Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival Gearing Up For 2025 Event

This month will usher in the 42nd Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival, making its grand return on March 22, 2025 in downtown Jackson. The official theme for this year’s celebration is “Hey, Hey, The Blues is All Green,” highlighting the rich Blues heritage of the Magnolia State. Leading the parade as the Grand Marshal is legendary Bluesman and Jacksonian Jesse Robinson. As in previous years, the parade and festival will raise funds for Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only hospital for children.

"Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival is more than just a celebration,” says Malcolm White, Parade & Festival Founder. “It’s a homecoming, a showcase of creativity, and a testament to the spirit of Jackson. Every year, we bring people together in a sea of green to share joy, music, and community. I can’t wait to see the streets come alive again with the magic of this tradition!”

The entire schedule of events for the weeklong celebration can be found at halsstpaddysparade.com. The annual “Run the Rainbow for Children’s” 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon will kick off the week on March 15 the weekend before parade weekend, also benefiting Children’s of Mississippi.

On Wednesday morning, March 19, organizers and supporters of the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival will take the celebration to Children’s of Mississippi with an inaugural “Petite Parade,” where patients can gather parade throws and experience the creativity of krewes and float makers.

On Friday, March 21, Visit Jackson presents the Hal’s Marching MALfunction & Second Line Stomp, a long-standing Paddy’s tradition with food, drinks, and music beginning at Cathead Distillery and a second line stomp ending at Hal & Mal’s. This event takes place 3:00 pm – 7:15 pm.

The full Saturday parade day schedule includes a pet parade benefitting Mississippi Animal Rescue League, a children’s parade, the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade, and official After Party at Hal & Mal’s.

Safety and security are a top priority this year and all years. Capitol Police, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, and Capitol Police are joining forces to patrol downtown to ensure that a safe celebration is had by all.