Horhn Named Grand Marshal of 2026 Hal's St. Paddy's Parade

Jackson is nationally known for hosting one of the country's greatest St. Paddy's Day celebrations, and this year the committee has announced the theme of "Stars, Stripes, and Shamrocks" to bridge the city's celebration with the 250th birthday of the United States, and Mayor John Horhn will be serving as this year's Grand Marshal.

Jackson First Lady Lydia Gail Horhn and Jackson Mayor John Horhn at the 2026 St. Paddy's Parade press conference on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Hal & Mal's

Credit: Peter Kelly

Jackson's Biggest Party Returns with a Patriotic Twist

Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival returns for its 43rd year parade co-founder, Malcolm White has just announced this year's theme. "This year's theme is based around Jackson, Mississippi's celebration of America 250. We are using these words for our theme: 'Stars, Stripes, and Shamrocks.'"

Equal parts Irish cheer and American celebration, the 2026 theme ties the spirit of St. Patrick's Day to the nation's 250th anniversary, with a Jackson twist uplifting Jacksonians, Mississippians, Americans, and all parade-goers through creativity, color, and good times.

This is not a one-day parade. Hal's St. Paddy's is a full-on festival week that spills across downtown and beyond, drawing visitors, filling hotels, packing restaurants, and turning the capital city into one long block party. Locals know it as the people's parade, and visitors quickly learn why. Everyone has a place on the route, whether you come dressed in shamrocks, stars, stripes, or all three.

Festival Week Kicks Off with Races and Music

The weekend kicks off with events that set the pace early. Runners take to the streets for Run the Rainbow on March 21, a slate of races ranging from a 5K to marathon and ultra-distance events, all benefiting Children's of Mississippi. The energy builds into the annual Stomp beginning at Cathead Distillery on Friday, March 27, finishing at Hal & Mal's, a Friday-night tradition fueled by music, food, drinks, and the kind of pre-parade buzz that only Jackson can deliver.

Malcolm White

Credit: Peter Kelly

Parade Day Brings Jackson Together

Parade day on Saturday, March 28, brings it all together. The streets fill with marching bands, floats, costumes, and crowds deep enough to feel the soul of the city. Families and friends claim their favorite corners, party with strangers,and welcome visitors by pulling them into the rhythm. The Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) Pet Parade adds wagging tails and creative costumes, while the Children's Parade brings fun for the whole family

Beyond the Party: Economic Impact and Community Pride

Beyond the fun, Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival delivers real impact. The event drives millions in visitor spending, supports local businesses, and creates jobs tied to hospitality, music, food, and event operations. More than that, it creates a rare moment when the entire city shows up together, shoulder to shoulder, to celebrate what makes Jackson different.

With Mayor John Horhn serving as Grand Marshal, the 2026 parade doubles down on civic momentum and creative energy. Mayor Horhn says, "Events like the St. Paddy's Day Parade are leading the charge to let people know, truly, Jackson is back and Jackson is rising."

It is a reminder that Jackson's culture is alive, evolving, and ingrained in each and every Jacksonian and Mississippian.

Author

Peter Kelly

Peter Kelly is a storyteller who moves between film, writing, and business strategy to capture ideas with clarity and imagination. His creative work spans documentary filmmaking, narrative development, and photography shaped by years of exploring cultures and adventures from the American South to the far reaches of the globe. His work is guided by curiosity, a love of wild places, and a commitment to stories that unravel human connection. In his free time, Peter can typically be found rappelling, scuba diving, or reading.