St. Patrick’s Day in San Francisco

Get ready to paint the town green because it’s time to celebrate one of the most lively and festive holidays of the year!  St. Patrick’s Day, observed annually on March 17th, is a time for people around the world to celebrate Irish culture, heritage, and of course, have a whole lot of fun. With parades, parties, pub crawls, and traditions unique to the holiday, St. Patrick’s Day is a day of revelry that brings together people of all backgrounds and ages to celebrate their love of all things Irish. So whether you’re Irish by blood or just Irish at heart, grab your green clothes, and get ready for a day full of fun and festivities!

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday celebrated around the world, and there are many cities that offer unique and exciting events to mark the occasion. From the green-lit landmarks of Dublin to the festive parades of New York City, St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Some of the best cities for St. Patrick’s Day include Dublin, Ireland; New York City; Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; and San Francisco, California. San Francisco is known for its many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which draw thousands of visitors each year. The biggest celebrations include the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival and the huge St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl that takes place over two days. The city is home to a large Irish-American community, and its many bars and pubs offer unique and exciting events and activities to celebrate the holiday. From colorful parades to pub crawls and live music performances, San Francisco is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in a lively and festive atmosphere.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PUB CRAWL

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in San Francisco this year at the biggest event in the city, CrawlSF’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl! This annual event attracts well over 10,000 people to bars in The Marina, Polk Gulch, Russian Hill and more for cheap drinks and some exciting St. Paddy’s Day fun.

St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl Details

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl – DAY 1

Friday, March 14, 2025  |  6PM to 11PM

Participating Bars: Music City SF, Mcteague’s Saloon, Wreck Room, Mayes Oyster House, Beso Mae, Amsterdam Cafe, El Lopo, Hanaro, Route 101, Lush Lounge, The Outsider, Kung Fu Action Theater, Decodance and more.

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl – DAY 2

Saturday, March 15  |  2PM to 10PM

St. Patrick’s Day Shuttle Bus: There will be shuttle buses available to take you to different bars and neighborhoods during the event.

Participating Bars: Mayes, Mcteagues, Lush Lounge, Whitechapel, Route 101, R Bar, Decodance, Hanaro, Amsterdam, Kung Fu Action Theater, Music City SF, El Lopo, Providence, Wreck Room, Uni Pizza, The Outsider, Beso Mae, Shanghai Kelly’s, Buccaneer, Sacred Taco, Trinity, Blue Light, Union Street Ale House, Palm House, Wizards & Wands, Comet Club, White Rabbit, Rockwell, Jaxson, Rick & Roxy’s, Westwood, Silver Cloud, Campus & More

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl – DAY 3

Monday, March 17  |  6PM to 11PM

Participating Bars: Mayes, Wreck Room, Music City SF, R Bar, El Lopo, Mcteagues, Lush Lounge, Route 101, Amsterdam Cafe, Beso Mae, Hanaro, Decodance and more!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is one of the biggest events in San Francisco,  bringing thousands of people from around the Bay Area to enjoy a festive day in the streets of San Francisco. The parade celebrates the rich Irish culture and heritage that has played such a significant role in the history of San Francisco. The first parade was held in back in 1852, making it one of the oldest and most significant St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country.

2024 Parade Details:

San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

Date: Saturday, March 16 | 11:30AM to 6PM

-The Parade will start at the intersection of 2nd Street & Market Street and will run from 11:30AM to 2PM.

-The Festival at Civic Center Plaza will take place from 11:30AM to 6PM. Live Music Starts at 2PM.

Click Here for Parade Details

St. Paddy’s Day Events

The Best St. Patrick’s Day Events in San Francisco

The first big party Holiday of the year! San Francisco is a great destination for St. Paddy’s day celebrations with a long list of things to do like events, parades, pub crawls, cultural events and parties. Whether you want to get outdoors and see the  parade, enjoy traditional Irish food and music, or party it up with friends, San Francisco has something for everyone on this fun holiday.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival: This is one of the most popular events in San Francisco on St. Patrick’s Day. The parade starts at 2nd and Market Streets and showcases colorful floats, marching bands, and Irish dance troupes as it makes its way through the heart of the city. The festival is held at Civic Center Plaza and features live music, food, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great way to celebrate Irish culture and have a good time with friends and family.

