The streets of downtown Knoxville are gearing up to be decked out in green once again for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day festivities. As reported by WATE, this year's parade is slated to step off at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, and its route has been updated to start from Gay Street at Main Street due to the closure of the Gay Street Bridge. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend.
Visitors are encouraged to find their spots early, especially around high-demand areas near DiCarlo’s Pizza and Regal Cinema. Despite the potential for severe weather, which Storm Team 6 is keeping a close eye on, the event is set to happen rain or shine. Those looking to watch alongside Knoxville native and NFL star Harrison Smith, this year’s Grand Marshall, might want to huddle closer to the Krutch Park area, noted for the VIP and emcee section, as mentioned by WATE.
Meanwhile, Knox News has put together a list of local hotspots where revelers can indulge in St. Patrick's Day specials—think Guinness pints and traditional corned beef. With celebrations stretching beyond the day itself, Knoxville is already buzzing with an array of Irish-themed festivities.
The holiday also presents an opportunity for charity through the Lucky Kidney Run, which is set to start at 10 a.m., part of the Knox Shamrock Fest offerings. WBIR lists additional events including dancing, face painting, and of course, plenty of beer and whiskey to be enjoyed. The Shamrock Fest is to begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. at World's Fair Park and continue until 6 p.m., offering an assortment of activities for festival-goers of all ages.
As the city prepares to don its greenest garb and celebrate its Irish spirit, attendees are encouraged to stay informed on weather updates and event details to ensure that their St. Patrick's Day is both fun-filled and safe. From the vibrant parade to the cozy pubs and energetic festivals, Knoxville is ready to showcase its festive side, while maintaining vigilance for the wellbeing of its community members and visitors alike.
