Best St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in San Diego

Checkout our list of 2025’s best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in San Diego. Live music, Irish food & drinks plus games await at the city’s most festive events.

Key Takeaways

Jess Tucker
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Best St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in San Diego
Turning San Diego Green
St. Patrick’s Day Events
See More & Save
Featured Hotel
Tours & Adventures

Turning San Diego Green this St. Patrick’s Day

Guinness at the St Patrick's Day Parade in San DiegoRunning the Leprechaun Run

St. Patrick’s Day is one of those yearly holidays that for me can be easy to miss. But if you’re looking for a really good time over the weekend to celebrate this Irish cultural holiday, San Diego is actually an awesome place to be.

Whether you’d like to take the family to a parade or get dressed up like a leprechaun and drink green beer in the Gaslamp Quarter, there is an option I think you’ll really enjoy.

Dates, Times, Prices & More!

Events start on Friday, March 14th and roll through until St. Patrick’s Day on Monday, March 17th.

If you’re on a budget, many of the festivities on our list are completely free to attend. You can enjoy some Irish music in your finest green outfit and not spend a lot in the process.

If you want to go all-in, VIP passes to some events which can include entry, food and drink can run you $140 a ticket. So what you spend is up to you but no matter which event you choose, you’re sure to have a really memorable experience.

Local Tips
Uncover Fun Facts at the Parade
Did you know St. Patrick used shamrocks to explain the Trinity? Spot shamrocks galore at San Diego's festive St. Patrick's Day celebrations!

The 6 Best Things to Do for St. Patrick’s Day in San Diego 2025

With options for Irish music, dancing, food and drinks, a lively parade, a 5k run and more, San Diego is gearing up for some good old family fun to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in 2025!

You can expect an array of options across town kicking off on Friday and lasting through the weekend. Let’s have a look at our team’s suggestions of the best events and activities you should consider.

St Patricks Day Parade San Diego Leprechauns in a Car
St Patricks Day Parade San Diego Leprechauns in a Car

1) Take the Whole Family to the 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

Events & Activities: 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival Shines in San Diego
Address:
Fifth Avenue & Laurel Street
Date: March 15th, 2025
Time: Event starts at 9:00am; Parade starts at 10:30am
Cost: Parade is Free; Festival is $10 for adults over 21 and free for kids

The 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is set to kick-off starting at 9:00am on Saturday, March 15th in Balboa Park with the famed parade starting at 10:30am near Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street.

The food and drink stalls at the festival are a yearly highlight for me but the live Irish music sets the atmosphere as well. There are games and rides for the kids and a lot of chances to learn about Irish culture making the event one I would recommend for families.

The parade and festival lasts until 6:00pm. The full day event, part of our Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego, wouldn’t be complete for me without a pint of Guinness, plus you’ll find dancers and stalls selling Irish items like Celtic jewelry and other handmade goods.

The Field Irish Pub Outdoor Dining in the Gaslamp
The Field Irish Pub Outdoor Dining in the Gaslamp

2) Be Irish 4 a Day at the St. Patrick's Day Party Hop

Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Address:
American Junkie - 628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: March 14th - 15th, 2025
Time: Friday 6:00pm – 2:00am; Saturday 3:00pm - 2:00am
Cost: $27 - $40 per night

The Irish 4 a Day celebration presented by the San Diego Tourism Authority is a 21+ event set for Friday and Saturday night in the Gaslamp Quarter.

With more than 30 bars and clubs participating, attendees will get a club pass, drink tickets, drink specials, a goodie bag and a bar map. You’ll want to pick up your gifts and drink coupons from American Junkie between 6:00pm and 8:30pm on the day of the event. There is also an exclusive opening party at American Junkie with special entertainment.

The massive bar crawl style event will include $12 overnight parking if you want to drive in, but taking a rideshare or the FRED electric shuttle into the area would be great options as well.

Tickets for the event range from $27 for the ‘virgin pass’ with no drinks included to $40 which included 12 drink tickets at 30 venues. Use the discount code ‘SDTA25’ to save 10% at checkout.

