Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade 2019: Route, Schedule

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The 38th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will return to Old Town Alexandria Saturday, March 2 at 12:30 p.m. Since the 2019 DC parade was canceled, Alexandria's will be the largest St. Patrick's Day event in the region. The Fun Dog Show precedes the parade from 11 a.m.-noon.

More than 2,000 participants march in the parade. Participants include dog rescue groups, pipe and drum bands, the Notre Dame Alumni Band, historical re-enactors, Shriners and Kena cars, and Irish dancers. Shawn McLaughlin will be grand marshal. The Parade starts at King and Alfred Streets and ends at Lee and Cameron Streets.

The Fun Dog Show at Market Square features more than 30 costumed dogs competing for categories like Best Human/Canine Look-Alike, Most Talented and Most St. Paddy’s Spirit. The dogs will lead the parade at 12:30 p.m. The show benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. There will be no Classic Car Show in 2019.

The nonprofit Ballyshaners, which aims to preserve Irish heritage, hosts the parade. The nonprofit is raising money on GoFundMe to offset the parade cost. Another upcoming fundraiser is Sunday, Feb. 17 at Murphy's Grand Irish Pub, 713 King Street.

For more parade details, visit www.ballyshaners.org.

Image via Ballyshaners