Irish Network Nashville Announces 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Events, Headliner Josh Okeefe, and Historic Cultural Partnerships

Official Nashville St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival Weekend is March 14–15, 2026

Nashville, TN — Irish Network Nashville (INN) announces key events, performances, and partnerships for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival Weekend, celebrating Irish heritage and strengthening ties between Ireland and Middle Tennessee. The celebration features the Official Nashville St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, March 14 in Five Points, East Nashville, led by Grand Marshal and Michelin Star recipient Trevor Moran, along with an inaugural Installation Reception, community participation opportunities, and partnerships with the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Conor Doolan, President of Irish Network Nashville, said ",This year’s celebration reflects how deeply rooted Irish heritage is in Nashville and how much it continues to grow. From Five Points to the Grand Ole Opry stage, we are proud to create meaningful cultural connections that honor tradition while building new partnerships for the future of our Irish and Irish American community here in Music City." The weekend is expected to draw thousands from across the region and Ireland. Participation and volunteer information is below. 

Official Nashville St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival 
Hosted annually by Irish Network Nashville, and with support from Good Neighbor Festivals, the parade and festival celebrate will Irish culture, music, and community in partnership with Visit Music City, Aer Lingus, and other key sponsors. The Fourth Annual Parade features Miss Tennessee Zoe Scheiderich, Grand ChefMarshal Trevor Moran (Michelin Star Recipient for Locust), community groups, Irish dance, Pipe and Drums, and local mascots including Gnash of the Nashville Predators and Soccer Moses. The parade steps off at 10 AM in Five Points with a one-mile route, live performances, and Clodagh Lawlor as Mistress of Ceremonies. Jack Davis, Founder of Good Neighbor Festivals, says “We are thrilled to partner with Irish Network Nashville to help with the annual St Patrick's Day Parade. Community gatherings and celebrations are at the center of what we love to do and we look forward to helping the annual event grow into one of Nashville's largest celebration's each year."

NEW for 2026 on Parade Day – Irish Village Festival
New in 2026, the Irish Village Festival runs from 10 AM to 5 PM next to Beyond the Edge, featuring more than 10 vendors, multiple food trucks, artisans, bar access, live music, and activations. The Irish Soda Bread Competition begins at 11:30 AM. Stage performers include headliner Josh Okeefe and local Irish artists. The Kids Zone at Boombozz runs 11 AM to 1 PM with family programming. VIP Area at Boston Commons is open 9 AM to Noon for sponsors, INN members, and special guests with private bar access and premium viewing. To join, go to IrishNetworkNashville.Org/join for access!

The event is free and family friendly. The Irish Village is rain or shine. Parade rain date is Sunday, March 15 at 10 AM. Updates will be shared via @IrishNetworkNashville. Community members are encouraged to RSVP and share the official Parade and Festival Facebook event. Facebook Event RSVP available through https://bio.site/irishnetworknashville. 

Parade Participation and Volunteer Opportunities
Irish Network Nashville invites community organizations, schools, businesses, sports teams, cars, floats, and groups to participate in the 2026 parade. Participating groups may apply using the Parade Marching Application. Want to get involved? Parade Applications close March 10. Apply to march in the parade or volunteer at https://bio.site/irishnetworknashville or use the links below. Parade Marching Application: https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=7251 Volunteers are also encouraged to support Parade Day operations. Volunteer Application: https://www.eventeny.com/events/volunteer/application/?id=12586

Inaugural Parade Installation Reception
INN will officially kick off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with its Inaugural Parade Installation Reception on Friday, February 27 at Analog at Hutton Hotel. The event will feature live Irish traditional music, appetizers, and the Sashing of Grand Marshal Trevor Moran and Aides Sarah Lingo (ED of Sister Cities Nashville), Kim Cannon (ED of Sister Cities Franklin and Williamson County), Alyssa Gilliam, and Michael Kelly. RSVP and Purchase Tickets for the Reception: https://innreception.eventbrite.com/

Josh Okeefe Named Parade and Festival Headliner - INN Announces partnerships with Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

Singer-songwriter Josh Okeefe will serve as headliner for the 2026 Nashville St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival Weekend! Okeefe will also be featured in two major cultural partnerships during the weekend. On Saturday, March 14, Okeefe will make his Grand Ole Opry debut in coordination with Irish Network Nashville, marking INN’s first official partnership with the Grand Ole Opry. Grand Ole Opry performance details:
https://www.opry.com/artists/josh-okeefe

On Sunday, March 15 at 1 PM, Okeefe will be featured in an INN and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Musician Spotlight event. The program will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and is free with museum admission. Country Music Hall of Fame event details: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/calendar/musician-spotlight-josh-okeefe?date=03/15/2026&time=1770987600%7C1770990300   

When asked about participating in the 2026 celebration, Okeefe said, “There’s a long Irish story written into Nashville and paid for with time and sweat. Practicing my own trade as headliner at the Nashville 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, as the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Musician Spotlight and making my Opry debut in conjunction with the Irish Network Nashville, I’ll feel close to the Irish men and women who came before me.”

INN Community Engagement, Partnership Thank You's, Updates
Additional event details, schedules, exact parade route, and updates will be announced in the coming weeks through Irish Network Nashville’s official channels linked below. INN wishes to thank key partners and sponsors for festival weekend including Aer Lingus, the Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta, Aer Lingus, The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., Tullamore D.E.W., Boom Bozz, Angry Orchard, Boston Commons, Drifters, Beyond the Edge, The Keane Family, Baileys, and more.

About Irish Network Nashville
The Irish Network Nashville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with Irish Network USA and supported by the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme. INN creates opportunities for professional, cultural, and social connection among the Irish and Irish American community through business, cultural, and community events, including the revival of Nashville’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade after a nineteen-year hiatus.

INN Social Links & Event Listings: