Winter is ending and spring is on its way! What better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than with some St. Patrick's Day fun? This iconic Irish holiday is based on the Catholic Saint Patrick and is held on March 17th each year. Whether or not you're a practicing Catholic, the holiday is a great excuse to watch a parade, a concert, or just have a few drinks with friends.
Each of us at PVC Fittings Online headquarters has a favorite Saint Patty's Day event. So dust off the shamrocks and join us for one of these fantastic events!
Charlotte's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival
This parade and festival combo is a growing Charlotte tradition. Saturday, March 19th will mark 20 years of these events and should be the best one yet. The parade starts at 11:00 AM at N. Tryon St. and 9th Street in uptown Charlotte and will contain pipe & drum bands, neighborhood associations, schools, cheerleading and drill teams, police and fire departments, and much more! The festival runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and has something for everyone, regardless of age. It will feature Irish music and dancers, bagpipers, vendors of all kinds, children's amusements, and food & beverages. With no admission fee, who wouldn't attend this event?
Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival
The Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival takes place on Saturday, March 12th and will begin at 10:00 AM. The parade starts at Lane Street and Salisbury Street and will be about an hour and a half of non-stop fun! The festival will have two stages: one with upbeat and rowdy Irish folk and rock groups and the other with Irish dancers and pipers. A variety of unique vendors will also be present to provide festival attendees with food, drink, and other fun commodities. Admission is free!
Wilmington St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade
This event is also on March 12th and will feature a parade from 11:00 AM to noon and a festival from noon to 6:00 PM. The parade starts at Red Cross St. and N. Front St. and will last for about an hour. The festival, held at Riverfront Park, begins immediately afterwards and will include live music, Irish dancers, cultural vendors, and food & beer sales. In the event of rain, the event will be held underneath the Water Street Deck, across from the Hilton Hotel.
St. Pat's in Five Points
St. Pat's in Five Points is a huge event on March 19th that consists of a road race, parade, concert, and festival. An event this large has to charge admission, so advance tickets are $15, and tickets at the gate are $20 the day of the event. Registration for the Get to the Green Family Fun Run counts as buying a ticket. The festival will have four stages for musical acts, as well as a silent disco. Bands at this year's festival include Drive By Truckers, Old Dominion, Shovels and Rope, the Front Bottoms, and many more! The fun lasts from noon to 7:00 PM!
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Event organizers recommend groups with children to visit the Pot O' Gold Playland, which features kid-friendly entertainment such as face painting, magic shows, and a petting zoo. This area of the festival is free and will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Looking to spend St. Pat's at the beach? Look no further! This event, held on Saturday, March 12, has free admission and parking. The parade starts at 9:00 AM and will run along Main Street. The festival starts at 11:00 AM, ends at 4:00 PM, and will have three stages of entertaining acts. Among the performers are pipe & drum groups, cloggers, bands, and more. Approximately 150 vendors will be on hand with crafts, services, products, and a variety of treats. With an estimated 30,000 attending this year, you don't want to miss this great event!
These are just a few of the countless St. Patrick's Day events in the Carolinas. If your favorite isn't on this list, let us know! We'd love to hear about it!