DALLAS – The biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the southwestern United States will take place this Saturday along Greenville Avenue in Dallas.
Overview of the Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
The 44th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is expected to draw over 125,000 participants. With live music, more than 100 floats, various food trucks, and vibrant Irish-themed festivities, the event promises to be a lively celebration. The day will kick off with a 5K race starting at 8 a.m., setting the tone for the festivities ahead.
This year, popular local radio personalities Kellie Rasberry, J-Si Chavez, and Big Al Mack from the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals.
The Dallas Mavericks have proudly sponsored the parade for the past nine years, adding to the festival’s excitement. According to the chairman of the Greenville Avenue Business Association, the parade is described as “the biggest tailgate party you can think of,” highlighting the community-oriented atmosphere that locals cherish.
Festival Activities and Locations
An area known as The Festival Zone will be set up at 5111 Greenville Ave. and the Meadows Building. Attendees can look forward to food trucks, booths, exhibits, family-friendly activities, and a VIP Tailgate Area.
For families, the Comerica Bank Family Zone located at Lovers Lane and Greenville Avenue will offer engaging arts and crafts activities. Importantly, this zone will be free of alcoholic beverages to promote a family-friendly environment.
Proceeds from this year’s parade will benefit the Greenville Avenue Area Business Association Scholarship Fund.
Parade Schedule and Route
Timing and Route Details
The parade will commence at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, starting at Blackwell Street and concluding at SMU Boulevard and Central Expressway. The festival will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and plan for potential delays due to street closures.
Street Closures
Street closures are set to begin at 9 a.m. and will continue until approximately 1 p.m., affecting both north and southbound lanes of Greenville Avenue from Blackwell Street to SMU Boulevard and Central Expressway. Attendees are advised to use alternative routes such as Loop 12, Mockingbird Lane, and Park Lane to avoid congestion.
Given the limited parking options, ride-sharing services or the DART Rail are recommended. The nearest DART stations include Mockingbird Station, Lovers Lane Station, and Park Lane Station.
Weather Forecast for the Parade Day
The weather forecast indicates temperatures in the 70s with a gentle breeze on Saturday. While some areas to the east may experience showers, most of North Texas, including the parade site, is expected to remain dry. Initially cloudy conditions are anticipated, but sunny skies should emerge just in time for the parade. Cloud cover may return later in the afternoon, possibly bringing some showers.
Understanding St. Patrick’s Day
It’s important to note that while many festivities are scheduled for this weekend, the actual St. Patrick’s Day holiday falls on Monday, March 17.
The Source: Information in this article comes from statements made regarding the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival.