Dress up While Running the Leprechaun Run
Dress up While Running the Leprechaun Run

3) Break a Sweat in the San Diego Leprechaun Run 5K

Events & Activities: San Diego Leprechaun Run 5K
Address:
Starts At: Garnet Ave & Bayard St
Date: March 15th, 2025
Time: 9:00am for 5k, 10:30am for Kid’s Run
Cost: 5K is $59, Kids 1 Mile is $35

The annual San Diego Leprechaun Run 5K will kick off at 9:00am in Pacific Beach on Saturday, March 15th and I’m pretty excited!

Making our list as one of the 10 Best Races in San Diego of 2025 and the first event of the 3 race ‘PB Run Challenge’ for 2025, Todd and his wife plus a group of friends all dressed in green will all be there ready to start the morning off right.

Along with the Pacific Beach Half Marathon and 5K set for October and the Santa Run set for early December which make up the other races for the PB Run Challenge, these races will surely attract thousands of runners and spectators to Todd’s neighborhood, to race, but also to just be part of the festive atmosphere. Racers will get a t-shirt and finisher’s medal plus a complimentary drink in celebration of a job well done!

The Kid’s 1 Mile run starts at 10:30am and is another way to make sure everyone in your family, no matter how small, can be part of the event!

As an event that literally runs through Todd’s front yard, we decided to feature it on our Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego for 2025 as well!

Tin Roof Bar in the Gaslamp Quarter
Tin Roof Bar in the Gaslamp Quarter

4) Attend the San Diego ShamROCK

Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Address:
Gaslamp Quarter - Entrance at 5th & F St
Date: March 15th, 2025
Time: 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Cost: $34 - $130

The 29th Annual St. Paddy's Day Music + Beer Festival kicks off Saturday, March 15th at 2:00pm in the Gaslamp Quarter with the entrance at 5th & F St. Open to attendees of all ages, you can expect Irish rock, tribute bands and DJ’s on three stages plus Irish dancers between performances.

There will also be ShamROCK games which if like past years will be hilarious events perfect for the entire family. I’m expecting a dance contest, strong man and limbo competitions, unicorn races and local leprechauns playing last man standing with chairs being removed with each passing round.

ShamROCK After Dark kicks off at 8:00pm with DJ’s, giveaways, and drink specials. Of course you can expect Irish faire and lots of green beer and drinks with a Southern California twist.

And if you want to stay right in the center of the action, the Andaz San Diego Hotel, a Hyatt hotel, is offering specials for the weekend and guaranteed late checkout. The Moxy San Diego Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter by Marriott is another perfectly located hotel offering group rates and a welcome drink upon arrival.

I also think it’s really cool that the event benefits a good cause as 100% of the proceeds benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. As one of the older parts of San Diego with attractions like the The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, I’m a big fan of preserving the storied history of San Diego.

Tickets range from $35 for kids 5-17 for general admission and $55 for adults general admission up to $130 for the Lucky Leprechaun VIP pass with prices going up on the day of the event.

Outside Stone Brewery at Liberty Station
Outside Stone Brewery at Liberty Station

5) Go to the Luck O' Loma St. Patrick's Day Block Party

Neighborhood: Point Loma
Address:
GoodBar - 1872 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
Date: March 15th – 17th 2025
Time: Starts Saturday at 12:00pm and ends Monday at 10:00pm
Cost: Free to Attend

Point Loma is hosting their 5th Annual 3-Day St. Patrick’s Day celebration and in 2025, the event is totally free to attend!

They set the stage as an old fashioned bar and patio party complete with green beer and cocktails, tasty Irish food, games and live music plus ongoing entertainment.

Kicking off with Major Rager at 1:00pm on Saturday, Savage Touch will take the party all the way until 1:00am. Sunday you can expect music from 1:00pm until 7:30pm. Monday, March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day itself will kick-off at 10:00am and last until 10:00pm for a full day of fun.

For me this event is about getting together dressed in green with friends and family for a quality Irish meal, a few green drinks and some festive live music!

