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 158th San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2009 starts at 11:30a on Saturday, March 14. 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 and community organizations.
See the San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade Route Map and also Photos from the 2008 parade.
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 14. The party starts at 10am and runs to 5pm at Civic Center Plaza -- before, during and after the parade.
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 three days, beginning on March 15. Several venues around town will be home to Irish bands and tunes. Here's the rundown for 2009:
- March 15: Maggie McGarry's (1353 Grant) - Lucia Comnes Band
- March 16: The Plough and Stars (116 Clement) -Andrew MacNamara & Peter Heelan
- March 17: Great American Music Hall (859 O'Farrell) - Culann's Hounds, The Hooks, and The Gas Men
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 Intersection for the Arts, and grew out of the Irish Studies program at New College of California.
2009 Crossroads Irish-American Festival events include:
- March 7: Opening Day Children's Hour at Fisher Children's Center, San Francisco Public Libary, Main Library
- March 10: A Hooley for Danny Cassidy - a traditional evening of music, dance and story to share memories and celebrate the life of Daniel Patrick Cassidy
- March 12 & 13: Martin Hayes in Concert (with Andrew MacNamara on 3/13)
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 starting point 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.