California will host a variety of St. Patrick’s Day events this March, reflecting both its historical ties to Irish immigrants and its reputation for craft beer. Celebrations are planned in cities across the state, with most events taking place on Saturday, March 16.
In Dublin, the city will hold a three-day festival at its Civic Center from March 14 to 15. The event features Irish music, food and drink, over 200 vendor booths, and a pop-up tea cottage. A parade and pancake breakfast are scheduled for Saturday, while Sunday morning includes a 5K fun run.
San Diego will stage what organizers call the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade west of the Mississippi on March 14 near Balboa Park. The parade includes 120 bands, floats, and acts. An Irish Festival in the park offers live performances on three stages as well as a Celtic Food village and beer garden. Later in the day, festivities continue at the ShamRock block party outside The Field pub in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Molly Malone’s in Los Angeles is another venue known for traditional celebrations during St. Patrick’s Day. After relocating within the Fairfax District, it continues to offer live music, Guinness beer, Irish fare, céilís, and music sessions.
Pleasanton’s downtown area will host a St. Patrick’s Brew Crawl featuring craft beers and ciders from more than 25 local establishments including Altamont Beer Works, Epidemic Ales, and Lost Coast Brewery.
San Francisco marks its 175th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at City Hall with Irish dancers, floats, and marching bands. The United Irish Cultural Center near Golden Gate Park will also host its second Emerald Gala.
Benicia’s Main Street will feature an 18-stop beer crawl with both traditional options like Guinness and California brews such as Bear Republic and Calicraft Coast.
Sacramento’s Old Sacramento district will see its own parade through historic streets for the 22nd year running with Highland dancers and re-enactors participating along the waterfront.
On March 15 in Long Beach, The Queen Mary ocean liner hosts Luck of the Irish Celebration with an onboard pub crawl through historic salons accompanied by live music and cuisine.
Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival in Downtown Los Angeles begins at 11 a.m. on March 17 with four blocks closed off for festivities that include more than 400 kegs of beer and traditional foods; entry is free before 11 a.m., then $20 after (ages 21+). Grand Central Market nearby will also offer special menu items such as corned beef from Belcampo.
Murphys in Calaveras County celebrates Murphys Irish Day on March 21 with a parade featuring bagpipes and classic cars plus street fairs offering local wine tastings.
