Come ShamROCK Out and Celebrate Irish Culture

If you just bought a great, green outfit, you are in luck! Balboa Park is hosting the 36th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Festival on March 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street. Come and celebrate the Irish culture with family and friends. 

The parade will showcase over 120 entries which will include marching bands, floats, police and fire department units, the Emerald Societies, Border Patrol units, Scout Troops, equestrian entries, bagpipe contingents, dance groups, drill teams, roller skaters, antique cars, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, representatives from Ireland, and the winner of the Miss Colleen Pageant.

The festival will have live entertainment on two stages, traditional Irish food and plenty of Irish shops and craft vendors. Kids will be able to enjoy rides, games and live music performed by their peers. Live music will also be present in the Beer Garden.

Every year, the St. Patrick's Day Festival committee brings excellent Irish entertainment to the event. The 2016 lineup has yet to be released but in the past, The Shamrockers, Lexington Field, Highland Way and The Fooks have all taken the stage at the festival.

The heavy music influence in the festival is inspired by Ireland’s historic love of freedom, desire for peace, justice and unity.

The San Diego St. Patrick's Day Parade started a couple of years after founders James and Pat Foley moved here from Connecticut. The pair was involved in organizing the Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade and found themselves planning the new parade with Vincent Lynch, Tom Mulcahy, Father McGovern, Rod Page, John Reynolds and Jim Shannon in 1980. 

From there the Irish Congress of Southern California was created to present the annual parade and festival. The parade was created to be no longer than two hours and strictly non-political. Organizers also added an annual Miss Colleen Pageant to host with the festivities.

Balboa Park is the nation's largest urban cultural park. It is the home of 15 major museums, performing arts venues, gardens and the San Diego Zoo. The park is the go-to spot for San Diego attractions. If you plan on attending the event, the Irish Congress has teamed up with a few companies to try to make your travel plans safe and easy. All three companies have booking available online or through an app on your mobile phone.

Lyft will take you to and from the St Patrick’s Day Festival. Use the special promotional code GREEN2016 for a $20 credit on your first Lyft ride.

​Parking Panda ensures a parking spot near the trolleys and parade. Use code PADDY20 for 20% off your first reservation.

For more information regarding the parade, history and donors, please visit San Diego St Patrick's Day or call (858) 268-9111.