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl: The St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl in San Francisco is a popular event that takes place over two days in multiple neighborhoods. The crawl includes over 20 participating bars, drink specials, DJs, and party favors, and attracts thousands of participants each year. It’s a great way to experience the city’s nightlife scene and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with friends while exploring some of San Francisco’s best bars and neighborhoods.

Schroeder’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party: One of the best Holiday block parties in the city, Schroeders offers green beer, delicious Irish and DJs in Downtown SF. The event takes place on Friday, March 15 from 3PM to 10PM.

The Irish Bank Block Party: The Irish Bank, a popular pub in San Francisco’s Financial District, hosts an annual block party on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. The event features live music, food, and drink specials, and attracts a large crowd of fun people. It’s a great spot to grab a pint of Guinness & celebrate with friends. There will be two parties for 2024, 3/16 (11AM to close) and 3/17 (11AM to close)

St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk: Looking for a fun and healthy way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in San Francisco? The 5K run/walk takes place at Crissy Field and features amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. Participants are encouraged to dress up in green and festive costumes, and there are plenty of awards for the top finishers. The race will take place at Crissy Field on Sunday, March 17 from 9AM to 11AM.

See All St. Patrick’s Day Events

March Madness

Best Places to Watch the NCAA Tournament

Although it has nothing to do with St. Patrick’s Day, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament falls on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. If you are a sports fan and feel like opting out of all the St. Paddy’s celebrations and just securing a prime spot at one of San Francisco’s best bars, then you will have plenty of options. Here are some top spots to watch the games.

Final Final: This dive bar in the Marina is a favorite among locals for watching sports. It has multiple TVs, cheap drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Green’s Sports Bar: Located in the Polk Gulch neighborhood, Green’s is a no-frills sports bar with a good selection of beers and pub food. It’s a great spot to catch a game in a low-key setting.

Golden Gate Tap Room: This upscale sports bar is located in Union Square and has over 100 beers on tap, making it a great spot to watch the tournament. The bar also has plenty of TVs and pool tables for those who want to take a break from the games.

Kezar Pub: Located in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, Kezar Pub is a great place to catch all of the tournament action. The bar has a number of TVs, as well as a projector screen, and serves up classic pub fare like burgers and wings.

Activities

St. Patrick’s Day Activities

St. Patrick’s Day is a day of green, fun, and celebration People all over the world come together to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Whether you’re Irish or not, the holiday is a great excuse to get together with friends and have a good time. Popular activities for the Holiday include:

Get in the Spirit by Attending a Parade: One of the most iconic ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is to attend a parade. Cities all over the world have their own version of the St. Patrick’s Day parade from the world’s smallest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hot Springs, Arkansas to the largest one in New York City.

Eat Some Delicious Irish Food: Irish food is pretty damn good any day of the year, but on St. Patrick’s Day, people like to indulge in traditional Irish cuisine. Some popular Irish dishes include corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread.

Have a drink at an Irish Pub: There’s plenty of great Irish Pubs to choose from in San Francisco, so head down to your favorite spot and enjoy a perfectly-poured Guinness or shot of Jameson.

Go to a St. Patrick’s Day Event: See some live music, watch a parade or get crazy at a pub crawl and celebrate the Holiday with friends and family.

Looking for more St. Patrick’s Day Activities? Click Here

Irish Pubs

Best Irish Pubs in San Francisco

There are famous Irish Pubs all over the world like The Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland and The Dead Rabbit in New York City, but you won’t need to leave the city to find some pretty amazing spots. The casual drinking establishments known for a warm & welcoming atmosphere, dark wood & brass decor and a huge selection of beer and whiskey can be found all over San Francisco. Some cool pubs to check out are listed below.

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant: Located in the SOMA district, The Chieftain is a traditional Irish pub that features a cozy interior with a fireplace, as well as an outdoor patio. They offer a great selection of beers, whiskey, and traditional Irish dishes.

