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7 Nations Celtic Club of Southern Ohio St. Patrick's Day Parade The 7 Nations Celtic Club would like to invite you to their 20th Annual Grand Saint Patrick's Day Parade. This year's parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, 2026 and starts at 11 a.m. Line-up takes place at Market Square between 10-10:30 a.m. Wanting to be in the parade? Please fill out a Parade Application - available at the Scioto County Welcome Center (342 Second Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662). Payments can be made online or via check. For payment by checks, please make checks payable to the 7 Nations Celtic Club of Southern Ohio and mail or hand deliver checks and applications to the Scioto County Welcome Center (342 Second Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662). For online payments, please click the button below: For more information, please contact Jill MacDonald (jillmac71@hotmail.com ) or Betty Everett (ble3741@gmail.com ). Celebrating Celtic Heritage in the Heart of Portsmouth In the rolling hills of Southern Ohio, the 7 Nations Celtic Club keeps the spirit of the Celtic lands alive and thriving. Dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Galicia, and the Isle of Man, the club brings together music lovers, history enthusiasts, dancers, and families who share a passion for Celtic culture. Throughout the year, the 7 Nations Celtic Club hosts gatherings filled with traditional music sessions, cultural programs, storytelling, and fellowship. Whether you’re drawn to the stirring sound of bagpipes, the rhythm of Celtic drums, or the warmth of Irish hospitality, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to share in the experience. Portsmouth’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade: A Celebration of Heritage, Community & Irish Cheer The crown jewel of the club’s activities is Portsmouth’s beloved Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade — a lively tradition that transforms downtown into a sea of green each March. This family-friendly celebration brings the community together in a joyful display of Celtic pride. Marchers in kilts, pipe and drum ensembles, dancers, decorated floats, community groups, and local organizations fill the streets with color, music, and festive energy. Spectators line the sidewalks, dressed in their best St. Patrick’s Day attire, ready to cheer and celebrate. More than just a parade, it’s a celebration of heritage and hometown spirit — a day when the streets of Portsmouth echo with the sounds of bagpipes and laughter, and everyone is a little bit Irish. Join the Celebration: Saturday, March 14th, 2026 Whether you have Celtic roots or simply love great music and good company, the 7 Nations Celtic Club welcomes you. Come experience the tradition, the pageantry, and the unmistakable charm of Portsmouth’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade — where culture and community come together in true Celtic style. This year, the parade celebrates 20 years! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 14th, 2026 and begins at 11 a.m. on Market Square. The parade route is as follows: Down Market Street (Staging Area) Left on 2nd Street Left on Washington Street Right on 5th Street Left at Chillicothe Street Ends at Tracy Park 🍀 Sláinte and see you in March!

