From festivals and fun runs to block parties, green beer and corned beef, San Diego is determined to paint the town green for St. Patrick’s Day 2016.
EVENTS
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
March 12. Festivities begin five days ahead of the official holiday with more than 120 parade entries, followed by an Irish festival including craft and food vendors, a beer garden, live music, dancing and kids’ activities. Juniper and Sixth St., Balboa Park. stpatsparade.org
Irish 4 a Day
March 12. Paint the Gaslamp Quarter green and party hop to the top nightclubs, bars and Irish pubs along 5th Ave. Ticket holders wear green and enjoy no cover to more than 20 locations, welcome shots, green beer specials, live music, DJs, dancing and more. 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Various locations, Gaslamp Quarter, 619.944.8900. irish4aday.com
ShamROCK
March 17. The Gaslamp turns green for its annual block party featuring live DJs and Irish bands on multiple stages, plus Irish fare and drinks at dozens of participating bars and restaurants. 21+. 4 p.m.-midnight. F and G streets between Fifth and Seventh avenues; Sixth Avenue between E and G streets; Gaslamp Quarter. sandiegoshamrock.com
St. Patrick’s Day 10K, 2 and 4 Mile Run
March 12. Work first, party later at the St. Patrick’s Day 10K, 2 mile or 4 mile fun run. Participants in any distance enter for the opportunity to win entry to the Dublin Marathon 2016 and a nine-night trip to Ireland including air fare. After the race, enjoy pizza and a beer garden sponsored by Stone Brewery, Ballast Point and Coronado Brewery. Mission Bay Park, 2688, East Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay, active.com
The US Grant’s Rendezvous Lounge
March 19. Enjoy a sophisticated pop-up cocktail event at a secret location within The US Grant Hotel. The St. Patrick’s themed event includes a hosted bar with Irish beers, whiskey and craft cocktails, an Irish whiskey tasting bar, tastes of traditional Irish cuisine and live music. 21+. $80/pp. 326 Broadway, downtown. eventbrite.com
EAT + DRINK
The Field
March 17. Start the March Madness at 9 a.m. this St. Patrick’s day, by heading to the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego’s favorite Irish Pub. The Field’s special early hours means you’ll have a jumpstart on the festivities. Enjoy signature cuisine like corned beef and cabbage, beef stew, shepherds pie and fish and chips, then wash it down with Guinness, or their famed Irish coffee with Irish whiskey, brown sugar, coffee, fresh cream and topped with chocolate flakes. 544 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.232.9840. thefield.com
Heaven Sent Desserts
Through March 31. Feeling lucky? Order an Irish-inspired dessert at Heaven Sent Desserts for the chance to win an array of prizes. Those that find a gold coin underneath their order of “The Irish Angel,” “Chocolate Guinness Stout Cake,” “Mint Cake in a Jar,” or “Irish Bourbon Bread Pudding” can win cookies, gift cards or a custom cake. 3011 University Ave., North Park, 619.793.4758. heavensentdesserts.com
FIREHOUSE American Eatery + Lounge
March 17. Pacific Beach is turning green for St. Patrick’s day and FIREHOUSE is serving up libations keeping with the theme. Enjoy green beer, car bomb specials and $30 green mule pitchers at their open-air rooftop deck or in their downstairs lounge. 722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.274.3100. firehousepb.com
Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant
March 17. For one day only, enjoy Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant’s themed cocktail “Drinking for Gold.” The libation is made with Irish whiskey, coffee liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream and chocolate bitters. Sip to the bottom for a chocolate gold coin at the bottom of the glass. 2202 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.231.0222. bankershillsd.com
Breakfast Republic
Through March 31. Start your day off right (or recover after the celebrations) with a hearty breakfast at Breakfast Republic. Enjoy the corned beef breakfast sammie, loaded with corned beef, brussels sprouts, bacon, cabbage and papilla pepper aioli topped with two sunny side up eggs. Pair breakfast with the lucky charms latte or Irish coffee. 2730 University Ave., North Park, 619.642.0299. breakfastrepublicca.com
