St. Patrick’s Day Events in California | A Day Filled with Fun, Festivities & Irish Culture
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, honors the patron saint of Ireland and is a day filled with fun, festivities, and Irish culture. California, with its vibrant communities and love for celebrations, offers an array of events ranging from large parades and lively pub crawls to family-friendly gatherings and cultural activities. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or just Irish at heart, here are some of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Golden State.
California is gearing up for vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, offering a variety of events to enjoy the Irish spirit. Here’s a roundup of notable festivities across the state:
What’s on in California – Discover Events!
Los Angeles St. Patrick’s Day Festival at LA Live
What to Expect: A modern, high-energy festival celebrating Irish culture in the heart of LA.
Highlights:
Live performances by Irish bands and dancers.
Green beer gardens and themed cocktails.
Interactive activities like face painting and Irish-themed games.
Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
This lively parade features bagpipers, marching bands, and festive displays, concluding with live music at Pier Plaza.
St. Patrick’s Day Club Crawls
Experience the LA nightlife with events like the Los Angeles and Hollywood club crawls, offering themed drink specials and top DJs.
Pub Crawls Across Major Cities
What to Expect: Fun and lively bar-hopping experiences in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.
Highlights:
Themed cocktails and Irish beers like Guinness.
Group activities like costume contests and trivia.
Popular events include the Santa Monica St. Patrick’s Day Crawl and the Gaslamp Pub Crawl in San Diego.
Irish Pub Nights
What to Expect: Celebrate with a smaller crowd at a cozy pub.
Highlights:
Local pubs like The Auld Dubliner in Long Beach or Johnny Foley’s Irish House in San Francisco offer live Irish music and hearty food.
Enjoy dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread.
Toast with a pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish whiskey.
Tam O’Shanter Celebration
This iconic spot hosts a full-day festival with live music, pub food, and plenty of Guinness.
Irish Cultural Workshops and Performances
What to Expect: Smaller-scale events focused on Irish traditions.
Highlights:
Attend Irish dance performances or take a dance workshop at local cultural centers.
Enjoy live storytelling and poetry readings celebrating Irish history.
Many local Irish cultural societies host these events, such as the Irish Cultural Center of California.
Farmers Market Celebration
Enjoy traditional Irish dishes and live Celtic music in a family-friendly environment.
Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
What to Expect: A laid-back parade by the beach.
Highlights:
Floats, bagpipers, and marching bands in a casual seaside setting.
Local businesses and organizations participate to add a community feel.
An excellent way to enjoy the holiday near the ocean.
San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
What to Expect: One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on the West Coast.
Highlights:
A grand parade featuring Irish dance troupes, bagpipers, and colorful floats.
A family-friendly festival in Civic Center Plaza with live music, food vendors, and Irish cultural exhibits.
Perfect for those seeking a lively and authentic celebration of Irish heritage.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
This event celebrates Irish culture with a parade, live music, and craft vendors, making it one of the most iconic celebrations in the Bay Area.
Explore Irish Heritage in California
Visit historical landmarks or museums that highlight Irish contributions to California’s history.
Examples include Irish Hill in San Francisco and heritage tours in Sacramento.
Green Lighting Displays
Many landmarks, such as San Francisco City Hall and The Capitol Building in Sacramento, are illuminated in green for the occasion.
Nature and Adventure
Take a hike in the lush green landscapes of Muir Woods or Big Sur to connect with the holiday’s nature-centric roots.
Go camping or picnicking in California’s emerald green parks like Griffith Park or Lake Tahoe.
San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival
What to Expect: A vibrant celebration in Balboa Park that draws thousands of participants and spectators.
Highlights:
A parade with floats, marching bands, and Irish heritage groups.
A festival featuring craft booths, traditional Irish food, and entertainment stages.
A dedicated kids’ area with carnival rides and activities.
ShamROCK Gaslamp Block Party
Known for its lively atmosphere, this block party transforms the Gaslamp Quarter into a Celtic-inspired wonderland with live bands and Irish dance.
What to Expect: One of the largest outdoor St. Patrick’s Day parties in California.
Highlights:
Live music and DJ performances spread across multiple stages.
Themed bars serving Irish-inspired drinks.
A festive atmosphere with green lighting, shamrock decor, and thousands of revelers.
Other Highlights
Cultural Events:
Cities like Sacramento and Fresno host Irish music concerts, Irish dance performances, and community gatherings for families to enjoy.
Family-Friendly Activities
What to Expect: Events perfect for kids and families.
Highlights:
Local parks and community centers host craft workshops, face painting, and scavenger hunts.
Libraries often have Irish storytelling sessions or music events.
Family-friendly parades in smaller towns like Placerville or Ventura are ideal for a relaxed celebration.
St. Paddy’s Day Runs:
Participate in festive runs like the “Lucky Run” in Los Angeles, featuring scenic routes and themed attire for participants.
St. Patrick’s Day 5K Runs
What to Expect: Fun and active ways to celebrate the holiday.
Highlights:
Events like the Shamrock’n Half Marathon in Sacramento or the Run to the Pub 5K in San Francisco.
Participants often dress in green costumes and enjoy post-run celebrations.
Proceeds from many runs benefit local charities.
Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Dublin, California
What to Expect: A citywide celebration in California’s own Dublin.
Highlights:
A two-day festival with carnival rides, Irish dancing, and cultural exhibits.
A pancake breakfast and parade on Saturday morning.
Local artisans and vendors selling crafts and Irish goods.
St. Patrick’s Day in California offers a mix of grand celebrations and intimate gatherings, ensuring everyone can find an event that suits their style. Whether you’re dancing to Irish music at a festival, enjoying a pint at a local pub, or spending a quiet day outdoors, the Golden State provides endless ways to honor this festive day.
So don your green attire, grab a shamrock, and join the fun this St. Patrick’s Day in California!
These events offer a mix of traditional Irish celebrations, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day in California.