Recreation Scioto County beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse range of recreational activities. From scenic hiking trails and thrilling water sports along the Ohio River to serene camping spots and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, the county offers an endless playground for nature lovers of all ages. Hiking For the best hiking spots in Scioto County, check out Shawnee State Park , Raven Rock Nature Preserve , and Wayne National Forest . For a more quiet and secluded experience, check out the hiking opportunities through the preserves of Arc of Appalachia: Gladys Riley Golden Star Lily Preserve , Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve , and Tremper Mound . Water Sports For the best kayak/canoeing spots, check out The Scioto River (launch site at Alexandria Point), Roosevelt Lake, Turkey Creek Lake , and Scioto Brush Creek . For the best boating, head to the Ohio River. Boat ramps are available at Shawnee State Marina , Shawnee Boat Club , The Anchor Pad Boat Club , and Holiday Point Marina and Campground . Disc Golf For the best disc golf courses in Scioto County, check out the Earl Thomas Conley Park Course , and the Shawnee State Park Course . Camping For the best camping in Scioto County, check out our overview of campground s . Dog Parks For the best dog parks, check out Spock Memorial Dog Park in Portsmouth , and Shawnee State Ohio River Campground Dog Park . Golf & Miniature Golf For the best golfing, check out The Elks Country Club , Little Scioto Golf Course , and Wheelersburg Golf Center . For miniature golf, check out Buckeye Dairy Bar . Indoor Amusement If indoor amusement is what you are looking for, check out Boneyfiddle Golf and Lounge , The Vault Ohio E-Sports & video gaming, or Deadbolt: Boneyfiddle Escape Rooms and Mysteries . Read our guide for all things indoor amusement in Scioto County! Mountain & Road Biking For the best mountain biking in Scioto County, check out Shawnee State Park . Horseback Riding For the best horseback riding in Scioto County, check out Ben's Happy Trails . If you are bringing your own horses, check out Bear Lake Horse Camp in Shawnee State Park . ATV Riding For the best ATV trails in Scioto County, check out Wayne National Forest . Fishing For the best fishing in Scioto County, check out Turkey Creek Lake, Roosevelt Lake , Lake Vesuvius , The Ohio River, and The Scioto River. There are also many Pay Lakes like Grey Wolf Pay Lake . Pump Tracks & Skate Park For the best pump tracks, check out Earl Thomas Conley Park and the Shawnee State Ohio River Campground . For the best skate park, check out Portsmouth Skate Park . Motorsports For the best motorsports, check out the Portsmouth Raceway Park , KD Motorsports Park and Wheelersburg Raceway . Farms & Orchards Scioto County's agritourism scene provides an authentic and immersive experience for visitors seeking to connect with the land and local traditions. From picking fresh apples in picturesque orchards to navigating challenging corn mazes on family farms, agritourism in Southern Ohio offers a delightful blend of rural charm and hands-on activities for all to enjoy. EXPLORE Indoor Amusement When the weather turns chilly or you're seeking indoor entertainment, Scioto County offers a range of thrilling options. Practice your swing at Boneyfiddle Golf and Lounge or dive into mystery and puzzles at Deadbolt Escape Room , where your problem-solving skills are put to the test in immersive and exciting scenarios. Try your hand at video gaming at The Vault Ohio , a state-of-the-art ESPORTS and video arcade arena with a 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) fiber optic connection. Indoors in Scioto County, the fun never stops! EXPLORE Mountain biking in Shawnee State Forest was an exhilarating experience that exceeded all expectations. The forest's diverse trails offered a perfect mix of challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and breathtaking scenery. Whether navigating through lush woodlands or tackling rugged terrains, every twist and turn was a reminder of the sheer beauty and adventure that Shawnee State Forest has to offer to mountain biking enthusiasts like me." Alex Y.

Outdoors and Parks & Recreation Events in Scioto County Are you an outdoors enthusiast looking for local fun? Find all the parks, recreation, and outdoor events near Scioto County, Ohio here! Visit the Nature Nook or go on a hike at Shawnee State Park , explore educational events at the Arc of Appalachia , or experience the Christmas and Easter Caves at the White Gravel Mines . Find outdoor events you’ll love in Scioto County, Ohio!

Four Seasons of Fun In Scioto County, every season brings its own unique charm and opportunities for adventure. From the vibrant colors of fall festivals to winter wonderlands, spring blossoms, and summer outdoor excursions, there's something for everyone to enjoy year-round in this diverse and picturesque region. Autumn Events As the leaves turn to brilliant hues, Scioto County comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of autumn events. Experience Friends of Portsmouth’s Oktoberfest to savor seasonal brew. Celebrate local Appalachian heritage at the John Roger Simon Sorghum Festival and the Otway Covered Bridge Festival. Experience the beauty of the season as you hike, bike, or drive through the hills of Shawnee State Forest. For family fun, Noble Family Farms and Fuhrmann Orchards offer pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hayrides, making autumn in Scioto County an unforgettable season of festivities and outdoor adventures. CHECK OUT THE GUIDE > Winter Events Winter in Scioto County is a time of enchantment and celebration. At Winterfest , Portsmouth transforms into a Hallmark Hometown, with a month-long festival featuring an ice skating rink, charming carriage rides, and artisan vendors, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season. Take a drive through the beautifully holiday decorated Otway Covered Bridge, perfect for a family outing. Meanwhile, the White Gravel Mines Christmas Caves come alive with a live drama re-telling the Savior's birth, offering a heartfelt and spiritual experience that brings the true meaning of Christmas to life in a breathtaking underground setting. CHECK OUT THE GUIDE > Spring Events As spring breathes new life into Scioto County, two cherished events await. Explore the spiritual journey within the White Gravel Mines Easter Caves , where artistry and devotion converge to create a unique and moving experience. Experience fun family activities like Easter Egg Hunts at Noble Family Farms’ Easter Eggstravaganza. Then, don't miss the lively the 7 Nations Celtic Club St. Patrick's Day Celebration, where the streets come alive with vibrant colors, music, and dancing, ushering in the season with festive Irish flair. CHECK OUT THE GUIDE > Summer Events Summer in Scioto County offers a kaleidoscope of events to enjoy. Experience the roar of engines and the thrill of competition at the Southern Ohio Forest Rally , savor fresh local produce and artisan goods at the Main Street Portsmouth in Bloom Farmer's Market , explore the great outdoors at our various parks and preserves, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the region at the Scioto County Fair . For music lovers, the Boneyfiddle Project's Final Friday Concert Series provides a soundtrack to your summer, while the River Days Festival , Parade, and Pageant offer a joyful celebration of community spirit and river heritage that's not to be missed. CHECK OUT THE GUIDE > Upcoming Events Explore Scioto County's county-wide calendar of events, your go-to resource for the latest and most comprehensive information on all the exciting happenings throughout the year. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Arts & Entertainment Events in Scioto County Explore Scioto County’s vibrant arts & entertainment scene! This is your premier destination for live music, theater performances, and artistic experiences in Scioto County, Ohio. From kid-friendly art events at the Portsmouth Area Arts Council , to live concerts at Columbia Theatre , or a musical at The Vern Riffe Center for the Arts , there is entertainment for everyone. Enjoy local arts, live music, & theatrical performances right here in Scioto County, Ohio!

