Events
“Irish 4 A Day” in the Gaslamp Quarter
March 15-17. The Gaslamp Quarter rolls out the green carpet for three evenings of debauchery in the form of a party hop. Your “golden ticket” grants you access to more than 20 bars (all within easy walking distance along Fifth Avenue), hosted welcome shots, live music, DJs, dancing, green beer, and other drink and Irish-inspired food specials; plus parking perks and hotel deals. The opening party kicks off at American Junkie (528 Fifth Ave.); with a finale party at NOVA nightclub (454 Sixth Ave.). 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Presale tickets start at $35. Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival
March 16. The ShamROCK St. Paddy’s Day Music + Beer Festival is an all-out, all-ages Celtic carnival presented by The Field. Festivities include nonstop live entertainment across three stages—The Pint Stage, The Shenanigan Stage and The Rainbow Stage—including Irish rock bands, tribute bands, DJs and Irish step dance performances. Plus: Irish dance lessons, green beer, Irish whiskey, pub-style fare, free “Shenanigan Showdowns” such as “Lucky Limbo” and unicorn races, and the infamous ShamROCK leprechaun emcee. See website for ticket pricing. 2-11 p.m. Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter. sandiegoshamrock.com
St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-thon
March 16. Willing to shave your head for a wonderful cause? Help to conquer kids’ cancer at the 15th annual St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-thon, which returns this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Nason’s Beer Hall at Pendry San Diego is hosting the high-energy fundraiser, benefiting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation—a charity that supports research to find cures for childhood cancers; and also offers support to survivors. The event includes an emcee, music, raffles and more. Those not participating are encouraged to donate (see website). Noon-3 p.m. Admission: $15 adults; kids free. 550 J St., Gaslamp Quarter. stbaldricks.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
March 16. Billed as the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade west of the Mississippi, this 42nd annual event is back—featuring floats, marching bands, equestrian units, dancing groups and performers, antique cars and more. After the parade, head to Balboa Park for a family-friendly Irish festival—including traditional music, Irish step dancing, a kids zone, beer garden, and food booths offering everything from beef sandwiches to Guinness brats. 10:30 a.m. (parade); 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (festival; $10 entry for adults; 21+). Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street, Bankers Hill; Sixth Avenue at Maple Street, Balboa Park. stpatsparade.org
Seaport Village: “Leprechauns & Live Music”
March 17. Seaport Village hosts a family-friendly “shamrockin’ good time” on Sunday with its “Leprechauns & Live Music” event. Visitors can enjoy live music and leprechaun sightings, and take selfies in the shamrock light tunnels; along with green beer available for purchase at Mike Hess Brewing; St. Patrick’s Day-themed sweet treats from Seaport Fudge; and more. Main event runs noon-3 p.m. Afterward, grab dinner, drinks and dessert at one of the Village’s bay-view eateries, such as Edgewater Grill, Malibu Farm and Mr. Moto Pizza. Free general admission. 849 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. seaportvillage.com
Food + Drink
“Irish Goodbye” Pop-Up at The Lion’s Share
March 17. Downtown’s popular restaurant and craft libations den, The Lion’s Share, hosts a special St. Patrick’s Day-themed culinary and cocktail pop-up on Sunday afternoon. The “Irish Goodbye” experience offers local curried fish ‘n’ chips with tartar and red-pepper ketchup; corned beef tongue and cabbage sliders; and “Irish Nachos” with potato skins, wild-boar bacon and Irish cheddar. Wash it all down with the Guinness Old Fashioned; Cameron’s Kick with Roe & Co. Irish whiskey and Johnnie Walker Black; Irish coffee; and a selection of shots. 1-4 p.m. 629 Kettner Blvd., Marina District, 619.564.6924. More Info
SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival
Through April 28. Tour the seven seas via your tastebuds at this family-friendly food festival, taking place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at SeaWorld San Diego. Guests can sample more than 100 food and drink offerings and myriad distinct flavors found in recipes from around the world; plus craft beers; wines by the glass and flight; live entertainment, including Polynesian fire-knife dancers and a Bavarian band; a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration, March 15-17; costumed SeaWorld characters; and more. See website for hours and pricing. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com
Parakeet Cafe at The Forum Carlsbad
Now Open. Known for its health-conscious fare, pastries, smoothies, coffees and teas, casual eatery chain Parakeet Cafe has opened its newest outpost at The Forum Carlsbad. An all-day brunch menu features favorites like the breakfast burrito, shakshuka, French omelet sandwich, activated-charcoal Belgian waffle, and overnight oats; plus a selection of toasts, bowls, soups, salads, and lunch and dinner entrees. We recommend the “Best Burger Ever” with grass-fed Australian beef and organic cheddar; and the signature Parakeet Bowl. Open daily 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 1935 Calle Barcelona, Suite 176, Carlsbad. parakeetcafe.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego Latino Film Festival
March 14-24. Movie buffs will love this 31st annual celebration of Latinx film, art and culture. Check out more than 100 feature and short film screenings—at the AMC Theatres at Westfield Mission Valley—from Latin America and the U.S. Festivities also include live music and entertainment across all 11 days of the festival; a Closing Night concert and awards ceremony; the Sabor Latino food, beer and spirits festival; celebrity guests and filmmaker panels; and a Festival Village and Lounge. See website for full schedule, addresses and pricing for individual tickets and festival passes. sdlatinofilm.com
Coastal Exposures Exhibit at OMA
Now On View. Exploring Oceanside’s evolution across a decade of powerful images, Coastal Exposures: 10 Years of Photography at The Osider Magazine is on view at Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), through July 28. Curated by Zach Cordner—a professional photographer and cofounder of the photography-based print publication—the exhibit tells the stories of the Oceanside community through the lens of the North County city’s own photographers. (Pictured: “Lightning at the Harbor,” 2021, by Vladamir Medvinsky.) See website for OMA hours and admission info. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720. oma-online.org
Photo credits: ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival by Eric Scire. Coastal Exposures / OMA by © Vladamir Medvinsky. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.