It's fitting that in San Francisco, a city with some fierce Irish loyalties, the St. Patrick's Day parade and celebration is among the largest in the U.S. The local parade is the oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day parade west of the Mississippi, and stretches from 2nd and Market, up to Civic Center Plaza where it culminates in an all-day festival celebration.
Get details on the parade and route, as well as additional tips on St. Patrick's Day celebration in San Francisco, with a list of Irish pubs as well.
1. San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade Route
This map shows the San Francisco St. Patrick's Day parade route. The parade begins on 2nd and Market, and travels up Market to Civic Center Plaza. See Items #2 and #3 for more information on the parade and on the Civic Center Plaza St. Patrick's Day party.
Click title above or the "view full size" link to see larger map
2. San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade
The San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2008 starts at 11:30a on Saturday, March 15. The starting point is at the corner of 2nd and Market, following Market Street to Civic Center Plaza for the St. Patrick's Day celebration event (see next entry for celebration information).
More than 5,000 entertainers from throughout California participate in the San Francisco parade, including local performers like San Francisco's Irish Pipers and the San Mateo Bearcat Marching Band. Bagpipes and Irish dancers are part of the mix, as are community organizations.
See the San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade Route Map
Pictured: San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade
Image Courtesy of San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration
3. St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Like the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the San Francisco St. Patrick's Day celebration in 2008 takes place on Saturday, March 15. The party starts at 10a -- at Civic Center Plaza -- before, during and after the parade.
This year's performers include: The Gasmen, The Hooks, Jerry Hannan Band, and The Bog Savages.
Admission to the St. Patrick's Day celebration in San Francisco is free. At the festival you'll find food, drink and St. Paddy's Day adult and children's activities.
Pictured: San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Image Courtesy of San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration
4. San Francisco Irish Music Festival
The Irish Music Festival hits San Francisco for four days, beginning on March 14. Several venues around town will be home to Irish bands and tunes. Here's the rundown for 2008:
- March 14: Slim's - Zoo Station and the Hooks, with Jerry Hannan opening (9p/$15)
- March 15: Cafe du Nord - Colm Ó Riain and Lucia Comnes (9p/$15)
- March 16: Blackthorn Tavern - The Bog Savages (8p/FREE)
- March 17: Great American Music Hall - Culann's Hounds, Eoin Harrington and Meisce (8p/$20)
5. Crossroads Irish American Festival
In advance of St. Patrick's Day, the Crossroads Irish American Festival in San Francisco offers a variety of Irish cultural events. The festival is a project of the Irish Studies program at New College of California (co-sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library).
San Francisco Crossroads events include:
- March 8: Screening of Home - about an Irish immigrant in New York
- March 12: The Richmond Irish - storytellers explore the history of the Richmond District's Irish community
- March 17: Traditional Irish Hooley
See the official website for locations, times, and additional events.
6. Irish Pubs in San Francisco
You won't have trouble finding an Irish pub in San Francisco. This list will give you a few spots where you can enjoy a Guinness or an Irish Coffee -- on St. Patrick's Day or on any day.
See a Map of San Francisco Irish Pubs for locations around the city.
7. Irish Dinner at O'Reilly's Holy Grail
A meal of corned beef and cabbage is a St. Patrick's Day tradition. And the dish is among the Irish culinary choices offered on the O'Reilly's Holy Grail menu for St. Patrick's Day (March 17).
