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, a benefit fo Children's of Mississippi.
Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade returns to downtown Jackson in March 2027.
The festivities begin a week earlier with Run the Rainbow for Children’s, 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.
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 Race
Runners and walkers, get ready. Hal's St. Paddy's Run the Rainbow race happens teh Saturday before parade day, 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 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 the 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. 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 44th Annual Hal's St. Paddy's Parade
Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade returns to downtown Jackson in March 2027. The parade begins near Cathead Distillery on Court Street and winds through the heart of the city before concluding behind Hal & Mal’s with 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.
Court Street at West Street (START), West Street (north) to Capitol Street (east), Capitol Street (east) to State Street (south), State Street (south) to Commerce Street (END).
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.
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.
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
(662) 202-5004
Website
Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival200 Commerce Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201