Kelly’s Annual St. Patricks Day Parade

Details about Kelly’s Annual St. Patricks Day Parade

Price:

• Free!

Ages:

• All ages welcome!

Pets:

• Pets are welcome at the event, but please follow Nags Head’s leash laws. Dogs must have a collar displaying a current rabies vaccination tag, and they must be on a secure leash no longer than 1o feet. 

Kelly’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade: March 14, 2027

Every March, rain or shine, a one-mile stretch of Nags Head transforms as everyone gets ready for one of the area’s most anticipated traditions, Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Considered North Carolina’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration, this family-friendly event is all about community spirit, Irish culture, and celebrating together. Visitors and locals shake off the winter chill, dress in their favorite green outfits (including kilts!), and line the streets for an afternoon filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories.

History of Kelly’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

According to an Outer Banks Voice article, in 1990 Mike Kelly and his staff got together to toss around some ideas for the year ahead. Someone suggested holding a parade, and everyone thought it was a great idea. The only question was when to have it.  Summer and early fall already brought plenty of visitors to keep local businesses busy; November and December were quiet with families sitting tight for the holidays, and January and February were just too cold. They eventually chose March, when everyone was ready for a break from winter and looking for an excuse to gather with friends and family for a day of fun. 

Mike Kelly recalled, “The first parade was sparsely attended, perhaps being outnumbered by the parade participants.” Fast forward to now, and the parade has grown into one of the Outer Banks’ favorite annual events, bringing in more than 10,000 spectators and around 1,800 participants each year. The parade now fills the streets with colorful floats, festive music, and plenty of candy to go around.

What to Expect at Kelly’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The one-mile parade kicks off at 1 PM from the intersection of Bladen Street and Virginia Dare Trail (“the beach road”) at Milepost 11.5 and travels north to Driftwood Street. Arrive early to grab a good spot and settle in for a fun-filled parade featuring local marching bands, classic cars, horses, unicyclists, community organizations, colorfully decorated floats, and lots of flying candy. Don’t miss local favorites like the Coastal Humane Society, Dare County Special Olympics, and the KDH Roller Derby Brigade. Several of these groups have been part of the parade for more than 30 years and are crowd favorites year after year. From rescue dogs and beautiful equestrians to inspiring athletes and the unmistakable sound of bagpipes, each group brings its own unique energy to the parade. A panel of judges also awards prizes for Best Overall, Best Floats, and Best Units, adding a little friendly competition and, don’t forget, bragging rights, to the celebration. Parking is available at beach accesses north and south of the parade route, at the Outer Banks Family YMCA, Nags Head Elementary School, and Dowdy Park. Some street parking is available, but pay attention to ‘No Parking’ signs and please do not block driveways.

Explore The Area

After the parade, take advantage of everything nearby. Stroll across the street to the beach for a refreshing walk along the shoreline, visit nearby local shops and restaurants, or head just a few minutes south to Jockey’s Ridge State Park. There, you can climb the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast, explore scenic nature trails, or stick around to watch the sun set over the sound.

See You There!

Whether you’re catching candy, cheering for your favorite float, or just soaking up the festive atmosphere, Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a wonderful way to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring. You’ll feel right at home as the community comes together for a light-hearted day of fun. Don’t forget to wear something green!