About Meet our Director Hello and welcome to Portsmouth-Scioto Co unty! You can say that tourism has always been a part of my life in some way. As a kid, I grew up on a farm in northern Ohio just 20 minutes from one of the most famous amusement parks, Cedar Point Amusement Park. Despite being close to such a big attraction, my family traveled to various places around the country from Alaska to the Florida Keys and everywhere in between. This is where my inspiration for my career choice began. I began my career in tourism in a somewhat unconventional way. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Environment and Natural Resources with a focus on Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from The Ohio State University. After graduation, I traveled the country again, but this time not as a visitor, but rather as a park ranger for the National Park Service. My life as a park ranger took me to a variety of places across the country including Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and other such sites across the U.S. So what brings a park ranger to the hills of southern Ohio? My family. My wife and her family are from Minford, OH, located in the northeastern part of the county. Throughout my time here, I’ve grown to appreciate the cultural and natural resources we have right in our own backyard. From the hills in Shawnee State Forest to the Ohio River, there is always something beautiful to discover in Scioto County! I hope you enjoy your visit! – Nate Welch, Executive Director Stop by and see us! Tourism Partner & Member of the following organizations:

Shop Indulge your inner treasure hunter in the charming town of Portsmouth, where antique shops line the streets, brimming with vintage finds waiting to be discovered. Beyond the classic allure of antiques, Portsmouth also boasts trendy boutiques offering an array of unique and contemporary items to satisfy the most eclectic tastes. Antiques Unique Antiques Warehouse 116 Jefferson Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Portsmouth Coin & Currency Company 614 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, Ohio Website Hidden Treasures 540 2nd Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Ghosts in the Attic Antique Mall 518 2nd Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Rivertown Antique Mall 541 2nd Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Gray Brush Vintage Market 116 Jefferson Street, Portsmouth, Ohio (Booth located within Unique Antiques) Website Boutiques Have to Have it All! Boutique 605 Chillicothe Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Scioto Shoe Mart 615 Harding Ave, Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Simply M Boutique 8736 Ohio River Road, Wheelersburg, OH 45694 Website Gigi's Kiss Of Style 515 2nd Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Trendz Within 420 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Specialty The Mystic Rose 208 Market Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Gift Shop at Candyland Children's Museum 202 Market Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website AJ’s Mercantile and Tackle Box 8732 Ohio River Road Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 Website Wright's Farm Center 430 Second Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Haskins House Records 534 2nd St Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Fourth Space Games 524 2nd Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Gift Shop at Southern Ohio Museum 825 Gallia Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website Red Door Bookstore 223 Market Street Portsmouth, OH 45662 Website

Events at Scioto County Public Library

Plan your visit Planning a day trip or weekend getaway is the perfect way to break free from the routine and explore new horizons. Whether you choose to embark on a thrilling outdoor adventure, immerse yourself in cultural experiences, or simply relax in a charming destination, the anticipation of a well-planned escape promises endless excitement and cherished memories.