Community News Alexandria Virginia

DETAILS and APPLICATION: The Ballyshaners’ 41st Annual Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Around the Corner

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town is now in its fourth decade. (Photo by Mary Wadland)

ALEXANDRIA, VA – It’s time to let your green be seen on Saturday, March 2, during Alexandria’s 41st Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade organized and hosted by the nonprofit Ballyshaners (Gaelic for “Old Towners”) organization.

Residents and tourists are encouraged to go early to enjoy the events at one of the DMV area’s finest parades. All events are free to the public.

Alexandria always kicks off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Washington, D.C. region by always holding its parade on the first Saturday of March. Because of the time slot, the parade attracts star-studded groups that travel considerable distances to perform. The parade features pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community groups, and a host of other performers and entertainment. It’s a fantastic day to spend with family or friends.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town, Alexandria. (Photo by James Cullum)
WHERE IT HAPPENS

The parade officially starts at the corner of King and Saint Asaph Streets at 12:30 p.m., with dignitaries leading the procession at 12:15 p.m. The parade proceeds east on King Street, finishing at the corner of Fairfax and Cameron Streets.

With thousands of spectators and participants expected, parade goers are encouraged to take advantage of public transportation. The closest Metro is the Blue Line, King Street/Old Town. There is a free trolley from the Metro, or the activities can be reached by a short 10-minute walk down King Street.

The 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town, Alexandria, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (Photo by James Cullum)

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is organized by the Ballyshaners (Gaelic for “Old Towners”). The Ballyshaners.org. is a non-profit group that seeks to promote and preserve Irish heritage through organization of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria and the Ballyshaners Irish festival held each summer. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available as listed on their website. For more information about parade go to: https://www.ballyshaners.org/

If you would like to march in the parade go to: https://www.ballyshaners.org/parade.html#application

Mary Wadland

Mary Wadland is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of The Zebra Press, the award-winning Alexandria news publication she founded in 2010 with a mission of celebrating community, culture, and all the good news happening across the city. A longtime community advocate and storyteller, Mary was selected for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce inaugural 40 Under 40 class and has served as President of Living Legends of Alexandria since 2022. Known for her deep local roots, sharp editorial instincts, and passion for connecting people through journalism, she has spent decades chronicling the personalities, businesses, events, and civic life that make Alexandria unique. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Mary is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia, and has been part of Alexandria’s publishing and media community since 1987.

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