For more than four decades, the Irish Congress of Southern California (ICSC) proudly hosts the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in San Diego. It is a moment to bring the communities together and pay tribute to the Irish roots. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Irish Business.”
It is a day that will be filled with excitement and entrepreneurial spirit. The festival ground will start at 9 am. The amalgamation of traditional and contemporary Irish elements will continue till 6 pm.
Highlights
- On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will commence at 10:30 am from Fifth Avenue, Laurel Street.
- The parade will end at Balboa Park by 12:30 pm. There, other activities and entertainment line up are planned to celebrate the festival.
- Shopping stalls, music, games, food, drinks, and live entertainment on the two stages cannot be missed.
A Day to Reconnect with Irish Roots
St. Patrick’s Day is dedicated to commemorating the Irish roots. To make it indulging and fun for everyone, Parade, and celebratory events are organized so that people can connect with the culture.
Parade Highlights
Parade starting from Fifth Avenue, Laurel Street to Balboa Park (Source – stpatsparade.org)
The parade is the main highlight of the event. People gather in San Diego on the parade route to witness the beautiful voyage. It showcases a variety of participants.
- Irish dance troupes will energize the path with lively music and intricate footwork performances.
- Bagpipers and marching bands fill the air with Celtic tunes.
- Irish-American organizations are represented via vehicles decorated with shamrocks and flags.
- Members of the military, police, fire departments, and all those who serve the community march in the parade.
- Celtic clans, cultural societies, and special guests participate in parades and display history, attire, and customs.
Location: Fifth Avenue, Laurel Street, San Diego
Parade Route: Starting from Fifth Avenue, the parade will travel North and then South on Sixth Avenue between Laurel and Upas Streets. The Parade will end at Balboa Park.
Date: March 15, 2025
Parade Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Tickets:
- General festival entry – for 21 & above – $12.14
- Beer ticket – over 21 only – $10.01
- Twofer – $30.76
- Slainte slam – $65.34
Tickets for those under 21 years are free.
Irish Celebrations and Attractions
A glimpse of a stall serving drinks in the festival (Source – stpatsparade.org)
The Irish festival includes live entertainment, food booths, craft booths, a beer garden, and a kids zone. The event is planned in a way that caters to the interests of anyone and everyone.
Once the parade ends, the entertainment lineup will begin at 1 pm.
- 1 pm – Tony Cummins and Friends will perform the Rocklin Irish music
- 2 pm – The Fooks will also fill the air with ecstatic Irish music
- 3 pm – Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas will sing traditional Irish beer-drinking songs
- 4 pm – The Downs Family, a folk-punk band based in San Diego, will enlighten the stage with Irish folk.
- 5 pm – Blindfold Monks will wrap up the festival with smiles on their faces and tap to the feet of the attendees.
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego
Date: March 15, 2025
Time: Festival ground will be open from 9 am to 6 pm
Tickets: $10 for adults of 21 & above
Irish by blood or Irish at heart, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is an event that cannot be missed. With food, entertainment, and activities for adults and kids, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for all.
