Regardless if your heritage is of Irish descent, on St. Patrick’s Day everyone is entitled to celebrate in signature Irish style. This year, test your Irish luck, indulge in Leprechaun-inspired green beer and whiskey, or at least flaunt that green t-shirt sitting idle since last year on Saturday, March 17th.
Go big at the annual ShamROCK Block Party in the Gaslamp, enjoy the tradition of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival at Balboa Park, head out for a morning run during the St. Patrick’s Day 10K at Mission Bay Park, or partake in the East County debauchery that is Hooleyfest. Rock your finest green and gold shamrock fashions and celebrate with friends and family at our favorite St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
ShamROCK 2012: If you’re looking for the wildest party this side of Dublin, grab your green hat and head to the Gaslamp Quarter for the ShamRock Block Party extravaganza. The 17th Annual ShamROCK Block Party lands on Saturday, March 17th from 2pm until midnight in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, taking over F Street from 5th to 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue between E and G Streets, and G Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, where The Pot o’ Gold main entrance will be located at 5th and G Street. ShamROCK party perks include three stages, Irish bands including The Young Dubliners, top DJs including Donald Glaude, go-go dancers, authentic Irish fare, a 150-foot Irish Pub, all the green beer and whiskey you can handle, and an expected crowd of over 20,000 high-energy locals. This year, advance tickets cost $35, but use promo code: DSD for $5 off! For more information and tickets, please visit sandiegoshamrock.com.
Zane Patrick’s Day: Zane Lamprey and Steve McKenna from Drinking Made Easy, the show that travels the country to find the best drinks and pubs, are back on the road to San Diego. Dust off your drinkin’ shoes, because the 3rd Annual Zane Patrick’s Day is bringing the best of the Irish celebration to our own city. Zane Patrick’s Day Party mandates that everyone wear green and prepare for the two-day party that starts on Friday, March 16th with a Beer Pairing Dinner at Mission Brewery. From 7-10pm, Ski Patrol VIPs are invited to dine with Irish foods, brews, and a special cask to tap at the event. Then, on Saturday, March 17th, raise a glass from 11am to 3pm. Held at McFadden’s San Diego, the TV personality Pleepleus along with Zane and Steve will party with the people at the open bar accompanied by a live Irish band. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. For more information and tickets, please visit drinkingmadeeasy.com.
Young Leaders St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for a great cause with The American Ireland Fund of San Diego. From 7pm to midnight, party the night away at Barfly La Jolla with a live U2 cover band, dancing and tasty eats. VIP Tables will be available for purchase at $1000, which will include one bottle, an AIF gift bag and 10 tickets for friends and family. Ticket prices start at $65 for a single, $100 for a pair, and $75 at the door. Tickets include the welcome AIF signature “Floggin’ Molly” drink and guarantee a full night of fun. All proceeds will be benefitting the American Ireland Fund! For more information and tickets, please visit theirelandfunds.org.
St. Patrick's Day Grand Opening at Gingham: Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the Gingham St. Patrick’s Day Grand Opening Party from 1pm-6pm in La Mesa. Conner Shean will provide the music while the Gingham staff provides never ending pints of Guinness and plenty of eats on the Gingham patio. Embrace some of that Irish spirit with Guinness/Bleu Cheese Fondue with Irish Soda Bread, an Irish Cheddar Burger, Fudge Brownie with Irish Coffee Mousse and an Oatmeal Toffee Cream Pie. Not to mention, the first 200 people to arrive will receive Gingham gear! For more information, please visit ginghameats.com
St. Patty’s Day at Shout House: Indulge the Irish way: drinking heavily, singing at the top of your lungs, and shaking those "shoutrocks" like you were meant to! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Shout House in the Gaslamp with doors opening early at 4pm. Head in and get in the Irish spirit with the dueling pianos staring up at 6:30pm. Guests will score with $5 cover from 4-7pm and $10 after 7pm. Drink specials include $4 Green Beer and $5 Jameson all night long. For more information and tickets, please visit theshouthouse.com.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival: The tradition continues with the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, March 17th, kicking off at 10:30am at 6th Avenue and Juniper Street at Balboa Park. Featuring over 120 entries, the community is welcome to watch marching bands, floats, police and fire department units, the Emerald Societies, Border Patrol units, Scout Troops, clowns, equestrian entries, bagpipe contingents, dancing groups, drill teams, roller skaters, antique cars, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, representatives from Ireland, and the reigning Miss Colleen and Smiling Irishman. The parade will bring a wealth of Irish-fueled excitement to our city streets. For more information, please visit stpatsparade.org.