Mr. Moto Pizza, a Great Place to Get a Beer
Mr. Moto Pizza, a Great Place to Get a Beer

6) Enjoy Leprechauns & Live Music at Seaport Village

Neighborhood: Embarcadero San Diego
Address:
Seaport Village - 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: March 16th, 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Cost: Free to Attend

We’ve got one more St. Patrick’s Day event for the 2025 season that will surely be filled with leprechauns dressed in their finest green!

The Leprechauns & Live Music at Seaport Village is a family-friendly event taking place Sunday afternoon, March 16th from 12:00pm until 3:00pm. Located along the picturesque San Diego Bay in Downtown San Diego, going for a stroll, grabbing an ice cream or doing a little shopping at Seaport Village in the Embarcadero is one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend afternoon in the springtime.

While surely a very energized crowd, I’m expecting this event to be a good fit for families with younger kids. If the weather is good, which usually is incredible this time of year, you can grab lunch from one of the eateries on the west courtyard as you enjoy Irish music and head to the pond for a picture in the shamrock light tunnel.

I’ve been told there just might be a leprechaun hiding in the Lighthouse District, but you’ll have to attend to check it out for yourself!

Save on Visiting Gaslamp!
The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
Visit Davis-Horton House
The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House is the oldest standing house in all of San Diego. Using your Go Pass, take in the history of the city that goes all the way back to the 1800s. Each room represents a different era of the house.
Buy Now
Local Tips
What are the best Go City San Diego pass deals?

Some of the best deals with the Go City San Diego pass include access to San Diego’s most popular attractions.

Discount admission is offered to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, USS Midway Museum, Belmont Park rides and more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Tips for Attending a St. Patrick’s Day Event in 2025

Whether you’ve been to one of these events in previous years or are looking to try something new for 2025, here are a couple tips to make sure you have a good time.

MTS Bus and Pacific Soul Statue
MTS Bus and Pacific Soul Statue

Parking

Parking in the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and around the Embarcadero can be challenging, especially when there’s a special event. Some events like the ‘Irish 4 a Day’ pub crawls offer parking while you’ll be on your own for most of the list.

I’d suggest using public transit whether that be the San Diego Trolley to get to Downtown San Diego, a rideshare like Uber or Lyft or the FRED electric shuttle service in Downtown. All will alleviate the challenge of finding and paying for parking.

Sidewalk in the Gaslamp
Sidewalk in the Gaslamp

Pace Yourself and Hydrate

OK, this may seem self-explanatory but from a local that loves a good beer or two, just remember that these events won’t run dry and it’s best that you start slow. Most events are family-friendly so it’s a good idea to enjoy the food and be careful with the green beer.

Have a Good Time

Many of the events on our list benefit good causes and all of them are set to celebrate Irish culture through music, food, drink and dance.

So I’ll be bringing my family and I hope you bring yours as well to one of these festive St. Paddy’s Day activities set for the season!

Featured Hotel
Andaz San Diego, a Concept by Hyatt
Andaz San Diego a Concept by Hyatt
Couples
Couples
Near Bay
Near Bay
Nightlife
Nightlife
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
Stay in the heart of San Diego with all the amenities you could want at Andaz San Diego. Located near the historic Gaslamp Quarter, this hotel is perfect for all.
Prices Starting at $199
Check Availability
Looking to Save on Tickets?
Save on Tickets
Explore all that San Diego has to offer & save up to 55% on attractions
This Month's Forecast
52°F / 70°F
Sunny in March
Apr
55°F / 73°F
Partly Cloudy in April
May
58°F / 70°F
Partly Cloudy in May
Jun
62°F / 76°F
Partly Cloudy in June
Tours & Adventures
Balboa Park Walking Tour with Guide
Balboa Park Walking Tour with Guide
$45 per person
Buy Now
Downtown/Gaslamp Scooter Tour
Downtown/Gaslamp Scooter Tour
$60 per person
Buy Now
Looking for Something Different?
More Holidays in San Diego