The San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival returns to Balboa Park on Saturday March 15. The parade starts at 10am and winds through Bankers Hill before coming to 6th and Laurel where the festival is. The parade is one of the largest west of the Mississippi and lasts about two and a half hours. There just aren’t that many legit parades left so attending this is a must do!
The festival starts at 9am and goes till 6pm and features Irish food, music, and arts & crafts as well as a large supply of Irish beer! Guiness Beer is a major sponsor of the parade and festival, and they offer a vast array of Irish beers in their family for those who prefer a lighter style of beer.
The parade is put on every year by the Irish Congress of Southern California (ICSC) which works hand-in-hand with the Irish Government to represent the vast number of Irish families who have relocated to Southern California over the years. A lot of Irish have gravitated to first responder positions throughout San Diego and these agencies are well represented in the parade, many with pipe and drum corps marching down 6th Avenue.
The Ass Pocket Whisky Fellas
The Bonner Clan in San Diego have been huge supporters of the parade and festival for years, and this year Samantha Bonner has the honor of being the parade chair for the ICSC. “I’ve grown up going to the parade since I was a child. It’s one of the events I look forward to each year,” said Bonner. “It celebrates a heritage that is culturally rich. I hope people feel as I do when I go to Ireland – that Irish people are the nicest you have ever met. I want folks to feel welcome and have a really great time!”
Ground zero for the festival is definitely the main stage, which features a full line-up of Irish bands to dance to. This year’s bands include: The Fooks, Tony Cummins & Friends, The Downs Family, and everybody’s favorite the Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas. There is also a smaller stage which features Irish Dancers from some of San Diego’s premiere dance schools. The event is family friendly, and all ages are welcome with adults 21 and over being charged a $10 entry fee. That fee is waived to active military with I.D. Tickets and packages are available via Eventbrite.
The saying goes “Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day”, so put on your best green and come enjoy some great Irish music, food and beer! It’s the first official grand party of the year!
Don’t miss out! Discover the full magazine of this issue#10!
Don’t miss out! Discover the full magazine of this issue#10!