Hooleyfest: Anyone who lives in East County knows that the famed Hooleyfest is a tradition for St. Patty’s Day in San Diego. Every year, Hooleys in Rancho San Diego and Hooleys in La Mesa bring together great local entertainment, food and plenty of green beer. On Saturday, March 17th, Hooleyfest gates will open at 5pm and entertainment will include a slew of bands playing Irish jams including Tony Cummins, California Celts, Wanted (a Bon Jovi Tribute Band), and live pipers. Hooleys will also offer free shuttle rides between events and free rides home to attendees who live within a five mile radius of either event. For more information and tickets, please visit hooleys.com.
St. Patty’s Day Party at Side Bar: Side Bar’s weekly Industry Wednesday night goes green with their St. Patty’s Day Party on March 14th. Industry drink specials will be served all night by the RMD Promotions Team. Guest bartending for the night is Eric Huth, Branden Ruggiero, Noelle Weiland, and Heather Sjule. DJ Scooter will be dropping the beats and giving guests a dose of the Irish spirit to carry with them into the weekend ahead. For more information, please visit sidebarsd.com.
St. Patrick’s at the Kilt: Celebrate your St. Patrick’s Day at the Kilt, where tradition comes alive to the tune of scantily clad girls ready to put you in the patty spirit. Join the Tilted Kilt on March 17th at their East Village location starting at 2pm. Guests will be in jolly company with live entertainment, drink specials, and an exclusive Irish Hooley Menu. For more information, please visit sandiego.tiltedkilt.com.
Lumberyard St. Patty’s Day: Lumberyard Tavern and Grill will host a lively scene on St. Patrick’s Day, filled with delicious Irish food specials starting at 11am. Don't miss out on the Guinness, Smithwicks and Harp on tap along with some Shepherd's Pie, Corned Beef and Lamb stew. Thirsty? Grab a green beer and celebrate the most authentic way. For more information, please visit lumberyardtavernandgrill.com.
St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run: Start your St. Patrick’s Day on the right foot with the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run. Taking place at Mission Bay Park, the event also includes options for a two and four mile run and walk. This entertaining race gives a t-shirt for all participants, a special Irish award for the best Irish themed running costume, and an after party with Domino’s Pizza and local craft beer from Stone Brewing Co. and Ballast Point. The race day registration begins at 6:30am and kicks off officially at 7:45am. Proceeds from the race benefit the Rady Children’s Hospital. For more information, please visit kathyloperevents.com.
Luck of the Irish St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl: Embrace your inner Irish roots and drink the night away in honor of the Irish Mecca: the pub. With the luck of the Irish and the organizers of pubcrawls.com, you’ll drink your way to top spots in the Gaslamp Quarter. On Saturday, March 17th, the crawl starts at Taste & Thirst, moving on to a series of pub stops. Put on your best shamrocks and sip on pub specials, such as $2 draft beers, two-for-one mix drinks, and $4 shots. Tickets range from $5-10, and guests must register ahead of time on either Friday from 5-9pm or Saturday from 12-9pm. Once registered, participants will be given a map to the participating bar locations. For more information, please visit pubcrawls.com.
Green Day! A Nature Centered St. Patrick’s Day Hike: You can’t get much more green than in Mother Nature herself. On St. Patrick’s Day, families are invited to this non-traditional way to spend the day out at the San Dieguito Lagoon Trail in Del Mar. This free nature stroll runs from 9am-1pm. All ages are invited to walk, bike, trike, bird watch, and more in the beauty of the outdoors. An opening trail dedication ceremony will take place at 10am and at 12pm, guests can join a bicycle parade with decorated spokes, scopes, and strollers. Bring the pups too, as dogs on leashes are welcome. For more information, please visit sdrvc.org.
Stay tuned for more events added daily…
Discover more San Diego Irish bars: McP’s Irish Pub and Grill in Coronado, Maloney’s Tavern in Gaslamp Quarter, The Tilted Kilt in East Village, Dublin Square in Gaslamp Quarter, Rosie O’Grady’s Irish Pub & Grille in Normal Heights, Hooley’s Irish Pub in La Mesa, Hennessey’s Tavern in Gaslamp Quarter and Pacific Beach.
