamRock n' Roll Golf Cart Parade and Festival will be held Saturday, March 15, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Harlem Library Plaza in Harlem, Ga. The golf cart parade will start on South Hicks Street by Glenn Phillips Park.

Participants in the parade must pay a $5 fee to enter their golf cart, but partygoers can attend for free. In addition to the parade, the festival will feature bounce houses, face painting, live music, food and beverages, as well as craft vendors.

Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Savannah, Ga.

On Monday, March 17, from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Savannah will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at Gwinnett and Abercorn streets and ending at Harris Street.

Savannah has a number of parking garages available, ranging from $5 to $20 per ticket. Space is limited, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.

Each year, this massive St. Patrick’s Day parade draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world, making it the second-largest in the United States, behind only New York City. It features bands and marching groups from across the country.

But the celebration doesn’t stop with the parade—Savannah hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day party in the South, spanning several days.

Festivities begin with the “Greening of the Fountain” at Forsyth Park in the Historic District. The water is dyed green and flows from the mouths of statues until after the parade. In addition, partygoers will enjoy the lively atmosphere throughout the city, including live music (both Celtic and other genres) and great food and drink.

Contact Lena Garrard at legarrard@augusta.edu.