SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Saint Patrick’s Day, the annual celebration of the patron saint of Ireland, is next week, and there are plenty of ways to join in on the festivities in San Diego.
St. Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday, March 17, this year, but luckily, there are events throughout the week so that everyone in the county has a chance to celebrate.
44th Saint Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, March 14
The Irish Congress of Southern California has been presenting the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Festivals for more than four decades.
This year’s theme is “Here, There, Irish Culture Everywhere!” — which, according to the event website, celebrates the global presence and joy of Irish culture.
The day of celebration kicks off with a parade, filled with floats, dancers and live music at 10:30 a.m. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Irish Festival will take place in Balboa Park, with craft booths, Irish dance, music and food.
Tickets for military or those under 21 years old are free; tickets for those over 21 are $12.14.
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl, March 14
If you prefer sipping on Irish whiskey or drinking green beer as a way of celebration, then you might want to check out this St. Patrick’s bar crawl.
The festivities kick off at 4 p.m. in the Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll stop by different bars and venues in the area for themed drinks and specials. Single tickets are $29.69 each and include free drinks or items at three different venues.
You can get $5 off your ticket if you purchase tickets with a group of four people.
There are nine San Diego bars and venues on the list, which you can map out to decide how you want your night to go.
San Diego Leprechaun Run, March 14
The annual San Diego Leprechaun Run 5k and kids one-mile run is coming to Pacific Beach for the eighth year in a row.
All 5K participants receive a run t-shirt, finisher medal, chip timing, free photos and a complimentary drink with their $59.99 ticket.
The race is put on by San Diego Running Co., which also organizes other festive San Diego runs, like the Santa Run.
The 5K run starts at 9 a.m., and the kids one-mile run starts at 10:30 a.m. You can register for the races on the event’s website.
Irish 4 a Day Party Hop, March 13, 14 & 17
Similar to Lucky’s Bar Crawl on March 14, if you purchase tickets for the Irish 4 a Day Party Hop, you’ll get free drinks and specials from venues and bars in the Gaslamp Quarter.
With a less than $40 ticket, you’ll get free access to more than 20 popular bars and clubs, including American Junkie, Good Night John Boy, Parq Nightclub and Sevilla Nightclub. You’ll also get free drinks at several venues.
You have the option of celebrating either on March 13, 14 or 17.
House of Ireland Lawn Program, March 15
House of Ireland is hosting its annual House of Ireland Lawn Program on Sunday, March 15. The celebration of Irish culture, food and coffee takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Balboa Park.
There will also be live Irish dance and music in the afternoon.
St. Patrick’s Day at Sesame Place, March 16-17
The “Sesame Street” themed water park is hosting a special celebration the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. There will be St. Patrick’s Day-themed story time, dance parties and more for the whole family.
The weekend also coincides with the final weekend of Elmo’s Furry Fun Fest.
Single-day tickets are usually $97.99, but are $47.99 during the theme park’s spring break sale.
Leprechauns & Live Music at Seaport Village, March 17
This family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration takes place on Sunday, March 17, at Seaport Village.
There will be live Irish music, shamrock light tunnels and the possibility of spotting a leprechaun or two. The festivities are free and go from 12 to 3 p.m.
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