The Irish Bank: This pub is a popular spot in the Financial District of San Francisco, featuring a lively atmosphere, live music, and a great selection of beers and whiskey and amazing food.

The Plough and Stars: One of our favorite Irish pubs in the city, The Plough and the Stars is known for its cozy atmosphere, live music (lots of live music), and traditional Irish food.

The Little Shamrock: This is one of the oldest pubs in San Francisco, dating back to 1893. It is a fun spot pretty much any day of the week and they have some of the best traditional Irish fare in SF. Make sure to try the fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage if you go.

Johnny Foley’s Irish House: A popular spot in Union Square, this pub is known for its live music, traditional decor, and wide selection of beers and cocktails.

Harrington’s Bar & Grill: This pub in the Financial District has a great selection of beers, cocktails, and food. They also have live music, sports games on TV, and other events throughout the week and is one of the top Happy Hour spots for the after-work crowd.

See More Irish Pubs in San Francisco

Irish Restaurants

Irish Restaurants in San Francisco

With such a diverse selection of food and new restaurants popping up every week, you may not realize how many San Francisco restaurants serve traditional Irish meals. From a perfectly done fish & chips platter to a big helping of shepherd’s pie, you can can find a great selection of tasty Irish treats all over the city. Some of our favorite spots include:

The Irish Bank: This Financial District pub has been serving up Irish food and drinks since 1976. The menu features classic dishes like shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash, as well as some more unique options like Irish egg rolls. They also have a great selection of beer and whiskey.

Durty Nelly’s: This Irish pub in the Inner Sunset is known for its hearty portions and friendly staff. They serve a big variety of food like bangers and mash, chicken curry & chips, cottage pie and, of course durty balls (deep fried mashed potatoes). They also have a great selection of Irish beers and whiskey at very reasonable prices.

Johnny Foley’s Irish House: Located in Union Square, this Irish pub has a lively atmosphere and a great selection of food and drinks. They serve classic dishes like cottage pie and corned beef and cabbage, as well as some unique options like Irish Cheddar Potato Skins. They also have a great selection of beer and whiskey.

The Napper Tandy: This pub in the Mission District has a menu of classic Irish dishes like Fish & Chips, Guinness Beef Stew and even a traditional Irish Breakfast.

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Irish Food

Types of Traditional Irish Food

Heading out for some amazing Irish Food in San Francisco? Make sure to try some of the best options.

Corned Beef and Cabbage: This is a staple St. Patrick’s Day meal that originated in Ireland. Corned beef and cabbage is typically boiled, and then served with boiled potatoes and carrots. Corned beef and cabbage was popular among Irish immigrants in the United States and is now a beloved American-Irish dish.

Shepherd’s Pie: Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional Irish dish that consists of ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It is a popular comfort food that is enjoyed by many on St. Patrick’s Day and throughout the year.

Irish Stew: A hearty and filling meal, Irish stew is made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It is a dish that has been enjoyed in Ireland for centuries, with each region having their own variation of the recipe.

Colcannon: Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that consists of mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, and butter. It is typically served as a side dish with meat, such as lamb or beef.

Bangers and Mash: Bangers and Mash is a traditional Irish dish that consists of sausages (bangers) and mashed potatoes (mash). It is typically served with gravy or onion gravy.

Learn more about Irish Foods

Irish Drinks

Popular Irish Beers, Liquors and Cocktails

If you are dressed up in green and out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, why not throw back some Irish drinks? Here are a few recommendations to get the day started out right.

Irish Coffee: A delicious and warming drink, Irish coffee is made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream. It was first introduced in the 1940s at the Foynes airport in Ireland and has been enjoyed all around the world ever since.

Guinness: This famous Irish stout has been brewed in Dublin since 1759 and is a must-try for any beer lover. It has a rich, creamy flavor and is often served with a shamrock etched into the foam.

Irish whiskey: This type of whiskey is made in Ireland and is known for its smooth, mellow flavor. Some popular brands include Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore Dew.

Smithwick’s: This Irish red ale has been brewed in Kilkenny since 1710 and is known for its rich, malty flavor. It is often served with a slice of orange to bring out the citrus notes in the beer.

Magner’s: This Irish cider is made with 17 different types of apples and has a crisp, refreshing flavor. It was originally called Bulmers but was renamed for export to avoid confusion with a British cider of the same name.

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Interesting Facts about St. Patrick’s Day

-St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, the day of St. Patrick’s death.

-St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish – he was born in Britain.

-The world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is only 98 feet long.

-In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day was considered a dry holiday until 1970.

-The tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green on St. Patrick’s Day started in 1962. They use a special vegetable dye that only lasts for a few hours.

-The largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world is held in New York City. The parade has been held annually since 1762.

-The color originally associated with St. Patrick’s Day was blue, not green.

-St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival.

St. Patrick’s Day Traditions

Want to do St. Paddy’s Day right? Here are some of the many traditions associated with the holiday.

Wearing green: One of the most recognized St. Patrick’s Day traditions is wearing green.This tradition began in Ireland, where people would wear green to honor St. Patrick, who is known for using the shamrock as a symbol to explain the Holy Trinity.

Parades: Parades are a staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations all over the world, with the largest and most famous in New York City. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in 1762 in New York City, and since then, parades have become a beloved tradition to celebrate Irish heritage and culture.

Drinking: Like it or not, St. Patrick’s Day has become a drinking holiday. Many people celebrate by heading out to Irish bars, joining pub crawls or attending St. Paddy’s Day festivals and throwing back some Irish whiskey, beers and more.

Enjoying Irish food: Irish cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, and on St. Patrick’s Day, many people enjoy traditional Irish fare. Corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, and soda bread are just a few of the dishes that are commonly enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day.

Regional Traditions: There are many unique traditions around the world such as dyeing the Chicago River Green or lighting bonfires in Ireland.

Religious celebrations: St. Patrick’s Day is named after St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. As such, it is a religious holiday for many people, and church services and other religious celebrations are held on this day. In Ireland, it is a national holiday and many people attend mass to celebrate St. Patrick’s life and legacy.

St. Patrick’s Day History

What is the History of St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, but do you know the history behind it? It all started with a man named St. Patrick, who is the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick was born in Britain, but when he was a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to Ireland as a slave. He spent six years in captivity and during that time, he found religion and became a devout Christian.

After escaping, St. Patrick became a missionary and returned to Ireland to spread Christianity. He is credited with converting many Irish people to Christianity and is also known for driving the snakes out of Ireland, although this may just be a myth. St. Patrick died on March 17th, which is why that date is now celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day.

The holiday has evolved over the years and is now celebrated around the world as a day to honor Irish heritage and culture. In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day was originally a religious holiday, but it has now become a secular celebration with parades, festivals, and lots of drinking.

Click on the link below to find out more about the History of St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day History

Top Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Dublin, Ireland: Of course, no list of top St. Patrick’s Day destinations would be complete without Dublin, the birthplace of St. Patrick himself. With over 500,000 people in attendance, Dublin celebrates with a week-long festival complete with a large parade, as well as several other St. Patrick’s Day events.

New York City: New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest and largest in the world, attracting over 2 million people each year. The city is also known for its Irish pubs and restaurants, as well as the famous Empire State Building, which is lit up in green to celebrate the holiday.

San Francisco: With an historic parade that dates back to 1852 and one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl in the nation, San Francisco is one of the best places to visit for the holiday.

Boston: Boston has a large Irish-American community, and its St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest in the country. The city is known for its authentic Irish pubs and lively celebrations, as well as the famous Green Monster at Fenway Park.

Chicago: Chicago is famous for dyeing its river green for St. Patrick’s Day, a tradition that dates back to 1962. The city also hosts a large parade and several other St. Patrick’s Day events.

Sydney, Australia: Sydney hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the southern hemisphere, drawing crowds of over 80,000 people. The parade features Irish dancers, musicians, and floats, and the streets are lined with green-clad spectators.

London, England: London’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the UK, attracting over 100,000 people each year. There is a massive St. Patrick’s Day parade, which begins at Piccadilly and ends in Trafalgar Square, where there is a festival featuring live music and dancing.

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