San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade
On Saturday, March 14, the streets of San Francisco will burst into a sea of green as the city hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a tradition that goes back over 150 years. This amazing event, organized by the United Irish Societies of San Francisco, has long been an important part of the city’s cultural calendar, celebrating Irish heritage with in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2026, the parade takes on the theme: “Happy 250th, America, You Are Great,” honoring the long time friendship between Ireland and The United States.
The San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade traces its roots to the mid-19th century, when many Irish immigrants arrived during the Gold Rush era. These newcomers helped build the city (literally and figuratively) laying down roots as laborers, merchants & civic leaders. The San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day parade, which began as a modest procession, has since grown into one of the West Coast’s largest celebrations of Irish culture, drawing thousands of people each year.
The 2026 San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade Details
This year’s parade promises to be a tribute to the the relationship between Ireland and the United States. Leading the procession will be the Grand Marshals, Pat & Buffy Maguire, founders of the Java Beach Café and lifelong San Francisco locals. Honorees Nancy Singleton, Terri Leonard & Jerry DeRyan, will also be recognized for their contributions to the city.
The theme for 2026 is “Happy 250th, America, You Are Great” and it will come alive through a colorful selection of floats, live music and performances. Expect traditional Irish dancers alongside cultural groups representing the global communities that have enriched San Francisco.
When
Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:30AM
Where
The parade kicks off at 2nd and Market Streets, winding its way to City Hall near the Civic Center.
Route
Line up along Market Street for the best views. Arrive early to get a good spot.
Duration
The procession typically lasts about two hours, wrapping up by early afternoon.
St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Although it was cancelled in 2025, the UniteSF Festival is coming back again for 2026. After the parade, head to Civic Center to for the festival. There will be lots of Irish Dancing, live music, Food, vendors and a lot more fun stuff.
Youth Sports Day
Another fun part of the day with be dedicated to the kids! It will take place at Civic Center Plaza and will feature Hurling, Rugby, Camorgie, Irish Football and more.
Schedule of Events:
11AM: Festival Begins (Civic Center – Polk & Grove Street)
11AM: Youth Sports Day Begins (Civic Center Plaza San Francisco)
11:30AM: St. Patrick’s Day Parade (2nd and Market Street)
4PM: Youth Sports Day Ends
5PM: Festival Ends
And, if you want to keep the party going, make sure to check out LepraCon right up the street. Head to Mayes SF (1233 Polk Street) to check in for the Annual San Francisco St. Patricks’s Day Pub Crawl.
This family-friendly event is free and open to all (no tickets required). Whether you’re Irish by blood or just for the day, throw on some green, grab an Irish flag & join the crowd for St. Patrick’s Day in San Francisco. Public transit is your best bet to get to the parade (traffic will be bad that day). BART and Muni lines drop you steps from Market Street, though expect delays as the parade reroutes traffic.
