Slainte, St. Patrick’s Day events in San Diego
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Now that Valentine’s Day is behind us, it’s time to look forward to the next big “holiday.”
Slainte — San Diego is gearing up to turn Irish.
While St. Patrick’s Day isn’t a federal holiday in the U.S., it’s still widely celebrated around the world.
It falls on a Sunday this year. So as you plan for March 17, take note of all the San Diego festivities happening for the celebration of all things green.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
Starting our list, the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival takes over downtown San Diego on Saturday, March 16.
The 42nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Fifth Avenue and Laurel St. It then heads north on Fifth Avenue to Upas St., to Sixth Ave, then south on Sixth to Juniper. View the parade route map here.
This year’s theme is “Unity with Peace in Ireland, and Beyond.”
The Irish Festival in Balboa Park opens at 9 a.m., with live entertainment throughout the day, ending at 6 p.m.
San Diego Leprechaun Run
For those looking to kick off their St. Patrick’s Day weekend festivities with a morning run, look no further.
The 6th annual San Diego Leprechaun Run 5K will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 and heads through the streets of downtown Pacific Beach. The kids 1K run starts at 10:30 a.m.
Registration is open now. Runners will receive a Leprechaun Run t-shirt, finisher medal, chip timing and free photo opps.
Finish under the “rainbow” and enjoy a complimentary drink to kick off your St. Patrick’s Day party.
Luck O’ Loma St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Green beer, food, cocktails, live entertainment and all things green. That’s what you can expect from Point Loma’s 4th annual Luck O’ Loma St. Patrick’s Day festival.
The Luck O’ Loma festival is happening all day starting at noon on St. Patrick’s Day — Sunday, March 17 — in front of Good bar on Rosecrans Street in Point Loma.
The event is dog-friendly and 21+ and will have games like a Beer Pitcher Holding Competition, Musical Chairs, Dublin Dunk Battle Hooks and more. While the party ends at 10 p.m. you don’t have to go home, Good bar will be open and serving until 1:30 a.m.
Leprechauns and Live Music at Seaport Village
On St. Patrick’s Day, visit Seaport Village for a “‘shamrockin’ good time.” The Leprechauns and Live Music event will take place from noon to 3 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event will feature live Irish tunes, a chance to snap some St. Patrick’s Day themed selfies in the shamrock light tunnel, along with nearby restaurants and bars. You might even get lucky and see a leprechaun.
St. Paddy’s Day Music and Beer Festival
Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is turning green for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Join in the festivities on Saturday, March 16 from 1 to 11 p.m. for this event fit for all ages.
Come for the green beer, craft beer, green seltzer, whiskey and live music.
The 28th annual ShamROCK St. Paddy’s Day Music and Beer Festival will have a full lineup of Irish and Celtic Rock bands, iconic tribute performances and Irish dancers on three stages, along with free photo booths and shamrock selfie stations.
Those in attendance can also take part in free games like Jenga, cornhole, unicorn races and rainbow streamer relays, magical chairs, lucky limbo and more. Or maybe you and a friend want to take an Irish dance lesson.
Whatever you decide to do for St. Patrick’s Day, raise a glass of green beer and celebrate. “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again…”
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