St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival happens this Saturday in East Nashville’s Five Points district. Organized by Irish Network Nashville, their mission is to create opportunities for Irish, Irish-Americans and friends of Ireland to connect through business, cultural and community events.

“What we’re trying to do with the parade and through our work is to remind people that Nashville has an Irish heritage,” President of Irish Network Nashville Conor Doolan said. “Our events are very authentic and the people that are leading the way are the actual Irish groups and societies. Music and dancing schools, our sports club, they’re the ones that are the foundation of all of this.”

“People will associate socializing and drinking with St. Patrick’s Day, and that is fair enough. But where that comes from is the Irish mentality is the celebration of life. That would be reflected in our weddings, funerals and our wake traditions. It’s not just about drinking, there’s a lot more to it. Ireland as the island, North and South, has gone through a lot in a couple of hundred years. These are times to meet friends and family and celebrate. In America, parade tradition or anywhere where the Irish have immigrated to this day gives them an opportunity to celebrate their identity in an American context . America 250 is happening at the moment but there’s also an Irish America 250 that’s happening simultaneously and March is Irish American Heritage Month. We want people to come out and socialize, have a good time. If they learn a little more about Irish culture, that’s great. If you’re interested in any of our groups, we hope that they join on the day or join in the coming weeks.”

Additional event opportunities:

Starting tonight (Mar 11) through Sunday (Mar 15) the SEC Basketball Tournament is at Bridgestone Arena. Thursday night (Mar 12) Ratboys perform at The Basement East and Nashville bands The Sewing Club and Pressure Heaven open for MX Lonley at DRKMTTR. Friday night (Mar 13) The Hives perform at Brooklyn Bowl and Nashville’s Book NOT Brooke album release show is at The Blue Room. Back at Brooklyn Bowl on Saturday (Mar 14) at Cat Power performs her album The Greatest in its entirety and Sunday the band Wednesday performs songs from their 2025 record Bleeds. Also Sunday night Diana Ross is at the Opry House.