St. Patrick's Day Parade 2025 in Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, Alabama, celebrates Irish culture with a vibrant parade, festival, and a few large parties with plenty of Irish food and drinks. Five Points South St. Patrick's Celebration is the city's primary event, which takes place annually for the entire week in mid-March. Five Points South entertainment area, hosting the event, is home to the University of Alabama campus and the center of the city's nightlife.

Irish Flag Raising (March 14, 2025, TBC)

The annual Irish Flag Raising ceremony takes place at 5 pm at the flagpole in front of Chick-fil-A in Five Points South, hosted by the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society. This special event kicks off the holiday celebrations, offering a chance to honor this year's Grand Marshal. The ceremony features a traditional pipe performance, the unveiling of the Grand Marshal, and an Irish blessing to mark the occasion.

St. Patrick's Day Parade at Five Points (March 15, 2025, TBC)

The St. Patrick's Day Parade at Five Points South is a lively and vibrant event that attracts thousands of spectators each year. Held on the Saturday closest to St. Patrick's Day, this beloved tradition in Birmingham celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024. The colorful procession usually begins at 1:30 pm, making its way up 20th Street South, and is led by the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band, along with other local organizations, businesses, and community groups. The parade continues until 2:30 pm, delighting the crowd with festive floats, dancers, and performers.

In addition to the parade, the outdoor festivities extend throughout the day, with the Tower on Tenth Entertainment Stage in front of Highlands United Methodist Church hosting a variety of performances, ensuring a celebration filled with music, dance, and Irish culture.

The excitement doesn't stop with the parade. Five Points South comes alive with the Great Birmingham Irish Toast, an annual Irish dinner, and various other events that offer live music and festive parties. From 10 am to 11 pm, local bars and restaurants join in the celebration, offering Irish-themed food, drinks, and entertainment to keep the party going all day long.

Whether you're joining the parade, enjoying a traditional Irish meal, or soaking in the lively atmosphere, the St. Patrick's Day festivities at Five Points South are an unforgettable way to celebrate this cherished holiday.

Special Events

Birmingham offers a variety of exciting St. Patrick's Day events beyond the parade, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The annual Shamrock Shindig at B&A Warehouse is a lively celebration featuring live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a photo booth to capture the festive moments. Attendees can also look forward to grand prize drawings and the thrilling balloon drop, where lucky participants have a chance to catch prizes. Guests are encouraged to don their best green attire and fully embrace the Irish spirit.

For those looking to explore Birmingham's nightlife, the city's Irish pubs, such as The Red Shamrock and Innisfree Pub, host special St. Patrick's Day programs with festive menus, entertainment, and an authentic Irish ambiance. One highlight of the evening is the St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl, an exciting opportunity to visit multiple venues and discover the city's best celebratory offerings.