The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back! After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Outer Banks’ favorite spring event will once again roll along the beach road in Nags Head on Sunday, March 20. Out will come the fire trucks and police cars, the Shriners’ funny cars, the Humane Society and SPCA pups, the high school bands, the dance troupes and so much more – all of them decked out in green. The parade celebrates local goodness in so many forms, and it feels like the spring season kickoff. It’s a time to reconnect with your friends and catch up with what’s going on in the community.
After a two-year break, I predict it’s going to be extra fun and extra crowded this year. Be sure to stake out your spot along the beach road early. The parade starts at 1 p.m., and you’ll need to claim a spot by at least 12:30 if not sooner. Plenty of people get out there super early and make a morning of pre-parading. Parking is available at beach accesses north and south of the parade route, at Outer Banks Family YMCA, Nags Head Elementary School and Dowdy Park. Some street parking is available, but pay attention to No Parking signs and do not block driveways. Prepare to walk a way to the beach road, so bring wagons and strollers if needed. IMHO, the best way to arrive is by bike, if possible.
The parade starts at 1 p.m. at milepost 11.5 at Bladen Street and continues north Driftwood Street. Hopefully, the weather will hold out at the predicted 61 degrees and no rain. Even the wind forecast, as of now, is for light northeast winds.
Photo: Parade founder Mike Kelly, left, celebrates on the beach road.
When the parade is over, you don’t have to go home. Continue your Sunday Funday at one or more of the many beach road establishments. Here’s a rundown of the beach road highlights to hit before or after the parade.
Mulligan’s Grille, a little south of the parade route at MP 13, is post-parade party central. From Thursday through Sunday they are serving corned beef & cabbage and have a whole bunch of drink specials. Plus their 15 TVs will be tuned to March Madness. Join them indoors or on the upstairs tiki deck with an ocean view.
Lucky 12 Tavern at MP 12 is another après parade beach road favorite. Like Mulligan’s, they always have a crowd of regulars, but the place fills up even more on parade day. They’ll have sports on TV, and you can enjoy indoor or outdoor fun.
Tortuga’s Lie at MP 11 is right along the parade route and is usually hopping before, during and after the parade. The TVs will be on in the bar, or you can hang out in the backyard and maybe watch or jump in on a volleyball game.
For the families and kids, the Nags Head beach road ice cream shops will be open Sunday. Booty Treats at MP 10.5 serves ice cream and shaved ice, and Surfin’ Spoon at MP 11.5 serves frozen yogurt.
Not on the beach road, but close to the parade endpoint over the bypass, Dirty Dick’s Crab House is offering an Irish-themed menu from St. Patrick’s Day through Sunday. Reuben Egg Rolls, Potato Leek Soup, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Bangers and Mash and more will be served for lunch and dinner.
Photo: Mulligan's deck will be super spot to gather after the parade.
Farther up the beach road Bonzer Shack at MP 9, Swells’a Brewing at MP 8.5 (they’re serving up green beer all weekend) and Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint at MP 8.5 are always Sunday Funday gathering spots, so why should parade day be anything but more crowded and more fun? All signs point to parade day shenanigans on Sunday.
Last but not least, Outer Banks Brewing Station may not be on the beach road, but it’s always a Sunday Funday station, and parade day will be even more so. Gather in back yard for beer, food, music and games.
If you do partake in the fun on Sunday, remember to designate a driver, take a cab or Uber or walk home. Be safe and have fun!
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
