The year 1984 marked the beginning of an annual tradition in Phoenix, when the original downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Family Faire made its debut. You can expect about 50,000 spectators to line 3rd Street in Phoenix to enjoy the parade, and then move to the location of the Irish Family Faire for the rest of the day. The theme for this year's event is "The Gathering 2013: Back to Our Roots and Traditions." The Grand Marshall in 2013 is Bob Smith, President and CEO of Alliance Beverage whose ancestors hailed from Counties Down, Cork and Galway.
Enjoy this photo gallery of the Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Faire.
What Happens at the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Family Faire?
The Parade has marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, police and fire vehicles, government dignitaries, floats, and the Arizona Irish Colleen with her Court.After the parade, the Irish Family Faire will begin. There you will enjoy two stages of live Irish music, Irish Step dancing, and Bagpipers. You can research your Irish ancestry, browse or purchase Irish crafts & merchandise, and drop by the food court featuring Irish grub and beverages. Bring the wee lads and lassies -- there's a children's area just for them.
When is it?
The Parade and the Faire will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2013. The Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. The Irish Family Faire begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at about 5 p.m.Where is it?
The Parade starts at 3rd Street at Sheridan and proceeds south to McDowell. The Faire is held at the Irish Cultural Center at 1106 North Central Avenue (west side of Central Avenue at Culver) next to Margaret T. Hance Deck Park. Here's a map and directions to Margaret T. Hance Deck Park including METRO Light Rail instructions.You can get to the Parade and Faire via METRO light rail. The closest station is Central/Roosevelt. Here's a light rail map.
How do I get tickets and how much are they?
There are no tickets for the Parade -- it's free. The Irish Family Faire admission is $10 for people ages 13 & over, $8 for seniors 55+ and military, and kids 12 and under are admitted free.What else should I know?
Free parking is available at the garage at 1850 North Central Avenue on the west side of Central Ave & Palm Lane. Then, take a free shuttle to the Faire.The Friends of Saint Patrick organization is sponsoring a food drive for Arizona’s needy. For people attending only the Parade, collections will be made along the Parade route. If you are attending the Faire, there will be collection sites at Faire entrances. In exchange for a food donation, you will receive a raffle ticket for drawings to be held hourly, with winners receiving $100. Raffle tickets will only be distrubuted at the Faire entrance. Donated items will be delivered to St.Vincent de Paul.
What if I have more questions about the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Family Faire?
For more information, call 602-280-9221 or visit the Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Family Faire online.More St. Patrick's Day Fun in Phoenix!
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
