Jonesborough’s St. Paddy’s Celebration returns on Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., bringing a full day of Celtic festivities. Visit with Highland Cows, try your hand at the Highland Games, explore local crafts, join in on the fun run, and enjoy live Irish music, food, and drinks.
Shuttle Service & Parking
Boone Street Winter Market
Vendors will be in front of Boone Street Market from 9am until noon. It should be an exciting day in Jonesborough with the St. Paddy’s Day Festival happening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. As part of the St. Paddy’s Day celebration, visitors will have the opportunity to meet Highland Cows, watch Highland Games, visit local crafters, participate in a fun run, and enjoy live Irish music, food, and drinks. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public.
Four Leaf Peat Live at The Jackson Theatre
Four Leaf Peat is Tennessee’s premier Traditional Irish Band and has been performing locally and regionally since 2004! Traditional Irish music ranges from vibrant dance tunes to soulful songs, and Four Leaf Peat’s performances are always marked by a keen sense of the tradition, mixed with just the right amount of influence from the rich musical history of East Tennessee. Four Leaf Peat’s unique sound is a result of its members’ various musical backgrounds, and their continued passion for traditional Irish music. By taking all of their years of musical training, and building on Irish influences like The Bothy Band, Planxty, Flying Cloud & Silly Wizard, to more modern twists on Traditional music such as Dervish, Open the Door for Three & Lunasa; Four Leaf Peat has built its own brand of Irish music which celebrates the musical bridge that spans the Atlantic.
St. Paddy's Parade - 11 A.M.
Main Street Jonesborough will host their 3rd annual St. Paddy’s Parade on Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m. New for 2026, the festival will feature a six-horse team of the iconic Clydesdale draft horses pulling a wagon in the parade, bringing an unforgettable new highlight to this beloved event.
The parade is the kickoff to the festival which will begin on the corner of Boone Street and Sabin Drive and continue down Main Street in downtown Jonesborough. The St. Paddy’s Festival Committee seeks floats and entries decked out in green or Celtic-themed.
The cost for registration is $25 for regular entries and $50 for political and commercial entries. Interested parties can apply online at Jonesborough.com/stpaddys. There are a limited number of spots available. Prizes will be awarded to the top four entries. The awards are as follows: Leaping Leprechaun – Best Walking Group, Grand St. Paddy’s Award – Best Overall Entry, Luck of the Irish Award – Most Festive Entry, Shamrock Award- Best Golf Cart Entry.
St. Paddy’s Cause For The Paws Brew Fun Run - 2 P.M.
Support the Washington County Animal Shelter by taking part in St. Paddy’s Cause For The Paws Brew Fun Run! Participants can make a monetary donation to the shelter, in advance or on the day of the run, and then runners will select a picture of a shelter animal to place on their back. The runner who receives first place will receive a gift basket and the winner’s chosen pet will receive one as well.
The run will begin in front of the Courthouse on Main Street and take you down to Depot Street Brewing for a free small pour of beer or root beer, then loop back to the Storytelling Center for food, libations, and live Irish music! Participants are welcome to walk/jog/run the route. Dogs are not permitted inside Depot Street Brewery or in the outdoor seating area but are welcome to take part in the run. Walking, jogging, and running are all welcome. No entry fee is required.
Appalachian Irish Dance Company
Performance at 12 p.m. in front of the Washington County. Courthouse
Experience a Traditional Irish Dance performance right on Main Street!
Everblade Academy Showcase
Starting at 1 p.m., Everblade Academy will showcase a weapons demonstration, a gladiatorial combat show, a shillelagh lecture, and gladiator history lesson in Storytelling Park. They will introduce their fighters, talk about their class rank, and hold 3 to 5 fights to see which gladiator will reign! Plus, take part in a live sword and buckler lesson starting at 2:30 p.m. Visitors can also try their hand at archery. Don your finest kilt and prepare to display your strength!
Highland Games – 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Join the Appalachian Highlands Celts in Storytelling Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as they bring Highland Games to Jonesborough. Enjoy demonstrations from members of the group and even try your hand to see if you have what it takes to be a Highland games athlete. The Appalachian Highlands Celts will guide you through the safety of performing in the games and show you step-by-step techniques. Visitors can try their hand at the stone throw, sheaf toss and archery. The group will also provide a weapons demonstration and a shillelagh lecture. Throw on your best kilt and get ready to show your strength.
Highland Cows - 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Meet and greet with Highland cows and calves from Happy Hens and Highlands and Rocky Creek Highland Farms. You will get a hands-on experience, learn more about the breed, and have a chance to get your photo with a Highland Cow!
Owl Meet and Greet - 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
The Owl Ridge Raptor Center will also be on site, providing an opportunity to see various owls up close and learn about the organization’s efforts to rescue and rehabilitate these birds.
Live Irish Music - 4 P.M.
Live Irish music kicks off Shamrockin’ on the Plaza with Sigean at 4 p.m. in front of the International Storytelling Center. This seven-piece band delivers a high-energy mix of traditional dance tunes and stirring ballads, creating an authentic Irish experience. Performances include appearances at the Knoxville Irish Festival, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Festival, and Big Stone Celtic Festival.
Irish Food + Drinks - 3 - 6 P.M.
During Shamrockin’ on the Plaza, enjoy a beer garden brought to you by Main Street Cafe and Catering with beer from Depot Street Brewing. Main Street Café and Catering will also provide a special menu of Irish foods consisting of bangers and mash. Food will be served from 11 am to 6 pm with drinks being served at 3 p.m.
Craft Village - 11 A.M - 6 P.M.
There will be a mini craft village with local artists and craftsmen showcasing a variety of handmade wares along Main Street.
Guided History Tours - 1 P.M. to 6 P.M.
Step back in time with the Heritage Alliance by taking a Town Tour at 1 p.m. Tour tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the Chester Inn Museum located on Main Street, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dress Up!
Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in kilts, leprechaun outfits, or simply all decked out in green. Shamrockin’ on the Plaza is sponsored by Main Street Café and Catering. This event is free and open to the public.
The little ones will enjoy a Celtic-themed craft with the McKinney Center at the Christopher Taylor Cabin
