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 lively theme "Hey, Hey, the Blues is All Green" for its 2025 celebration.
Emphasizing the fusion of cultural heritage and seasonal festivity, this year's parade is proud to announce blues legend Jesse Robinson as its Grand Marshal. A Mississippi native, Robinson's deep roots in the blues scene and his role as the frontman for B.B. King's Blues Band make him the embodiment of this year's theme, showcasing the rich musical tapestry of Mississippi.
The festivities, which begin on March 15, 2025, with "Run the Rainbow for Children's," promise a week of engaging events, culminating in the parade and after-party on March 22. In keeping with tradition, the festival will support Children's of Mississippi, demonstrating the event's commitment to the community.
With a strong focus on safety, the event organizers are collaborating with local law enforcement to ensure a secure environment for attendees. This initiative underscores the festival's family-friendly appeal, inviting everyone to partake in the celebrations.
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
Blues legend Jesse Robinson will serve as the Grand Marshal for Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival 2025. A Mississippi native and frontman for B.B. King's Blues Band, Robinson embodies this year’s theme, "Hey, Hey, the Blues is All Green," celebrating the state's rich musical heritage. His selection highlights his deep roots in the blues scene and his lasting impact on Mississippi’s cultural legacy.
The Race
Runners and walkers, get ready. Hal's St. Paddy's Run the Rainbow race happens before parade day on Saturday, March 15, 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 2025 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 21'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 1:00 p.m. Kids and pups alike are invited to dress up in their finest Irish or themed costumes and show off for revelers on West Street. Trophies for Originality, Creativity, and Performance will be awarded for both parades. Stick around for the kid-friendly festivities happening in the same area, including amusement rides, games, activities, and food and beverage vendors.
The 42nd Annual Hal's St. Paddy's Parade
Hal's St. Paddy's Parade returns proclaiming, "Hey, Hey, The Blues is All Green," at 1:00 p.m., beginning on the corner of State Street and Court Street. Bluesman Jesse Robinson serves as Grand Marshall, along with hundreds of celebrants making up krewes, floats, street dancing troupes, and more. The internationally-known Sweet Potato Queens will make their annual appearance with “Boss Queen” Jill Conner Browne at the charge, no less than six local bands will lead the way for other marching bands throughout the state. Get ready to catch beads, roses, and other swag being thrown into the crowd á la Mardis Gras!
The Official Afterparty
Featuring DJ 13lackbeard, the ultimate hype machine, Jackson’s very own high-energy 80s, 90s, 00s party band Pop Fiction and crowd favorite, The Molly Ringwalds. Gates open at 1PM, party kicks off at 3PM.
Park on the Fairgrounds
The Mississippi State Fairgrounds has a parking option. Enter at Gate 3 and park in Lot E (Fairground Street at Jefferson Street). It's $10 cash to park. If you're using card, fees may be applied.
Schedule of the Whole Dang Shebang
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025
6:30 a.m. - Run the Rainbow for Children's Full & Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025
3:00 p.m. - Hal's Marching MALfunction & Second Line Stomp
*begins at Cathead Distillery, stomp to Hal & Mal's at 7:15 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025
7:00 a.m. - Float Lineup Begins
Begins at the corner of State Street and Court Street
9:00 a.m. - Hal's St. Paddy's Children Festival
at West Street in front of Thalia Mara Hall
10:00 a.m. - The MARL Pet Parade
at West Street in front of Thalia Mara Hall
11:00 a.m. - Hal's St. Paddy's Children Parade
at West Street in front of Thalia Mara Hall
1:00 p.m. - Hal's St. Paddy's Parade
Begins at the corner of State Street and Court Street
1:00 p.m. - Gates Open for The Official Afterparty
at Hal & Mal's
3:00 p.m. - Music Begins for The Official Afterparty
at Hal & Mal’s
Parade photos: Tell Agency unless noted
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