10 Things Not to Miss at the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade | Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Published: March 5, 2025

We don't know about you, but we're feeling 22! We've put together the top ten things not to miss for the First-Ever 22nd Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade festivities in Hot Springs, Arkansas, March 16 & 17. From celebrity guests to free concerts and our extra special 98-foot parade route. Plan your visit today to celebrate our extra green, extra short parade!

Parade Starter - Flavor Flav

YEAH, BOYEEEEEE! Don't miss rapper and founder of legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy, Flavor Flav, as the Official Parade Starter for the 22nd Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade! Known for his energetic performances, signature clock chain, and unforgettable catchphrases, Flavor Flav will be the hype man for our 98-foot parade full of fun!

Grand Marshal - Valerie Bertinelli

Beloved actress and television personality, Valerie Bertinelli is the Grand Marshal for this year's parade! Known for her roles in iconic shows like "One Day at a Time" and "Hot in Cleveland," Bertinelli has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her talent, humor, and warmth. Valerie most recently starred in her own show on Food Network entitled Valerie’s Home Cooking, where she received two Daytime Emmy awards for ‘Outstanding Culinary Program’ and ‘Outstanding Culinary Host’.

Zero K Race

How slow can you go? In the Zero-K Race the slower the better! The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade wouldn't be complete without the Shortest St. Pat's Zero-K Race, benefiting Tri-Lakes CASA, where participants test their patience going as slow as possible in this 299-foot race route from Bridge Street to Malvern Avenue. Awards will be given to the Slowest racer and the Best Costume! Want it on the Zero-K fun? Register now here.

Grand Funk Railroad FREE Concert

They're coming to our town, they'll help us party down - they're an American band! Grand Funk Railroad returns to Hot Springs on Sunday, March 16 to perform a FREE concert following the Zero-K Race the day before the parade. Don't miss these rock n' roll legends on Bridge Street at 7PM!

The Molly Ringwalds FREE Concert

I wanna ROCK! The fun keeps going after the parade with another FREE live concert by The Molly Ringwalds - Monday, March 17 at 8PM.

Parade Route Measuring

It's a tradition! We measure our 98-foot parade route every year to guarantee it's still the World's Shortest Street in daily operation. Join us for all of the pre-parade fun starting at 5:30PM followed by the measuring of Bridge Street at 6:25PM and the parade at 6:30PM!

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Everyone's favorite cheerleaders are back for the 22nd Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade! The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will kick off the pre-parade fun with a performance at 5:00PM, followed by their appearance in the parade at 6:30PM!

Paw Patrol and Charlie Evans

No job is too big, no pup is too small! The heroic pups of Paw Patrol, Skye and Marshal, return to this year's parade with professional angler Charlie Evans! Bring the kiddos to see the rescue duo as they toss beads along the parade route.

Beads! Merch!

Speaking of beads, you won't want to miss this year's special limited edition clock beads in honor of our Parade Starter, Flavor Flav! Catch them from Flavor Flav during the parade or purchase a set from our merch booth. That's not all, be sure to get one of our awesome #shorteststpats shirts from the merch booth, like our tour t-shirt featuring the last 22 years of celebrity guests!

Blarney Stone $100 Kissing Contest

Pucker up, it's the Romancing of the Blarney Stone $100 Kissing Contest! For years, participants have attempted to swoon the stone for a cash prize. Elaborate dances, witty banter, serenades, and good ol' fashioned smooches! Join in watching the spectacle or get involved in the shenanigans yourself and compete! The Blarney Stone Kissing Contest will be held the day of the parade, Monday, March 17 at 4PM at the corner of Convention Blvd and Malvern Avenue.

10 Things Not to Miss at the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade | Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas | Hot Springs National Park Arkansas