What: Atlanta’s 129th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Where: Downtown Atlanta
When: Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 12 noon
Cost: Free, but you’ll have to park in a pay lot around the parade route

St. Patrick’s Day is a BIG deal in my family. If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate, head to the Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Saturday, March 12 beginning at 12 noon in Downtown Atlanta. The parade begins at Peachtree St. and Ralph McGill and goes past Woodruff Park to Underground Atlanta. Here’s a map of the parade route.

I LOVE a parade and this one is a wonderful family friendly event. Of course there are the requisite marching bands, clowns, schools of Irish dance with girls in those fabulous dresses and Catholic grade school floats. But this parade also has the 501st Stormtroopers from Star Wars, in kilts no less. Always a HUGE hit with my boys.

After the parade, head to Underground Atlanta for the St. Patrick’s Day party and celebration. It’s a family event with Irish dancers, singers and performers.

Feeling adventurous? Head down to Savannah for the Tara Feis Irish Celebration. It’s the family friendly version of the annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

What: Atlanta’s 128th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Where: Downtown Atlanta
When: Saturday, March 13 at 12 noon
Cost: Free, but you’ll have to park in a pay lot around the parade route

St. Patrick’s Day is a BIG deal in my family. If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate, head to the Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Saturday, March 13 beginning at 12 noon in Downtown Atlanta. The parade begins at Peachtree St. and Ralph McGill and goes past Woodruff Park to Underground Atlanta. Here’s a map of the parade route.

I LOVE a parade and this one is a wonderful family friendly event. Of course there are the requisite marching bands, clowns, schools of Irish dance with girls in those fabulous dresses and Catholic grade school floats. But this parade also has the 501st Stormtroopers from Star Wars, in kilts no less. Always a HUGE hit with my boys.

After the parade, head to Underground Atlanta for the St. Patrick’s Day party and celebration. It’s a family event with Irish dancers, singers and performers. While you’re there, have your head shaved for St. Baldrick’s.

What: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Atlanta
When: Sat., Dec. 5 from 10:30 t0 12 noon
Cost: Free

I DO love a parade, especially the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade. It’s the largest Christmas parade in the Southeast and a great way to kick-start the holiday season. This is a popular parade, so get there a little early to get a good spot along the parade route. If you’d prefer to have a seat waiting, purchase a bleacher seat for $12. Any unclaimed bleacher seats are released to the public at 10:15 am, so if you don’t get around to purchasing them beforehand, you can try the day of the event.

We’ve been going to the parade for years with the same family. It’s become a tradition. No matter the temperature, we pack blankets, gloves, hats, hot chocolate and the most important item…hand warmers and head out. It’s been a wonderful, inexpensive way to stay connected even when our lives are going in different directions.

What: Little Five Points Halloween Parade
Where: Down Euclid and Moreland Ave. Little Five Points
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 4 PM
Cost: FREE

If you are looking for a wonderfully off beat Halloween adventure to get you in the mood for All Hallows Eve, look no further than the Little Five Points Halloween Parade this Saturday. This is one of those quirky local events that make Atlanta so much fun. I don’t remember anything being too scary, but if you’d like to see past parades, go here. Once you’re done, take a little time to browse around the great shops in this area or grab a bite to eat. I love the Vortex, but I’ve never been to the one in L5P and the one in Midtown is no longer a kid friendly place to go.

Looking for more Halloween fun? Don’t forget our contest for tickets to Oakland Cemetery’s Halloween Tours. Leave a comment on the blog and/or on the Field Trips with Sue Facebook page to enter. Let us know your favorite Halloween activity or your favorite field trip.