St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival
It’s your annual chance to reconnect with your Irish Roots at the 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. This year’s theme, “Here, There, Irish Culture Everywhere!” celebrates the global presence and timeless joy of Irish culture — from the green hills of Ireland to the sunny streets of San Diego and beyond.
9:00 a.m. Festival Area Open – Tickets are $10 for adults 21+ | Active military with ID and children under 21 are FREE
9:45 a.m. Flag Presentation Ceremony, Balboa Park – Sixth Ave & Laurel
10:30 a.m. Parade steps off at Fifth Avenue and Laurel St. and proceeds North up Fifth Avenue to Upas Street, over to Sixth Avenue and South on Sixth to Juniper
Festival Main Stage
1 p.m. Tony Cummins and Friends
2 p.m. Skelpin
3 p.m. Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas
4 p.m. The Shamrockers
5 p.m. The Fooks
Ashleigh Roach Festival Stage
12:30 – 6 p.m. Irish Dance, music, and cultural presentations
What You Need to Know if Marching with the Friendly Sons
- 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Check in for those marching
- Two check in areas: 1. Festival grounds and 2. Imperial Steakhouse parking lot 505 Kalmia St at 5th Ave
- Membership Dues: you must be subscribed to auto-renewal or have paid in full to join the Sons in the march – NO exceptions – renew online here » or become a member here »
- At check-in you will be issued a wristband to join the march. This is NOT a wristband to enter the festival – that must be purchased separately
- Full Parade Attire must be worn (see Members section for requirements)
- After the parade and gathering, there will be a dedicated entrance into the festival for Friendly Sons with festival wristbands only. Guests will have to enter with the general public
Pro Tip: get your festival tickets/wristbands and beer tickets for yourself and your guests BEFORE marching. The line is usually very long to purchase tickets and enter the festival once the parade starts.
You may also purchase entry tickets in advance online but you will still have to line up to retrieve your wristband at the gate. By getting your wristband(s) prior to marching, you (and your guests) will be able walk right in!
More info: stpatsparade.org. Advance online tickets can be purchased below (includes fees) or at the festival grounds that morning. Under 21 and active military are free!:
Parade Sign-Up
If you plan to march, please sign-up below so we have a head count for the parade and related activities. Slainte!