Guide to the Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival
Jackson, Mississippi, is set to dazzle once again with its premier event, the Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival, adopting the theme "Stars, Stripes and Shamrocks" for its 2026 celebration.
Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade returns to downtown Jackson on Saturday, March 28, 2026, bringing with it a full slate of events and a renewed sense of civic pride. This year’s celebration centers on the theme “Stars, Stripes, & Shamrocks – Jackson Celebrates America 250,” with Mayor John H. “John” Horhn serving as Grand Marshal, highlighting the parade’s connection to both local leadership and national history.
The festivities begin a week earlier with Run the Rainbow for Children’s on March 21, followed by a series of community events leading up to parade day and the official after-party at Hal & Mal’s. A long-standing tradition of the festival, proceeds continue to benefit Children’s of Mississippi, reinforcing the event’s charitable mission.
Organizers are placing a strong emphasis on safety and accessibility in 2026, working alongside city officials to create a fun, family-friendly environment. Updated parade rules and logistics are designed to ensure a smooth, welcoming experience for participants and spectators alike throughout the day.
The History
In the early 1980s, Malcolm White and friends secured a permit to parade down Capitol Street dressed as Tennessee Williams characters. Wanting to create a signature Jackson event, he and his late brother, Hal White, expanded it into a unique fusion of Mardi Gras and Rites of Spring. Named in Hal’s honor, Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival now draws thousands to downtown Jackson each year, supporting Children’s of Mississippi.
Originally held around St. Patrick’s Day, it later moved to the fourth Saturday in March to accommodate Jill Conner Browne’s Sweet Potato Queens, include school bands and avoid conflicts with spring break.
The Theme & Grand Marshal
Jackson Mayor John H. “John” Horhn will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2026 Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival, leading the celebration under this year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes, & Shamrocks – Jackson Celebrates America 250.” His selection reflects the parade’s connection to civic pride and its role as a signature event in downtown Jackson, bringing together community, tradition, and celebration. As Grand Marshal, Mayor Horhn represents the city’s past, present, and future during one of Mississippi’s most anticipated annual festivals.
The Race
Runners and walkers, get ready. Hal's St. Paddy's Run the Rainbow race happens before parade day on Saturday, March 21, at 6:30 a.m., with proceeds supporting Children’s of Mississippi. Run the Rainbow will feature a 5K route beginning and ending at Hal & Mal’s in downtown Jackson, and the 2026 event will also offer 10K, half, and full marathon routes through downtown Jackson, Belhaven, Eastover, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center campus. Won't be in town? You can still choose to take part in one of the virtual route options.
The registration fee includes swag, admission to St. Paddy’s Official Afterparty at Hal & Mal’s (21+), and a drink ticket.
The Stomp
The formal kickoff to the parade is March 27th's Hal's Marching MALfunction & Second Line Stomp, a New Orleans-style second line through downtown Jackson and locals’ favorite. Participation is free and costumes are encouraged. Lineup begins at Cathead Distillery, with a “stomp” to Hal & Mal's at 7:15 p.m.
The Children’s & Pet Parades
Hal's St. Paddy's has three different parades to enjoy – The M.A.R.L. Pet Parade (10:00 a.m.), Children's Parade (11:00 a.m.), and the main Hal's St. Paddy's Parade starting at noon p.m. Kids and pups alike are invited to dress up in their finest Irish or themed costumes and show off for revelers at Smith Park. Trophies for Originality, Creativity, and Performance will be awarded for both parades. Come early for the kid-friendly festivities happening in the same area beginning at 9 a.m., including amusement rides, games, activities, and food and beverage vendors.
The 43rd Annual Hal's St. Paddy's Parade
Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade returns to downtown Jackson at NOON, celebrating the theme “Stars, Stripes, & Shamrocks – Jackson Celebrates America 250.” The parade begins near Cathead Distillery on Court Street and winds through the heart of the city before concluding behind Hal & Mal’s. Jackson Mayor John H. “John” Horhn will serve as Grand Marshal, leading hundreds of participants representing krewes, floats, dance groups, and community organizations.
The internationally known Sweet Potato Queens will once again make their annual appearance, led by “Boss Queen” Jill Conner Browne, while multiple local bands and marching groups from across Mississippi provide the soundtrack for the day. As always, parade-goers can expect plenty of beads, roses, and other throws, adding a Mardi Gras–style flair to one of Jackson’s most anticipated annual traditions.
Parade Rules
Add the updated safety guidance for 2026, aligning with the official site and city ordinance:
- No boomboxes or amplified noisemakers
- No cooking or open flames
- No glass bottles
- No weapons
- No items placed on the route before 8 a.m. on parade day
- No ATVs or golf carts
The NEW Route
The Official Afterparty
The Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade doesn’t end when the last float passes by—it’s just the beginning! Join us for the official Afterparty, where the music gets louder, the dancing kicks off, and the good vibes flow well into the night., featuring DJ 13lackbeard, The Molly Ringwalds, and Pop Fiction.
Whether you're looking to keep the party spirit alive or wind down with friends, the Afterparty is the perfect way to make your Hal’s St. Paddy's experience unforgettable.
Schedule of the Whole Dang Shebang
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026
- 6:30 AM - Run the Rainbow for Children's
Begins and Ends at Hal & Mal's
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026
- 3:00 PM - Hal's Marching MALfunction & Secondline Stomp
Begins at Cathead Distillery, ends at Hal & Mal's
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026
- 7:00 AM - Float Lineup
Begins in front of Cathead - 9:00 AM - Children's Festival
at Smith Park - 10:00 AM - The MARL Pet Parade
at Smith Park - 11:00 AM - Children's Parade Presented by Ergon
at Smith Park - 12:00 PM - Hal's St. Paddy's Parade
Begins at Court St. in front of Cathead - 1:00 PM - Gates Open for The Official Afterparty
Presented by Capital City Beverages at Hal & Mal's - 3:00 PM - Music Begins for The Official Afterparty Featuring DJ 13lackbeard, The Molly Ringwalds, and Pop Fiction
Presented by Capital City Beverages at Hal & Mal’s
Do you love the parade and want to contribute to its future?
You can support the parade’s efforts all year long through the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi. Donations are tax-deductible.
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200 Commerce Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
(979) 820-0422
Website
Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival200 Commerce Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201