ANNISTON, AL — A longtime local tradition is getting a new look this year as organizers expand the popular Shamrockin’ 5K into a full day of activities called Shamrockin’ Saturday, set for Saturday, March 14, 2026, in downtown Anniston.
The event, organized by Main Street Anniston and The City of Anniston, will take place around City Market at 114 West 11th Street and will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including a downtown scavenger hunt, children’s race, color run, awards ceremony and a live rock concert.
Organizers say the expanded event is designed to encourage residents and visitors to spend the day exploring downtown while participating in several interactive activities.
Shamrockin’ Saturday will begin at 12:00 p.m. with a Downtown Scavenger Hunt, running until 6:00 p.m. Participants will follow clues throughout downtown businesses, collect gold coins and earn prizes while exploring local shops and restaurants.
Packet pickup for race participants will take place at City Market from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
At 4:15 p.m., the Rainbow Dash Kids Race will give younger participants a chance to join the festivities. The themed race will feature a leprechaun chase and conclude with coins, beads and a kid-safe color toss.
The Shamrockin’ 5K Color Run, a longtime community event, will begin at 5:00 p.m. The color run format features participants being showered with colored powder along the course.
Awards for the race will be presented at 6:00 p.m. at Noble Street Park.
The evening will conclude with a live rock concert at 6:30 p.m. featuring the band Apricity, where attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, enjoy dinner downtown and celebrate the day’s events.
Organizers say the goal of the rebranded event is to create a full downtown experience that combines recreation, shopping and entertainment.
Registration for the Rainbow Dash and the Shamrockin’ 5K is available online through RunSignUp.
