Roanoke turned green as people came to downtown Roanoke for the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Festival.

Expect Downtown Roanoke to be painted green this weekend for the annual Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade that kicks off at 11 am.

The annual St. Patrick's Day parade is returning to Roanoke March 16.

Thousands of people came out to the Freedom First St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Festival Saturday.

Bars, restaurants, and other businesses are getting ready for one of the largest celebrations of the year in Roanoke.

It is going to be a busy weekend in downtown Roanoke for the return of the St. Patrick’s Day parade and Shamrock Festival. So, put on your green and enjoy the fun.

A pandemic later and after three years of anticipation, Mother Nature had her own plans for the City of Roanoke’s Shamrock Festival.

How you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day this weekend in Downtown Roanoke

ROANOKE, Va. – Streets usually filled with a sea of green will be relatively empty this weekend. Downtown Roanoke canceled its St. Patrick’s Day parade and Shamrock Festival, but restaurants are still open for business. Bryan Summerson from Big Lick Brewing Company said they’re not officially celebrating St. Paddy’s Day until Wednesday. “We really want to actively discourage any major social gatherings around St. Patrick’s Day. Roanoke native Cricket Price, who just got vaccinated, said she is laying low this year.

ROANOKE, Va. – Head to downtown Roanoke for the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Festival. At the festival, enjoy music, vendors and more runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The parade begins at 11 a.m.Highland County Maple Festival gets underway this weekend. Events take place throughout the county this weekend and next. It’s Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5.

ROANOKE, Va. – Businesses and restaurants in downtown Roanoke are preparing for the massive crowds set to attend this Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival. Green shamrocks line the windows of She’s International Boutique in downtown Roanoke. Downtown Roanoke Inc.’s Jaime Clark said if the weather cooperates, there could be even more this year. While Clark said it’s hard to track how much money the festivities bring into downtown businesses and restaurants, they all certainly feel the effects. “We hear anecdotally, of course, from our businesses that it’s a huge day, especially the restaurants.