Paint Smyrna-Vinings Green for St. Patrick's Day

Are you looking for family-friendly activities, or the perfect place to let loose, wear green and enjoy food and drinks this St. Patrick's Day? Here are a few places you can celebrate the day in Smyrna-Vinings and around metro Atlanta.

Smyrna St. Patrick's Day Festival

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar is partying all weekend long for the holiday with Smyrna’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Mayor Max Bacon is scheduled to kick off the festivities and turn the Market Village fountain green at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.

A redhead contest, carnival rides and plenty of delicious food will be offered at the Irish fest. Purchase tickets in advance online for $5 or at the door for $10. Call 770-435-1887 or visit atkinspark.com for more information.

St. Patty's Day Festival at Fadó Irish Pub

In nearby Buckhead, Fadó Irish Pub located at 273 Buckhead Ave. has been celebrating St. Patty’s Day all week long with different activities, food and drink specials each day. Weekend festivities include:

• Saturday, March 16: Festival begins at 10:30 a.m. for the final round of the RBS 6 Nations Rugby tournament, featuring a full day of matchups including Italy vs. Ireland. Starting at 6 p.m., the outdoor festival will feature traditional Irish rock music from Paddy & Marty, U2 cover band Desire and entertainment provided by Irish dancers. A DJ will spin tunes beginning at 10 p.m. Click here to purchase pre-sale tickets for $5 or pay $10 at the door.
• Sunday, March 17: The weeklong activities come to a festive finale on Sunday with the biggest celebration in Atlanta. Doors open at 7 a.m. so guests can show their Irish spirit all day long. The party moves outside at noon for a street festival featuring live music, traditional Irish dancers and bagpipers performing for the crowds. Pre-sale tickets, which sold out quickly last year, are available online for $10 and tickets will also be sold for $15 at the door.

Atlanta’s 131st Annual St. Patrick’s Parade

The family-friendly Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade is expected to attract more than 2,000 Irish enthusiasts, with celebrations including several community bands, floats and balloons to entertain all ages.

A pre-show featuring live music and Irish step dancers will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the intersection of John Portman Boulevard and Peachtree Street, followed by the parade at noon starting at Ralph McGill Boulevard. Proceeds will benefit the Captain Planet Foundation’s Learning Gardens.

For more information and a map of the parade route, visit www.stpatsparadeatlanta.com.