Join Us

Do you want to be part of one of the world’s biggest outdoor festivals? Step right up!

Marching Bands

Every year, we welcome marching bands from all over the world to join us for the national St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin on March 17th! Taking part in the iconic St. Patrick’s Festival Parade in Dublin is a once in a lifetime experience. Where better to march and perform than at the home of St. Patrick!

* Please note that applications for the 2027 parade in Dublin is now closed.

Ireland has a multitude of parades happening nationwide on March 17th. If your band will be travelling in 2027 and is interested in participating in one of our fantastic regional parades, let us know and we can put you in touch with the relevant parade organisers.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Friday 17th March 2028

St. Patrick’s Festival is now accepting band applications for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday 17th March 2028.

Please read the attached 2028 Band Application Pack and submit the included form and requested additional materials to:
marchingbands@stpatricksfestival.ie.

Community Groups

Parade Involvement

Our 2027 Festival community groups application forms will open in September.

Successful applicants will take part in the St. Patrick’s Festival Parade and will attend St. Patrick’s Festival Community Arts Workshops led by our Performance Director Muirne Bloomer. These workshops will teach the groups the different parade performance skills they will need when taking part in the Parade . The groups will then be invited to participate in one of the professional parade performances with our fabulous Parade companies.

Spaces for community groups are limited and we may not be able to accommodate everyone that applies.

Programme Involvement

For our 2027 Festival, community groups can also apply to be part of the St. Patrick’s Festival Programme. This will give the group a dedicated performance time and space as part of our Festival Programme to show off their unique skills and performances. This programme will be curated by our Performance Director Muirne Bloomer. Applications for programme involvement open in September 2026.

Volunteers

There’s something special about being part of St. Patrick’s Festival. As a volunteer, you’ll help create moments of joy, celebration and connection for people from every corner of the world while becoming part of a friendly and passionate team that makes it all happen.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and for many different reasons—to meet new people, support their community, gain experience, share their time, or simply be part of Ireland’s biggest national celebration. Whatever your reason, you’ll be welcomed, supported and appreciated every step of the way.

From behind the scenes to the heart of the action, volunteering offers a unique perspective on one of the world’s greatest cultural celebrations. It’s an opportunity to make a real contribution, build new friendships, develop valuable skills, and create memories that will stay with you long after the Festival has ended.

Please note, you must be over 18 years of age to volunteer at the Festival.

Job Vacancies

Currently, all positions are filled, but we welcome you to stay connected with us through our social media channels for updates on future opportunities.