HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — The crowds love them, so the Molly Ringwalds band is coming back March 17 for the First Ever 23rd World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade® in downtown Hot Springs.
The band will play a free public concert on the Bridge Street Stage immediately following the Tuesday night parade, which begins at 6:30 p.m.
“The Molly Ringwalds are the most popular band we’ve ever had for the parade, so we are glad to give our fans what they love,” Visit Hot Springs CEO and parade founder Steve Arrison said. “The Mollies play songs that appeal to every segment of our parade-goers, from Run DMC to Madonna, and they get the crowd dancing like no other group we’ve had for the post-parade free concert. So we figure why mess with success.”
The Molly Ringwalds, billed as “the ultimate ’80s cover band,” features each musician taking on a distinctive character, from lead singer and guitarist Sir Devon Nooner, who dresses like Adam Ant, to Devo-inspired lead guitarist Platinum Randi Wilde, “The Karate Kid”-clad drummer Sir Liam Thunders, Pee Wee -inspired keyboardist Dickie English and Dee Snider-based bassist Lord Phillip Wang.
They are inspired by legendary groups such as The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Queen, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Journey and Guns ‘N Roses.
The Mollies will join celebrity grand marshal Carmen Electra and official starter “American Ninja Warrior” host Matt Iseman for the 23rd edition of Hot Springs’ internationally acclaimed little parade on 98-foot Bridge Street, the World’s Shortest Street in Everyday Use, according to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. The Savannah Bananas’ famous Dancing Umpire, Vincent Chapman, and football legend Dan Hampton also have been added this year as special guest celebrities.
Bridge Street has been painted Kelly green to acknowledge the worldwide attention that the little parade has focused on Hot Springs for more than a quarter century. The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade® has brought worldwide attention to Hot Springs and helped expand the city’s reputation as a city that knows how to have fun.
It began in 2003 when Arrison and some friends sharing an adult beverage in an establishment adjacent to 98-foot Bridge Street came up with the idea of using the street as the location for some fun. Bridge Street was named by Ripley’s Believe It or Not as the world’s shortest street in everyday use. The parade swiftly gained attention around the globe for the hilarious premise that gave birth to its annual aura of spectacular hilarity. Upwards of 30,000 people are expected to gather in downtown Hot Springs for the 2026 parade.
It annually features a lineup of outrageous wackiness that includes a troupe of Marching Irish Elvis Impersonators, the World’s Largest Leprechaun, zany floats and marching units, plus a surprise or two.
For more information contact Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.