The Irish comprise about 6% of California's population. However, on St. Patrick's Day, every San Diegan can become Irish. The city offers a wide array of events to celebrate the Irish holiday, including parties, pub crawls, festivals, running events, and a colorful parade.
San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade
San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held every March at 10 am on Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street. Thousands of marchers and spectators line up the streets to see fantastic floats, high school marching bands, clowns, dancing groups, equestrian units, police and fire department units. Altogether, more than 120 entries proceed north up Fifth Avenue to Upas Street, then over to Sixth Avenue, and south on Sixth to Juniper St.
The Irish Festival
The Parade is followed by the Irish Festival, which is held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival takes place at Balboa Park, located on Sixth Avenue and Maple St. The event features the Flag Presentation Ceremony at 9:45 a.m. and lots of live entertainment on three stages. Prepare to see Irish step dancers and hear Irish folk singers and bands. Besides, visitors can browse through craft booths, visit Celtic Food Village, an Irish beer garden, and a Kids' Zone with activities for the whole family. The celebration is organized by the Irish Congress of Southern California, a 100% volunteer organization.
ShamROCK
ShamROCK is an annual beer and music festival, taking place in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter district. The historic neighborhood gets run over by rock music fans dressed in green and all kinds of leprechauns for the authentic Irish celebration. The diverse lineup includes the nation’s top Irish & Celtic Rock bands as well as tribute performances. The 2024 edition features Skelpin, Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas, Finnegan Blue, The Fooks, and Na Scealaithe Irish Dancers. Adrenaline seekers can head to the ShamROCK Shenanigans Stage, where competitors show off their skills and get epic prizes. General admission to the festival, which runs from 2 to 11 pm, starts at $44.
San Diego Leprechaun Run
The annual San Diego Leprechaun Run is an annual event, where all participants are encouraged to wear costumes or green attire. Runners covera a 5K distance (1K for kids) and get a t-shirt, a medal, chip timing, free photos, and a complimentary drink upon finish. The route goes along the streets of downtown Pacific Beach. The run starts at 9 am, registration is $45.
