Freedom First St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Festival 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release – February 12, 2026
Contact: Brittany Smith
Phone: (540) 342-2028 x11
E-mail: brittanys@downtownroanoke.org
ROANOKE, VA -- Downtown Roanoke, Inc. is pleased to announce the return of the Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival as well as the Corned Beef and Co. Celtic Celebration to be held on March 14 in Downtown Roanoke beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Freedom First returns as the presenting sponsor in 2026. “We're committed to investing in the people and traditions that make this area our home," said Linda Johnson, President and CEO of Freedom First. "Meaningful celebrations like this serve as a testament to the values and community spirit that will always be at the heart of our mission”.
The Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 11 a.m, featuring returning favorites like the Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drums, Jamestown Pipes and Drums, Radford University Highlanders Pipes and Drums, Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums, and Albemarle Pipe and Drums. Many more community organizations already confirmed in attendance. The parade travels down Jefferson Street to Campbell Avenue, ending at Williamson Road.
The free Shamrock Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs to 5 p.m. in the John Nolen Plaza behind the City Market Building. The festival features adult beverages, vendors, and live music performances by DJ Joey Nicely, ON3, Vintage Reign, and That 80’s Band on the Delta Dental Stage!
Corned Beef and Co.’s Celtic Celebration features live Celtic music, DJs, party favors, and food specials such as corned beef, cabbage, and Irish potato soup from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jefferson Street between Campbell Avenue and Salem Avenue. The Celebration then continues indoors into the night.
For more information on St. Patrick’s Day, including parade entry and volunteer registration, please visit www.DowntownRoanoke.org.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival is sponsored by Freedom First Credit Union, P.A. Short Distributing, Delta Dental of Virginia, WDBJ7, WZBJ24, K92, Q99, WFIR, The Rock Channel, Star Country, and The City of Roanoke.
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About Freedom First Credit Union
Freedom First is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution headquartered in Roanoke, VA. Founded in 1956, Freedom First now has 14 branch locations in the Roanoke Valley, New River Valley, and Greater Lynchburg and has grown to over $1 billion in assets. With a mission of Helping People Prosper – Helping Communities Thrive, we measure our success by the positive impact we create in the lives of our members and the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.freedomfirst.com.
About Downtown Roanoke, Inc.
Since 1960, our mission at Downtown Roanoke, Inc. (DRI) is to make Downtown Roanoke the preferred place to work, live, and play. To help fulfill this mission, we work and collaborate with a wide range of vital organizations. Our partners include businesses, property owners, government agencies, civic and cultural organizations, and the community. We work with these partners to develop strategies, shape public policy, and implement programs that strengthen the economic vitality of downtown. We’re working to preserve the character of the past while pursuing an innovative future with the goal to continue to grow downtown Roanoke as the urban center of Western Virginia. For more information, please visit www.downtownroanoke.org .