One of the great traditions and things to do for St. Patrick’s Day in Old Town Alexandria and the DC area is the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place in Old Town the first Saturday of March. It is put on by the Ballyshaners, a local nonprofit group that works to preserve and promote Irish culture and heritage. The parade features more than 60 groups. Some of the notable 2,000 marchers include the Notre Dame Alumni Band, dog rescue groups, pipe and drum bands, historical re-enactors, Shriners and Kena cars, and Irish Dancers. Come don your green attire and enjoy the festivities– it’s a fantastic day to spend with family or friends!

The parade begins at King and Alfred streets here in Old Town and ends right down the street from our office at Cameron and Lee Streets. View the parade route at ballyshaners.org/parade.

If you’re a dog or car-lover, you’re in luck! The Parade features a Classic  Car Show and a Dog Show prior to the parade kick-off. The Classic Car Show kicks the day off at 9 am on the 100 block of North Pitt Street between King and Cameron. The “Fun Dog Show” is held at 11 am on King Street and the intersection of North Royal Street. Proceeds from the dog show benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.