St. Patrick’s Day in Knoxville brings a variety of celebrations throughout the city, from downtown parades and family-friendly festivals to live music and themed events at local restaurants and bars.
Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids or planning a night out with friends, here are some St. Patrick’s Day activities to look for around Knoxville.
Knoxville St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Location: Downtown Knoxville
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a popular downtown celebration featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and local organizations.
Spectators gather along Gay Street to watch the procession and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It’s a family-friendly way to celebrate while spending time in downtown Knoxville.
Check the official event announcements for the current parade route and details.
Knox Shamrock Fest
Location: World’s Fair Park
Knox Shamrock Fest brings Irish-themed entertainment and family activities to World’s Fair Park.
The festival has featured:
- Live Irish music
- Children’s inflatables and face painting
- Food vendors
- Craft beer and whiskey tastings for adults
With activities for different ages, the festival offers an option for families and groups celebrating together.
St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunts
Locations: Downtown Knoxville and local businesses
Scavenger hunts offer a different way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Knoxville.
Events such as the Golden Shamrock adventure have invited participants to follow clues through downtown using a mobile app.
Local businesses, including Southern Market, have also hosted themed scavenger hunts where shoppers search for hidden items to win prizes.
These activities are worth checking for families looking for something beyond the traditional parade or festival.
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls in Knoxville
Locations: Downtown Knoxville and West Knoxville
Knoxville’s restaurants and bars often participate in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with themed drinks and organized bar crawls.
Past events have included downtown bar crawls along Gay Street and celebrations at West Knoxville establishments.
These events typically require participants to be at least 21 years old, and some may require advance tickets.
Irish Whiskey Tastings
Location: Downtown Knoxville
For those interested in Irish whiskey, local bars and lounges sometimes host special tastings around St. Patrick’s Day.
Five Thirty Lounge on Gay Street has previously offered a themed whiskey-tasting event featuring selections of Irish whiskey.
Check with participating venues for current offerings, reservations, and ticket information.
Planning Your St. Patrick’s Day in Knoxville
St. Patrick’s Day events vary from year to year, so it’s worth checking local event calendars before making plans. Some celebrations are free, while others require tickets or advance registration.
Downtown events can also affect parking and traffic, particularly when parades and festivals are taking place.
Living in Knoxville TN
Community celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day are just one part of Knoxville’s year-round event calendar. Residents can enjoy downtown festivals, seasonal activities, and local entertainment throughout the year.